Lancaster Central Market

Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Central Market is a true American treasure. As the country’s oldest farmers’ market, it is housed in an 1889 "Romanesque Revival" building designed by James H. Warner. The 60+ Market stand holders offer a wide variety of foods during the three market days-Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Market also includes non-food gift items.

Lancaster residents have long recognized Central Market as one of the City’s great places.  The historic market recently received national recognition from the American Planning Association (APA) as one of 10 Great Public Spaces in America.  In an October announcement, the APA noted, “This historic market with its rich architectural details is the crown jewel of downtown Lancaster.” 

Central Market’s history dates back to 1730 when Andrew Hamilton laid out the original town plan for Lancaster.  Hamilton designated a lot adjacent to the town square as a public marketplace in perpetuity, making our historic Central Market the oldest continuously operating public marketplace in the United States.  Central Market’s long operating history combined with its architectural design provides our historic Market local, regional and national significance.

Reading Terminal Market - Philadelphia, PA

The Reading Terminal Market, established in 1892 at 12th and Arch Streets in downtown Philadelphia (or center city, if you’re from the area), is the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. Through its long and interesting history, it has seen times both good and bad, but has emerged in the 21st century as one of the greatest public markets in the country.  The Reading Terminal Market occupies the ground floor and basement levels of the Reading Terminal's former train shed, now part of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  Long after the demise of the Reading Railroad and the transformation of the old train shed into a majestic hall as part of the Convention Center, the Reading Terminal Market is more popular and prosperous than ever. 

 The Reading Terminal Market is a must-see attraction for both tourists and locals.  Over 80 merchants offer fresh produce, meats, fish, groceries, ice cream, flowers, baked goods, crafts, books, clothing, and specialty and ethnic foods. Every space in the market is rented out; three of the vendors are descendants of original market merchants.  When I worked in center city for two years, the market was my favorite place for lunch.  The market currently houses 32 restaurants of every type imaginable – for example, various Deli’s, Thai cuisine, Pennsylvania Dutch, BBQ, Middle East, Vegetarian, Greek, Chinese, Seafood, and of course Philly cheesesteaks and hoagies.   The only problems were deciding what to eat and finding a place to sit since it was a very popular place at lunch time.  My favorite stands for sandwiches now are DiNic's Roast Pork and Beef, and The Original Turkey for delicious roast turkey sandwiches.

Along with the many eating establishments, there are also five produce markets, six butchers, five seafood stands, six bakeries, and 13 Pennsylvania Dutch vendors.  If you live in the area, you can also pick up delicious meats, vegetables, and desserts for dinner.  The Market East commuter rail terminal is adjacent to the market so, if the timing is right, you can pick up your groceries and be home in the suburbs in less than an hour.  We can’t visit the market without picking up cannolis at Termini Brothers Bakery to take home on the train.

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Living in Amish Country

After living most of my life in and around the city of Philadelphia, PA, we moved out to the Amish farmlands of Chester and Lancaster counties in May, 2008. What a change from the hustle and bustle of the big city and suburbs. The slower pace and beautiful scenery of the country is a welcome change. From the wonderful farms to the interesting scenes of Amish life, the opportunities for photographs are endless… although I have to admit I haven’t been taking full advantage of it.

Fall in Amish Country (Click photo for info)

The thing that has impressed me the most about the Amish people over the last year is how hard they work. Not just the men, but the women and the children of all ages. It’s not unusual to be driving along a country road and see a young woman or a 12-year old boy working the fields behind a team of six plow-horses.

I always try to keep my eyes open for good photo-opportunities, but I have to admit that I’ve missed a number of good shots for one or more of the following reasons:

• I didn’t have my camera with me at the time (I know – a cardinal sin for a photographer).

• I couldn’t stop the car because the location or traffic made it impossible. Driving in Amish country is generally easy and peaceful, but at certain times you get a strange mix of traffic on some of the roads. You start with the slow-moving horse-and-buggies and farm equipment, add in a bunch of big-rigs flying up and down the country roads to avoid the turnpike tolls, and mix in hordes of impatient tourists on sunny weekends… I’ve seen many dangerous situations unfold.

• I didn’t want to violate the beliefs of the Amish regarding having their picture taken. The reason generally given for their aversion to pictures is the second commandment in Exodus 20, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” I’m not sure how many Amish actually apply that commandment to picture taking – however, I think the reason has more to do with vanity and humility. I think they feel that a picture of a person is a way of glorifying the outward man, not strengthening the inner man, which would lead them away from their goal of true humility. Being a photographer, I obviously don’t share their beliefs about picture taking, but I certainly respect them. I have taken a few pictures with Amish people in them, but usually from a distance where they are not very recognizable.

Amish Farmer (Click photo for info)

Off the topic of photography a little... I always knew a little about the Amish with their buggies and lack of electricity, but in the short time we’ve lived here I've learned a few additional things I didn’t know before:

• They have church services every other Sunday, with services held in homes or farms.

• When two young people want to get married, they usually “publish” their engagement in October. All weddings are usually held on Tuesdays or Thursdays in November or December.

• Some Amish groups practice “Rumspringa”, meaning “running around”, where boys and girls in their late teens are allowed to experience the ways of the world before they decide to leave or stay in the Amish church. Despite the spotlight of the media on the few who get into rebellious behavior, the vast majority (80 – 90%) of Amish youth decide to stay.

• Under no circumstances would an Amish farm be connected into the power grid – it’s too much of a direct link to the outside world. However, they can use off-line sources of power like batteries and gas generators for things like refrigeration, welding farm equipment, and certain businesses, like carpentry. They also are allowed to have phones, but not in the main house – only in outbuildings, where it won’t interfere with family life.

Baling the Hay (Click photo for info)

Working the Fields (Click photo for info)

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NEXT POST: Another Step Back in Time