Farmers Market (Los Angeles)
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The Farmers Market is a heavily trafficked area of food stalls, sit-down eateries, prepared food vendors, and produce markets. It's also a historic Los Angeles landmark and tourist attraction, first opened in 1934. The Farmers Market features more than 100 restaurants, grocers and tourist shops, and is located just south of CBS Television City.
The market is a popular destination for foodies in search of the market's wide assortment of ethnic cuisines, many of them unusual, as well as its specialty food markets and prepared food stalls. The front of Farmers Market displays a sign saying "Meet Me at Third and Fairfax."
"We invite you to come to your senses and celebrate our 75-year history now through 2009," proclaims in their ad campaign.
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[edit] History
Located at the corner of 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, California, it is one of the oldest institutions in the city and features a variety of dining and shopping options. It is also adjacent to The Grove outdoor shopping mall; an electric-powered trolley runs between the two sites.
The market started when a dozen nearby farmers would park their trucks on a field to sell their fresh produce to local residents.
In 1870, when they moved west from Illinois, Arthur Fremont (A.F.) Gilmore and his partner bought two sizeable farms, one of which was the 256-acre (1.04 km2) dairy farm at this corner. Gilmore gained control when the partnership dissolved later.
Gilmore Oil Company replaced the dairy farm when oil was discovered under the land during drilling for water in 1905. Earl Bell (E.B.) Gilmore, son of A.F. Gilmore, took over the family business. The younger Gilmore started midget car racing and brought professional football to Los Angeles. He built Gilmore Field for the Hollywood Stars baseball team, which was owned by Bing Crosby, Barbara Stanwyck, and Cecil B. DeMille[1].
When CBS Television City opened next door in 1952, the Farmers Market providing those working or visiting that television studio a convenient place to shop or eat.
In the 1970s The Country Kitchen, a restaurant owned and operated by Jack and Eileen Smith (located next to the still-operating Du-par's), was popular with stars and their fans alike. Mickey Rooney could sometimes be found working behind the counter. Other customers included Elvis Presley, Regis Philbin, Rip Taylor, Mae West, Johnny Carson and even The Shah of Iran on his visit.
History displays at Farmers Market include:
- Gilmore History Kiosk
- Earl's Service Station
- Gilmore Sports Kiosk
- Green Cart (hand made) Display
- Farmers Market Clock Tower.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Farmers Market Map & Visitors Guide
[edit] External links
Coordinates: 34°4′21″N 118°21′37″W / 34.0725°N 118.36028°W
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