Saloom Dept Store

Everyone has a few places that are inexplicably magic for them. For me, one of those is Saloom Department Store in Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It is not what it seems by its name. It really only has one big department — outdoorsmanship. If you can wear it, walk in it, camouflage in it, shoot it, cut with it, or lock it safely away in a cool metal safe, Saloom’s has it in a variety of sizes and colors.
Ever since I started coming out to this part of Appalachia and was introduced to this great old store, I have made my annual pilgrimage over Christmas. It is the place to get those unusual (for me) gifts for the brothers in law who spend most of their free time hunting and fishing in the beautiful hills and vales of this part of the Allegheny Mountains. Boots, Camo jackets and pants, steel blades for every purpose, insulated hunter’s overalls, bows, arrows, ammo, scopes and a million Woolrich sweaters and Browning shirts piled high on shelves in the back room in amazingly attractive styles. All this in a 3^rd generation store with broad plank floors, and 12 foot tintype ceilings. There is even a 14 point elk on the wall guarding the premises.
I always manage to find something that I like, and whatever I get for my brothers is always appreciated. Today, I found two 3 button sweaters in cotton and wool that fit me and instantly made me look like Jeremiah Johnson. Son needed a new camo sweatshirt, and the dad in law liked the feel of his new pocketknife with its glimmering Georgia Steel blades.
I am an easy mark in Salooms, coming from back East, and lacking the growth of beard and twangy argot of the locals. Still, they know who I am and my people, so tolerate my presence knowing I will be leaving with a nice chunk of their inventory.
If you ever find yourself in this part of the world and love the touch and feel of a true piece of old fashioned American mercantilism, track down Saloom’s and take a look around. I defy you to walk out without something you never knew you needed, but suddenly cannot live without.