Farmers’ Markets
By GERALD S. LESTZ
Lancaster New Era staff writer and columnist; publisher of Baer’s Agricultural Almanac.
Farmers’ Markets in historic Lancaster date back to the very beginning of the community, 1730, and are a delight to today’s visitors, many of whom make a special point of “going to market.”
Lancaster City owns and operates two farmers’ markets—the Central, just off Penn Square, and the Southern, one block away at S. Queen and W. Vine Sts.
The Central is located on land deeded by Andrew and Ann Hamilton, original proprietors, to local officials on May 15, 1730, for use as a market “forever.”
In the early days, farmers brought their produce to this location and sold them in the open. This was a carryover from the European custom, and no cover was provided until 1757. The present building was erected in 1889.
The Southern market-house was built as a private venture in 1888, and was continued in that manner until 1950, when the property was bought by the city.
Stands in the markets are leased on a yearly basis. Most are held by the same families year after year, and many have been occupied by several generations.
SOUTHERN MARKET
Markets open early, and it is advisable to get to them before midmorning if you wish to avoid a crush. Local housewives, and men of the family, regularly come to market armed with sturdy wicker baskets which are quickly filled as they visit their favorite farmers, produce dealers, butchers, bakers and vendors of other foodstuffs.
Cut flowers, potted plants, and farm wives’ handiwork add their own touches of color.
A visit to market is a memorable experience, in which you encounter the favorite foods of an area known for hearty appetites and good cooks.
CENTRAL MARKET
The farmers who maintain stands at the markets travel in from the countryside surrounding Lancaster early in the day. They park their cars outside the buildings, and carry in all their offerings to start each market day afresh.
In days gone by, when horses and wagons were the main means for travel, the farmers would drive to town the night before and put up at a downtown inn, stabling their horses in buildings connected with the hotels. But by 4 A.M. the farmers were up for the day, preparing their stands for customers.
Modern-day descendants of these earlier generations of farmers carry on the tradition of early rising. You can be sure that when you talk to a farmer at 8 A.M., his cows have been milked, eggs have been gathered, and many other farm chores completed before he drove to town with his fruits and vegetables.
Out-of-town visitors are often disappointed when they come to Lancaster and find that no market is being held that day. Market days for the Central and Southern follow:
Central is open on Tuesdays and Fridays. 6 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Best visiting hours: 6 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Southern is open Saturdays, 5:30 A.M. to 3 P.M.
Best visiting hours: 6 A.M. to 12 Noon.
Shopping bags to carry home your purchases are available at the markets. If you plan to become a “regular,” however, we suggest you buy a stout basket.