Image: T. Bagge Community Store - Salem

Photo Credit: Digital Forsyth

The Community Store opened in 1775. The store was named for its proprietor, Traugott Bagge. Bagge served as Salem’s spokesman during the Revolutionary War, when the Moravians remained neutral despite pressure from both sides. 

From Bagge’s death in 1800 the building continued to function as a store and residence. Today it is both a store and museum run by Old Salem, Inc.,