Some farmers' markets, like the venerable market in downtown Toledo, Ohio, are open year round, but I especially enjoy the advent of spring with the increasing access to fresh produce and other regional treats.
I knew of the long history of Detroit's Eastern Market and farmers' markets in Detroit, which boast a history dating back to the mid-1800s, but I recently discovered that Toledo, Ohio, boasts a farmers' market tradition dating all the way back to 1832!
Farmers first started selling at an outdoor market in Toledo to provide a central and convenient shopping place for area residents. The original market became even easier to access for people when a street car line located nearby.
The outdoor wholesale market closed in 1913, but the market continued to operate indoors. In 1917, the outdoor market reopened in a different location with new stalls and roof.
In 1928, the market moved to an Erie Street building, which also served as an exhibition hall. Land deeded to Toledo for a Farmers' Market in back of the indoor market served as a new home for an outdoor market. The market enjoyed a renewed popularity among wholesale customers and individuals.
The market changed as customers no longer purchased large quantities of fruits and vegetables to can or freeze for the winter, and the market facilities aged. The indoor wholesale market closed and the outdoor stalls began to sink into the ground.
A government grant and establishment of a Farmers' Market Association of Toledo to run the market brought a number of improvements to the old market, where many farm families sold their goods more over 80 years.
The improved market debuted in spring of 1996. Concrete replaced gravel walkways, making the market more accessible to those with mobility challenges. Improved lighting and uniform tables helped better showcase products.
Today, the market includes outdoor and indoor components, as well as a Poultry House, handicapped accessible restrooms, and seasonal satellite markets elsewhere in town. There is also a riverwalk along nearby Swan Creek if you want to take a little break from shopping.
I've purchased fruits and vegetables, as well as herb plants, baked goods, flowers, spices, and other local products at the market over the years.
We enjoy visiting the outdoor Farmers' Market of Toledo during the warmer months at its downtown location, just across the street from the Libbey Glass Outlet. The market is a short walk from other downtown attractions like the Toledo Mud Hens' Triple A baseball team ballpark, which can make it very convenient. Proximity to the ballpark may also make visiting the market early in the morning on Saturdays that the Mud Hens play at home a better idea than visiting later in the day, but morning visits to farmers' markets usually make more sense anyway if you're looking for the best selection.
The market is open Saturdays, and the Poultry house is open Tuesday through Sunday. Check the website for directions and seasonal hours. You can also check out the Toledo Farmers' Market on Facebook , which also features a nice album of photos of the market throughout the years.
© Dominique King 2010 All rights reserved
Love, love, love farmer's markets! I could spend all day in them and my kids love them too!
Posted by: Jen | April 21, 2010 at 08:17 PM
Jen-Hope you caught my story today about Detroit's Eastern Market, too! As you can tell, I'm also pretty fond of Farmers' Markets. It's always great when you can visit a market when you travel to score a quick snack or something that travels well enough to take home with you.
Posted by: Dominique King | April 22, 2010 at 09:26 AM