Broad Street Market facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Broad Street Market
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Façade of the Stone Building, as seen from Verbeke Street in 2013
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Verbeke Street between 3rd and 6th Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | 1863 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001780 |
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1974 |
The Broad Street Market is a historic farmers market in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It opened way back in 1863. You can find it in the Midtown neighborhood.
This market is special because it's one of the oldest farmers markets in the United States. It has been open continuously for over 160 years! The Verbeke family first started it on what was then Broad Street.
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A Look Back: Market History
How the Market Began
In 1860, a man named William K. Verbeke started the West Harrisburg Market Company. This was the beginning of the Broad Street Market. The market actually has two main buildings.
The older building is called the Stone Market house. It was finished in 1863. The other building, the Brick Market house, was built a bit later, between 1874 and 1878. For many years, there was also a wooden section connecting the Stone Building to an alley. This wooden part was removed in the late 1970s.
Helping During the Civil War
The market played an important role during the American Civil War. Many Union soldiers passed through Camp Curtin nearby. The Broad Street Market helped provide food for these soldiers. It was a vital place for feeding thousands of people.
Changes and Renovations
In 1979, the City of Harrisburg took over the market. They managed it for many years. The market was recognized as an important historical site in 1974. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The city worked hard to keep the market going. In 1996, they spent $2.5 million to fix up the market complex. This project helped make the market a great place for shopping again. More improvements were made to the Stone Market house in 1999.
Recent Challenges
On July 10, 2023, a big fire damaged the brick building of the market. The fire caused a lot of harm to the roof and everything inside. The community has been working to rebuild and restore this important landmark.
What You Can Find There
The Broad Street Market is a lively place with many different vendors. You can find all sorts of foods and unique items. Many vendors sell fresh produce, delicious meals, and sweet treats. It's a great spot to explore and try new things.
See Also
