Framed or unframed, desk size to sofa size, printed by us in Arizona and Alabama since 2007. Explore now.
Shorpy is funded by you. Patreon contributors get an ad-free experience.
Learn more.
Indianapolis Market. August 1908. Wit., E. N. Clopper. People shopped at open-air markets like this for fresh produce before the advent of the supermarket, which was basically a self-service farmers market, butcher shop and dry goods store all under one roof. View full size.
In Baltimore they are also known as Arabbers.
In Philly people would buy produce off Hucksters who would drive to the streets with fresh fruits and vegetables, but that was in the day when the milk and bread were also delivered and I remember the guy who would sharpen kitchen knives on his wheel using foot power, lots of mobile vendors but my favorite was the pretzel kid who would sell fresh Philly soft pretzels from his bike, they would yell "FERRRESH PERRRETZELS"
I live in Decatur Alabama and we have a farmers market but the market here has a catch only locally grown produce.It's something my wife and son and myself do together we enjoy talking to the farmers they are always so proud of their produce and you can buy things alot cheaper and of better quality than what is sold at the supermarkets like wal mart or publix.I hope more people go to these ans support the little guy !
If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything.
Mark Twain
When I traveled around Great Britain a while back. I became acquainted with the minivan produce vendors in the small hamlets and villages. Granted, the distances to the larger towns were not that big by our standards here in the USA but over there they just didn't travel to shop. If the local shops didn't have what you wanted fresh you waited for the minivan vendor to come around. The driver would stop in a mostly central area and opened the back end or side door. There was a scale and sacks and a variety of produce.
We still have the Haymarket in Boston. Amazing produce at bargain rates. Having had the pleasure of living in London for several years I've been to markets in many European cities. The best? I think Vienna.
Here in Baltimore, we still have "hokey men." They come around with a pony-drawn cart selling fruits, veggies, and crabs. Each has his own cry. They are honest and the wares are fresh.
Fantastic photo. I'll take a couple potatoes, a couple apples, and oh yeah, a cucumber if its not too soft. Take a little time, feel the sunshine and fresh air, have a nice little chat.....This is why I dislike Walmart so very much.
On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5