The O. Winston Link Museum at The Historical Society of Western Virginia in Roanoke has the pamphlet Salem, Virginia Her Past History and Future Prospects. It was published around 1900 and includes descriptions of the key industries that were located there along with other aspects of the cmmunity. The pamphlet includes this description of the Salem Machine Works:
One of the oldest and best known industrial enterprises of this section of Virginia is the Salem Foundry and Machine Works and its output of flour mill machinery has a wide reputation, finding as it does ready sale not only in the State but throughout West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and the South generally.
The establishment of this industry dates back to 1890. The plant covering an acre of ground and consists of a two-story machine shop 60x200 feet. The whole being equipped with all the latest improved machinery best suited to the character of work done. About 30 skilled mechanics are employed the year round to keep anything like up with the demands upon the excellent work turned out such as roller mills, bolting machines,purifiers, bran dusters,packers and cornmeal outfits
and all kinds of repair work.
The following article was printed in the November 30,1893 issue of The Roanoke Times
Salem Machine Works
It is pleasing to note that this company is still in successful operation. During the last 2 years they have placed their machinery in a large number of mills in Virginia and North Carolina to the entire satisfaction of the parties to whom they have sold and for whom they have erected mills. Their machinery is pronounced first class in every respect. They have a bright outlook for business during the coming year, and are ready to furnish all kinds of mill supplies including roller mills, flour dressers, shafting, pulleys, etc. promptly. They also regrind and recorrugate rolls. Having their shops immediately upon the line of the Norfolk and Western railroad, they have good shipping facilities and can secure reasonable freight rates to all points. This being a Southern enterprise should receive encouragement from those persons in the South who have work in their line. For prices and further particulars, address them at Salem, Virginia.