Historic Charm of Old Salem

• HelloHowdy
  [hah-dee]
• GoodbyeFare thee well
  [fair thee well]
• YesAye
  [ahy]
• NoNay
  [ney]
• Please/You're welcomeIf you please
  [if yoo pleez]
• Thank youMuch obliged
  [muhch uh-blahy-jed]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [pahr-dn]
• How are you?How do you fare?
  [haw doo yoo fair?]
• Fine. And you?Well enough. And yourself?
  [well en-uhf. and yur-self?]
• Do you speak English?Dost thou speak English?
  [dawst th-ow speek ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI reckon I don't follow
  [ahy reck-en ahy don't fah-low]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMayhap I could peek at the bill of fare, please
  [may-hap ahy kood peek at th-uh bil uhv fair, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't partake of flesh
  [ahy don't pahr-teyk uhv flesh]
• Cheers!Huzzah!
  [huh-zah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'd be beholden if I could settle up, please
  [ahyd bee bih-hohl-duhn if ahy kood set-l up, pleez]

• Help!Succor!
  [suhk-er]
• Go away!Be off with thee!
  [bee awf with thee]
• Call the Police!Summon the Watch!
  [suhm-uhn th-uh woch]
• Call a doctor!Send for the healer!
  [send fawr th-uh hee-ler]
• I'm lostI know not where I am
  [ahy noht nawt wh-ehr ahy am]
• I'm illI'm taken unwell
  [ahy'm tay-kuhn un-wel]

• I'd like to buy...I'd fancy purchasing...
  [ahyd fan-see pur-chey-sing]
• I'm just lookingI'm merely gazing
  [ahym mer-lee gay-zing]
• How much is it?What be the price?
  [wut bee th-uh prahys?]
• That's too expensiveThat's more than I'd care to pay
  [thats mor than ahyd kair to pay]
• Can you lower the price?Might thee lower the cost?
  [meyt thee loh-er th-uh kawst?]

• What time is it?What hour is it by the sun?
  [wut aw-er iz it bay th-uh sun]
• It's one o'clockIt be one by the hour
  [it bee wun bey th-uh aw-er]
• Half past (10)Nigh unto (10)
  [nahy unto (10)]
• MorningMorn
  [mawrn]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvening
  [ee-ven-ing]
• YesterdayYestermorn
  [yester-mawrn]
• TodayThis day
  [this dey]
• TomorrowOn the morrow
  [awn th-uh mor-row]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [fawr]
• 5Five
  [fahyv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
• 8Eight
  [eyt]
• 9Nine
  [nahyn]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where be a/the...?
  [wh-ehr bee a/the]
• What's the address?What be the location?
  [wut bee th-uh loh-key-shun]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Couldst thou guide me (on the chart)?
  [koodst th-ow gahyd mee (on th-uh chahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?When doth the next (coach) arrive?
  [wen dohth th-uh nekst (coach) uh-ryv]
• A ticket (to ....)A billet (to ....)
  [a bil-et (to ....)]

Old Salem's history begins in 1753 when a group of Moravian settlers, led by Bishop August Gottlieb Spangenberg, established the town of Salem as a religious community. The Moravians sought to create a self-sustaining and orderly society, which they achieved through agriculture, crafts, and trade. Salem became an important cultural and religious center in the region, embodying the principles of the Moravian Church and its commitment to education and community service.

The Moravian community in Old Salem developed a rich cultural heritage characterized by its unique customs, music, and craftsmanship. The Moravians are known for their contributions to American music, particularly choral and instrumental traditions. The community also excelled in trades such as pottery, woodworking, and textiles, which were essential for local commerce and played a significant role in shaping the economy of Winston-Salem.

During the American Revolutionary War, Old Salem served as a gathering place for Moravian leaders who supported the Patriot cause. The town's strategic position and its well-organized community allowed it to serve as a supply depot and a refuge for those fleeing conflict. The Moravians' commitment to peace and neutrality, however, often placed them in a complex position during this tumultuous period.

In the 19th century, Salem's growth and the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s led to the merging of Salem with the neighboring town of Winston, resulting in the establishment of Winston-Salem. This merger marked a significant transformation in the region, as the combined towns became a major commercial and industrial hub in North Carolina. The Moravian heritage continued to influence the cultural landscape of the city.

In the 20th century, efforts to preserve Old Salem's historical and architectural significance gained momentum. The Old Salem Museums & Gardens was established, focusing on restoring and interpreting the Moravian community's history. This initiative has transformed Old Salem into a living history museum, showcasing period buildings, traditional crafts, and the everyday life of Moravian settlers, attracting visitors and scholars interested in early American history.

Old Salem is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Winston-Salem. If you are arriving by car, you'll find ample parking available near the entrance. Public transport options include the Winston-Salem Transit Authority buses, which connect to Old Salem from downtown Winston-Salem and other neighborhoods. The closest bus stop is located on Main Street, just a short walk from the historic site. If you prefer to bike, there are bike lanes and racks available for secure parking.

Old Salem is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. Guided walking tours are available to enhance your experience. For those with mobility issues, consider renting a wheelchair at the visitor center. There are no train services directly within Old Salem, but the city’s buses can connect you to other parts of Winston-Salem. Bicycle rentals are also available for those wishing to explore the area more extensively.

Old Salem is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, it is wise to exercise caution, especially in areas away from the main tourist spots. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas of Winston-Salem, particularly in neighborhoods like East Winston and parts of the downtown area, which have higher crime rates. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local hospital, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, is equipped to handle medical emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers health-related incidents. For minor health concerns, there are pharmacies in the vicinity of Old Salem where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, and dress appropriately for the weather. Don't wear offensive graphics or slogans, as Old Salem is a historic site. Religion: Do respect the practices of those who attend services at local Moravian churches. Don't interrupt ongoing ceremonies or take photographs during services. Public Transport: Do be polite and allow others to exit before boarding. Don't play loud music or disturb fellow passengers. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and 'hello.' Don’t assume familiarity; use a respectful tone. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local delicacies at cafes and restaurants. Don't eat or drink while walking through historic areas to maintain the integrity of the site.

To experience Old Salem like a local, take time to visit the Moravian Book & Gift shop for unique souvenirs and baked goods. Participate in a hands-on craft workshop for a more immersive experience in local culture. Attend a community event or festival if your visit coincides with one, as these are great opportunities to meet locals and experience the traditions of the Moravian community. Don't forget to explore the gardens and historic buildings beyond the main attractions for a quieter and more authentic experience.