Lancaster Central Market Cookbook

OTHER FARMERS MARKETS IN LANCASTER CITY

Lancaster Central Market is now the only farmers market in Lancaster City. But at least nine other markets, including the Curb Market, once operated within the city. Lancaster Central Market has by far the longest history; only two other city markets lasted more than a hundred years. Three Lancaster markets endured for fewer than 40 years. From 1882 to 1965 there were at least five farmer’s markets operating simultaneously within Lancaster. The high point was between 1907 and 1918 when there were seven markets in the city. It was not uncommon for the standholders to sell at several different markets on different days of the week.

The Northern Market was located on the northwest corner of Queen and Walnut Streets. Built in 1872, it was the first of the large market houses. The building measured 80 feet by 240 feet and contained 250 stalls. The relatively new market building suffered a great tragedy in 1883, when the roof collapsed from the weight of snow. When the market closed in 1953, there were only 15 occupied stands. The building was demolished in 1958.

The Eastern Market was built in 1882 at the southeast corner of King and Shippen Streets. It had about 200 stalls. The unique Second-Empire-style architecture featured towers that could be viewed over a large part of the city. The market closed in 1918. The building has been renovated and is now used for offices.

The Western Market occupied the southeast corner of Orange and Pine Streets. It was built in 1882 and contained about 180 stalls. Like the Eastern Market, it enjoyed a rather brief existence and closed about 1920. The building still survives, but the second floor was destroyed by fire in 1942 (it was then being used as a roller-skating rink).

The Southern Market was built in the elaborate Queen Anne style in 1888 at the southwest corner of Queen and Vine Streets. It survived until 1986, but from the 1950s on, it suffered a dwindling trade. The building was most recently used by the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce.

The Fulton Market, located east of Frederick Street between Plum and Hand Streets in the northeastern part of town, was rather detached from the other Lancaster markets. The 1907 building originally had 150 standholders. When the market closed in 1971, there were only six stands. The building has been occupied by several different businesses.

The Arcade Market began in 1927 in the block between Orange and Marion Streets and Prince and Market Streets. The farmer’s market continued until 1965; the entire building was demolished in 1969. The Prince Street parking garage now occupies the site.

The West End Market, the smallest and most recent of the markets, began in 1954 in a building that had been a car dealership. The building at the corner of Lemon and Mary Streets ceased to be a farmers’ market in 1985 but is still occupied by a grocery store.

From the other side of the Market stand . . .

RUTH THOMAS OF THOMAS PRODUCE

Thomas Produce opened at Central Market in 1927. Today, Ruth and Wilmer Thomas are third-generation standholders, growing their in-season vegetables and many flowers on their 65-acre farm in northern Lancaster County.

“Marketing teaches valuable lessons,” Ruth reflects. “As we raised our seven children, they all helped grow, prepare, and sell our vegetables. None of us used calculators—and it was a great way for them to learn math by doing it in their heads! Customers were always amazed. And now our grandchildren do the same thing.

“Our granddaughters have commented that many of their friends know so little about fruits and vegetables and how to prepare them. We need more parents to show how to fix and eat fresh, local produce!”

Ruth indulges her customers, telling them her favorite ways of making the bok choy she sells, and the kohlrabi. And she even makes fresh pumpkin puree for those who are intimidated by a butternut squash or don’t take time to prepare it from scratch themselves.

“I had a customer walk up to our stand showing signs of exhaustion. She called out, “Thank God! I found it! I’ve been all over the County, going to many markets looking for fresh pumpkin.” When she told me where all she had been, she had not exaggerated the extent of her search. I was anticipating a large purchase of pumpkin puree, but instead, she bought one pint.

“I was happy I had it for her, but I couldn’t help thinking, for $1.50, you could have purchased a nice-sized neck or butternut at any one of the markets you visited, and you’d have saved time and fuel in the process!

“But I enjoy our customers!”

1. Mix ingredients for crust according to directions. Press into greased pizza pan and bake 10-20 minutes at 325° or until slightly brown.

3. Arrange fruit over pizza as desired. Different colors make it more attractive.

4. Mix ingredients for glaze together in a saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until thickened. Spoon over fruit while glaze is hot. This glaze helps prevent fruit from turning brown.