Farmers Market (Los Angeles) facts for kids
The Original Farmers Market's iconic clock tower
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| Location | Los Angeles, California, United States |
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| Coordinates | 34°4′21″N 118°21′37″W / 34.07250°N 118.36028°W |
| Address | 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue |
| Opening date | 1934 |
| Developer | Arthur Gilmore |
| No. of stores and services | Over 100 |
| Public transit access | L.A. Metro bus routes 16, 316, 17, 217, 780 |
| Designated: | July 24, 1991 |
| Reference #: | 543 |
The Original Farmers Market is a famous place in Los Angeles, California. It is full of food stalls, restaurants, and shops. You can find it at the corner of Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street.
This market first opened in July 1934. It is a historic landmark and a popular spot for visitors. Unlike most farmers' markets, which open only on certain days, The Original Farmers Market is open every day of the week.
There are over 100 different vendors here. You can buy ready-to-eat meals, fresh groceries, and fun souvenirs. The market offers many kinds of food, from classic American cuisine to dishes from Latin America and Asia. It is a great place for anyone who loves trying new foods.
The market is right next to The Grove, which is an outdoor shopping area. An electric streetcar can take you between the two places. A famous sign at the market says, "Meet Me at Third and Fairfax."
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The Original Farmers Market Sign
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Bob's Donuts
Contents
History of The Farmers Market
The story of the market began in 1880. A man named Arthur Fremont Gilmore and his business partner bought two dairy farms in Los Angeles. Gilmore bought the land where The Original Farmers Market now stands. His partner bought the land that is now The Grove.
About ten years later, they split their land. Gilmore took control of a large 256-acre ranch. It had a dairy herd and farm workers. This land is now home to the famous Original Farmers Market and The Grove.
From Farm to Market Stalls
The market started when local farmers needed a place to sell their fresh produce. About a dozen farmers began parking their trucks on a field. They sold fruits and vegetables directly to people living nearby. It cost them only fifty cents a day to rent a spot.
In 1905, something big happened. Oil was found under the land while people were drilling for water. This led to the creation of the Gilmore Oil Company. The dairy farm was replaced by oil operations.
Arthur Gilmore's son, Earl Bell (E. B.) Gilmore, took over the family business. He was very active in Los Angeles. He brought professional football to the city. He also built Gilmore Field for the Hollywood Stars baseball team. Famous people like Bing Crosby and Barbara Stanwyck owned parts of this team.
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Gilmore Oil Co. gasoline station
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Gilmore Oil Co. gasoline station in the 1900s
The Market Grows with Los Angeles
In 1952, Television City opened right next door to the market. This television studio made the market even more popular. People working or visiting Television City found it a handy place to eat or shop.
In the 1970s, a restaurant called The Country Kitchen was very popular. It was owned by Jack and Eileen Smith. Many stars and their fans enjoyed eating there. Sometimes, actor Mickey Rooney would even work behind the counter!
In 2014, The Farmers Market expanded. It opened a new location at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Terminal 5. This was the first time the market had expanded beyond its original spot. Now, travelers can enjoy a taste of the famous market before they fly. They can find meals, snacks, coffee, and sweets from the market's vendors.
See also
In Spanish: Mercado de agricultores de Los Ángeles para niños
