I love a good farmers market and the Original Farmers Market L.A. is one of the best ever!
Welcome to the Farmers Market
Original Farmers Market L.A.
Colorful place to sit and eat at The Original Farmers Market L.A.
It doesn’t take much of a reason for me to want to go to Los Angeles. So as soon as I read that the Original Farmers Market was open everyday, it was easy to persuade Steve to take the 45 minute drive.
Sausages Galore
The sprawling market is partly open air and partially under roof. The variety of vendors and places to eat reminded me of the Reading Terminal Market that I love so much, in Philadelphia.
You can find almost anything food and cooking related at his amazing market!
We decided to walk up and down the aisles and check everything out before deciding what we’d like for lunch. Problem was EVERYTHING looked delicious which made us ravenous. So we cheated a little and devoured a pastry or two long before we chose a place for to eat.
History
Rices from around the globe available at the Original Farmers Market L.A.
The Original Farmers Market L.A. opened in 1934, but the story begins further back than that in 1880. That’s when A. F. Gilmore and a partner purchased two dairy farms in the L.A. area. When the partners elected to split their holdings in 1890, Mr. Gilmore took control of the 256-acre ranch along with its dairy cows and farmhands. That location, at the now famous intersection of 3rd and Fairfax was the future location of the Original Farmers Market.
1900
Old gas pumps from Gilmore’s Oil Company
In 1900 Gilmore decided to expand his herd and began drilling new wells for water. But it was oil, not water that he found. So the dairy herd was quickly replaced by a field of oil rigs until L.A. boundaries grew to surround his property. Derricks were no longer allowed on a large scale, which caused Gilmore Oil Company to scale down. Eventually the property was vacated and remained that way until the early 1930s.
Earl’s Service is a replica of 1935 Gilmore Oil Co. gas station
At the height of the Great Depression 2 entrepreneurs, Fred Beck and Roger Dahihjelm, went to A. F, Gilmore’s son Earl with an idea. They wanted to build a “Village” where farmers could sell their fresh produce.
1934
Old pick-up produce stand at the LA Farmers Market
So in July of 1934 a dozen farmers and a few other vendors parked their trucks at that famous corner and sold their wares from the back of their trucks. By October that dozen grew to include restaurants, grocers and service providers who moved into permanent stalls. The popularity was so great that the new Farmers Market founders staged a grand celebration, the first Fall Festival at Farmers Market.
1948
Fish for sale at Monsieur Marcel’s
The Farmers Market continued to grow. In 1948 a Clock Tower was added which became an icon of the market.
At Monsieur Marcel’s if it comes from the sea, you can find it here!
The Original Farmers Market L.A. has become one of the food industry’s favorite locations. In fact world renowned chef and TV stars Alton Brown and Gordon Ramsay have featured the Market several times on their various shows.
1980s and beyond
Pastries abound to entice you! Who could resist?
The newest feature was added in the mid 1980s. One of the Market’s West Patio merchants came up with the idea to ask some local Pop, Rock, Country and Jazz bands to perform on Thursday evenings at the Farmers Market. The idea was so wildly popular that the Market extended it through the summer. The Thursday Night music program is still going strong!
Lunch
The Travel Angel watches over the Original Farmers Market
As for what where and what we ate for lunch…you will have to wait for my next post!
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