Do you recognize this intersection and street in 1876?

Many things were done throughout Salem to mark the Centennial of the United States.  In 1876, Salemites were only three generations removed from the American Revolution. For those born in 1876, chances were their grandparents remembered the Revolution as a personal event in their lives. According to ancestry.com, the best rule of thumb for a generation is 33 years for men and 29 for women.

Among the many memorials set up was this commemorative arch erected across Northey Street. Here at the intersection of Northey, Bridge and Winter streets, just off the Common, the arch with the wording "Centennial Anniversary of American Independence," was seen by many throughout the year.

The building on the right at 132 Bridge St. was built around 1851 as the Israel P. Harris Grocery Store. Later, it was known as Forrant and Company Grocery Store and then Bob's Market — it was used as a store for many years. Many may remember when it was a bicycle shop not long ago.

Seen in the today photo, Northey Street has changed  with single-family dwellings giving way to multi-family buildings. The building on the right at 132 Bridge remains, although no longer a store. It still retains its shape while having lost some of its distinctive features.