History New Salem, New York

map of new salem in 1866

in 1806, beaverdam road moved follow contour of mountains , time progress of new salem began building of several houses , church. in 1850 albany, rensselaerville, , schoharie plank road company established state construct plank road albany through new salem, gallupville in schoharie county. section new salem north , east albany graded , planked section new salem west berne not improved. in 1854, state authorized company abandon or sell portions , turn other sections turnpike , charge tolls, section new salem east hamlet of new scotland subsequently had planks removed.

in 1947, dewitt carl moved service station new salem albany naming new salem garage, , in 1961 transformed auto dealership dealing exclusively saabs. new salem garage inc., though no longer in new salem continues use name, , remains seventh oldest saab dealership in united states , oldest continually family-owned , operated saab dealership in northeastern us. in 1990s, new salem garage moved 4 miles east slingerlands address , location in new salem (with same owners , still named new salem garage, car dealership) became lawn , garden center specializing in cub cadet lawn tractors, mowers, , snowblowers.

the new salem schoolhouse, former one-room rural schoolhouse, used new salem historical society , new scotland town senior citizens group when in 1988 town decided enlarge , renovate building in order make town s first community center. in 1997, new scotland historical society opened museum of town s history in community center s spaulding room.