Then & Now: Essex Street/The Pedestrian Mall

Nelson Dionne is at it again with another selection from his vintage Salem photos archive.

Today, he's giving us a look at the pedestrian mall as it was back in 1968.

This is what Nelson had to say:

"These were the last days of the real Salem!"

The first set of photos depicts the pedestrian mall as if you were standing at the fountain at the looking up Essex Street to Town House Square.

The second is a view up Essex Street from the small fountain in Town House Square. The large building housed Gerber's Restaurant and a cigar shop. That building burned down and the space is now home home to and the Samantha statue. To the right of the photo, looking up Essex Street, you may recognize the building.

If you're interested in the future of the pedestrian mall, be sure to go to the Redevelopment Authority meeting at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday in the Community Room.

Do you have any information or memories to share about this location? Tell us in the comments.

If you have any vintage Salem photos you would like to share email Editor Aubry Bracco.