Our History

In the early 50's, Beatrice and Peter Polemenako rented away the land next to their house, allowing a local family to open an ice cream shop there.  Though successful, the family running it had to give up after a year. Beatrice and Peter took over operations in 1952, dubbing it the Dairy Witch.  Friendly and hardworking, they were quickly able to turn it into a thriving business.  

The Dairy Witch putting up it's open sign has long been a harbinger of warm weather and good times. Many of Salem's residents grew up awaiting this event.  We have played host to some of our customers' favorite childhood memories ranging from youth sports celebrations to first dates.  Our banana whipped frappes and crunch coat cones are nostalgic treats to our older crowd.  One of the constants over the last 70 years of a Salem summer night has been the long lines of eager customers waiting outside Dairy Witch Ice Cream.   

Bea and Pete's daughter, Marietta, has been working there since she was a kid, and when Beatrice was no longer able to run it, passed it down to her.  Marietta has kept up the standard of warmhearted service to her customers, and exemplary treatment of her staff  Our former employees often look fondly upon their time here.  Some make occasional "guest appearances" after they've moved on, filling in when their help is needed.  Come see why customers and employees alike love the Dairy Witch!