Salem Pioneer Women Mural

Pictured from Left to Right in the Mural

1) Dr. “Granny" Mary Reid-Lusk - In this locale, for all practical purposes, she had become a Medical Practitioner. During that era, female practitioners were referred to as "Grannies." so Mary became known as Granny Lusk. It is said, during her heyday. Mary would mount her horse and ride as far away as two or three counties, to assist some pioneer medical patient.  She was capable of delivering babies, setting broken bones and performing minor surgeries. It's also rumored that she was one of the most crucial contributors, to our county's Underground Railroad Operation, providing medical services for the freedom seekers.

2) Lula Desse Rudder - First licensed female pharmacist in the State of Indiana. Desse maintained her state pharmacist license, annually, until she was 88 years of age. When she passed away in August of 1981, she was mere than a month past her 100th birthday She was buried in Salem’s Crown Hill Cemetery.

3) Bradie Shrum started the Girl Scouts in Salem. She taught for over 50 years and came out of retirement during WWII to teach during a shortage.

4) Sarah Parke Morrison - In 1867, she became involved in her father's efforts to petition Indiana University, to accept women students, when he offered her $5 to write an appeal to the Board of Trustees. The appeal was granted and when no female students had applied, prior to the new fall semester, Sarah decidedly chose to lead the way, becoming the first female student enrolled at Indiana university. Her exceptional educational background, and determination to set the female standard, excelled her through four years of study, in two years, and she became the first female graduate of the university in 1869.

5) Terry Hall - University of Kentucky's women's basketball coaching legend Terry Hall was born in Salem and was once the winningest head coach in UK program history.

6) Emma Christy-Baker - Became one of the first females ever hired by the Indianapolis Police Department. Born in Salem, to Salem natives, in 1865, she was the great-granddaughter of freed slaves, who had migrated here from South Carolina, during the early pioneer era.

The site of the mural will eventually be transformed into a mini park with green space, patio tables, umbrellas and florals for a community gathering space.

The mural was painted by Chicago based artist Rafael Blanco.