18 Comments
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Nikole's avatar

Wonderful write up. My mom grew up in Salem and both my grandmother and mother brought us there often. My mom is 94. So many happy memories there. Sadly historically it is not the same. Last year we could not even get a parking place, no picnic table which to sit and the hillside where the whip, helicopters and tilta whirl use to be is now a paved parking lot So we dont go anymore. But we do have our happy memories of what used to be !

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Arthur Levine's avatar

Sure, some things have changed through the years, but the Willows is still a wonderful, charming place. Give it another chance!

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Peter cote's avatar

When I grew up in Salem we would go to the Willows for chop suey sandwiches. Fell in love with this simple recipe. I’ve tried to recreate it myself with ok results. It’s just not the same as being at this classic family friendly park.

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Arthur Levine's avatar

You might also like this article. I was successful in getting the Willows recognition as an existing trolley park! https://www.aboutthemeparks.fun/p/the-salem-willows-project-part-two

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Rich Leclaire's avatar

I have been going there for most of my 62years. I live about an hour away now but still go there every year many times. Still love the chop suey sandwiches! The new owners have done a good job with making them. Some people say they are not the same, they are excellent! Hobbs is always great! There are some newer food places that all are doing a great job! I am in the hospitality business and its the hardest business in the world! Lol Keep the Willows going!

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Arthur Levine's avatar

Agreed about the chop suey sandwiches. They are a bit different. I actually think they are a tad better.

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Teri Comeau's avatar

Popcorn cannot be duplicated, it is wonderful to treat kids and especially adults. Growing up with their popcorn was always a treat.

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Arthur Levine's avatar

The popcorn is the best!

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Eddie Biggins's avatar

My mom was from Salem, so we spent a lot of time there growing up, including many visits to the Salem Willows. My dad was s huge fan of that popcorn! We met some cousins from the area there as recently as this past summer. Keep us informed about one of my favorite places!

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Arthur Levine's avatar

Yup. The popcorn is phenomenal. As for keeping everyone informed about the Willows project, you can count on it!

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Kathy's avatar

Awesome article

I can almost taste the popcorn !

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Arthur Levine's avatar

Thanks! And the popcorn is even better than you are imagining.

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Kevin D.'s avatar

Sounds like a great place. Especially the popcorn. Good luck with your mission!

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Arthur Levine's avatar

You should come visit. I promise you would not be disappointed by the popcorn.

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Tom Schulz's avatar

Good luck on your quest - sounds like a worthy one! Let us know if there’s any way us readers can help.

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Arthur Levine's avatar

Thanks Tom! I've submitted my evidence and have made my request to NAPHA. I'll be sure to share the results with you and all of my subscribers.

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