Editing West Salem, Illinois (section)

===Early industry===
While West Salem is located in a rural area, it has had several types of industries.<ref name=industry>Industry (''Edwards County Times-Advocate'', Tues. February 6, 2007)</ref>

As early as the 1850s a [[cooper (profession)|cooper's]] shop was in operation to supply barrels for packing fruits. A three-story frame building was built by Frederick Luther in 1878. It was used as a flour mill and was operated by a stationary steam engine. A saw mill was also operated in conjunction with the mill. In later years the Mallison Brothers also operated a flour mill and grain elevator.<ref name=industry />

By June 4, 1891, the ''West Salem Gazette'' was painting a rosy picture of the fruit industry here. Blackberries, strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries, and other fruits were raised very successfully. West Salem also once boasted a pure ice and power plant located south of the present Baker Seed Elevator.<ref name=industry />