In 1886, the first canneries in Salem was incorporated as Pacific Cider, Vinegar, & Fruit Preserving Company. They were located on Trade Street opposite Cottage and used the millrace. A pickle operation was added in 1889 and, by 1890, they were producing vine-gar, cider, pickles, and fruit jellies, syrups, and butters. The company relocated to Portland in 1891.

The Willamette Valley Fruit Company's dryer was built there in 1887 and, in 1890, Robert S. Wallace formed the Salem Canning Company and built a cannery adjoining it. Tomatoes, peas, corn, beans, cherries, black raspberries, plums, pears, and apples where among the products marketed under their "Thistle Brand" name. In 1890, the stockholders realized a return of almost $5,000 on their original $20,000 investment.

History of Salem's Canneries

Historic photos of Canneries