nourishing hearts and minds
Olive Street Community Garden
Begun in 2014 on one vacant lot, the Olive Street Community Garden now sits on three lots where abandoned, dilapidated houses once stood. Since its inception various public, non profit, and private groups have supported its growth: Stand Up For Salem and the City of Salem worked with Lighthouse Ministry and the First Presbyterian Church to get things off the ground with over 100 volunteers from area churches and individuals in the community. In the succeeding years, additional financial gifts from Mannington Mills, the Campbell Family Council, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Friends’ Annual Meeting, 4H Pollinator Garden grant, and Delaware Estuary grant made it possible to expand the garden. All are welcome to help- early planting and garden prep begin in March/April and end October/November. For the summer, youth apply for Root and Seed Crew to participate in summer leadership work in the garden from July-August. Produce from the garden is free for participants and the community. Surplus produce is placed on a sidewalk stand outside of the garden for anyone to take. Chicken keeping at garden is an educational opportunity for youth and adults and provides free eggs for community.
Ann C. Campbell Garden House
The Ann C. Campbell Garden House is located at 67 Union Street in Salem City diagonal from the Olive Street Community Garden. The original house was built prior to 1875 and restoration of the old structure along with new construction was opened in 2021. The benefactress of this beautifully restored and expanded stone house was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, an avid gardener, and a faithful supporter of Lighthouse Ministry. Mrs. Ann C. "Buffy" Campbell was able to be present at the dedication of the site on May 1, 2018, although she had moved on to her heavenly home by the time the building was complete. A grand opening was celebrated in her honor on June 5th, 2021, with her children and family present. The "Garden House" immediately became a center of activity for local youth, art activities, women's groups, and community building.
