The Original Farmers Market is situated on 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue in one of Los Angeles’s neighborhoods. It is located in close proximity to the Grove Shopping Center. Despite the fact that times are changing, this place remains one of the most popular areas for shopping and dining in the city. Find out more about its history at Лос-Анджелес Name.
How did it all start?
The city’s Original Farmers Market has changed over time, yet it is fascinating to learn about its origins. The history of this location is connected to Arthur Fremont Gilmore. He moved from Illinois to California in the 1870s. Subsequently, he partnered with another farmer to establish a dairy farm together. The site is now Compton, a city in Los Angeles County.
In 1880, businessman James Thompson went bankrupt, so farmers bought a 256-acre plot of land from him. Following that, they established two farms. Interestingly, one of these farms is located on the territory of the Farmers Market (near the Grove Shopping Center). For ten years, Arthur Gilmore managed not only to hold on but also bought out all the land, after which he continued to run his business successfully.
The discovery of oil and the foundation of Gilmore Oil Company
The Farmers Market is located in downtown Los Angeles, but in 1990, residents had to drive east to get anywhere near the city. However, it was the dairy farm’s location, as well as a number of other factors, that allowed it to continue operating successfully.
Arthur Gilmore ran a prosperous dairy business for almost 20 years. However, the man decided not to stop there and wanted to expand his operations. He was fortunate to discover oil.
One day, Arthur noticed a vacant cow field. It was due to his intervention that the area was swiftly transformed into oil fields with relatively unlimited potential.
After successfully managing a dairy farm for some time, Arthur Gilmore established his own oil company. We are talking about the Gilmore Oil Company.
Although the company initially produced oil and tar (the leftover from oil distillation), which was used for lubrication and paving, it subsequently began to convert oil into gasoline and sell it. The founder quickly recognized the demands of the population, as interest in automobiles was steadily growing at the time.
Earl Bell Gilmore
The story of successful, initiative and somewhat risky, Arthur Gilmore eventually came to an end. He passed away in 1918, leaving his company to his son. Earl Bell Gilmore took over management. His first decision was to open the first gas station, which was followed by the establishment of 3,000 more throughout the West Coast.
What distinguished Gilmore Jr. was his distinct and rather dynamic approach to business. In the automotive community, he cooperated with daredevils. For example, with John Cobb, who at that time set a speed record of 369.7 mph.
In Los Angeles’s history, Earl Gilmore’s contributions extended beyond business and entrepreneurship. He constructed a stadium where small-car races were staged. It held famous boxing matches as well as other sporting events. Additionally, Gilmore built a baseball field that housed the Hollywood Stars baseball team.
Overall, Gilmore’s land was central to all sporting events in Los Angeles. His business thrived, and Gilmore’s original property, which housed the Farmers Market, was renamed Gilmore Island. Several businesses later opened there.
The beginning of the Farmers Market
A significant moment in the history of the Original Farmers Market’s founding occurred when Fred Beck and Roger Dalhjelm made an offer to Earl Gilmore. It was 1934 when two businessmen planned to establish a little community at the corner where they could sell farm products directly from trucks. Earl agreed to the implementation of this idea, which eventually proved to be a huge success.
Farmers and restaurant owners began to set up their own tents and kiosks. This is where the history of the Farmers Market began.
Favorite place of Hollywood stars
Interestingly, this location attracted a lot of Hollywood stars. This could be partially attributed to the proximity of Gilmore Field. Here are a few events involving Hollywood celebrities:
- Shirley Temple signed autographs and gave out candy at Brock’s Candies. She was at the peak of her career at the time, and she was engaged in charity work with the Red Cross. There are corresponding photos taken back in 1936.
- Marilyn Monroe sliced a cake at the opening ceremony of Michael’s Cheesecake. Beside her was Michael Gashinsky, the owner of the kiosk and former Polish diplomat.
- Ava Gardner was a frequent visitor to the Farmers Market. One of these visits was captured when the beautiful woman went to try on summer hats.
- The legendary musician Frank Sinatra paid a visit to a friend at the Farmers Market. He was known to be friends with Patsy D’Amore of Patsy’s Pizza.
- President Dwight D. Eisenhower visited the market as well. He was particularly fond of the peanut butter machine at Magee’s House of Nuts.
- The Beatles were also fans of Magee’s House of Nuts.
These are only a few instances. There have been many famous people visiting the Farmers Market.
The story continues
In the late 1940s, the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company acquired approximately 75% of Gilmore Oil. Subsequently, after the merger, it became a well-known gasoline company called Mobil. The old gas station is still standing on the Farmers Market grounds and now serves as an antique gas station exhibition. A personal visit to this location will allow you to understand more about the history and feel the spirit of the time.
Being a part of Hollywood life
The Farmers Market is famous among Hollywood celebrities. This hasn’t changed over time. For example, in the 1970s, the Beach Boys mentioned the Farmers Market in their song “H.E.L.P. Is on the Way”. Singers recalled how good the food was at the market. Also, Jimmy Kimmel interviewed market visitors.
What makes this place special? It’s difficult to find a better lunch spot in Los Angeles. It’s also appealing because of the area’s rich and diverse history, which dates back to the time of Arthur Gilmore and his first steps in farming. Here are some examples of Farmers Market’s establishments with a long history.
- The original Magee’s Kitchen restaurant opened its doors in 1917 and continues to operate today. Since opening, they have been serving the famous horseradish and handmade sandwiches. The history of the restaurant’s dishes dates back more than a century!
- Another example of a restaurant that has been operating since the beginning of the history of the Farmers Market is Du-par’s Pie Shop. This is an example of a fine dining restaurant with plenty to choose from.
- It’s also worth mentioning Danny Trejo, who founded one of the most popular restaurants, Trejo’s Tacos, situated at kiosk 322.
One of the major shopping centers in Los Angeles is located near the Farmers Market. Celebrities visit the shopping mall and then go to the Farmers Market like regular people. This location is favored by members of the film and television industries, as well as anyone looking for a place to relax.
In 1989, Mardi Gras celebrations (literally “Fat Tuesday”) were held on the territory of the Farmers Market for the first time. This is one of the most colorful events, with famous musicians performing, wonderful treats and drinks, dressed pet parades and a beauty contest where the dog “queen” and “king” are chosen.
In the mid-1980s, on a Friday night, one of the merchants decided to invite several local bands to the market. The idea was so popular among the townspeople that this tradition carried on until the end of the summer. A few years later, Thursday Night Jazz was added to the program. Surprisingly, this event is free and runs all summer. Therefore, the Farmers Market is not just a place with delicious and organic food. It’s also a place made to enrich oneself spiritually, unwind, meet famous people or become a part of pop, rock, country or jazz culture. In any case, it will undoubtedly be fun!
