Central Market marks nearly 300 years as America’s oldest farmers market
By Lori Burkholder
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LANCASTER, Pennsylvania (WGAL) — Lancaster Central Market in Pennsylvania, the oldest continuously operated farmers market in the United States, has been a cornerstone of community life for nearly 300 years.
“The history of Lancaster Central Market goes back almost 300 years,” said Melissa Ressler, executive director of the market.
Founded in 1730 on land donated by Anne and Andrew Hamilton, the market began as a 120-square-foot outdoor mobile market where produce was sold from wagons and horseback. In 1889, the current market house was built in just six months, and it continues to welcome thousands of visitors each week.
“What has been so special about this is how the market has continued to be a central part of this community,” Ressler said.
One of the oldest stands at the market is Groff’s Farms, operated by four generations of the Groff family.
“It’s four generations that we are working here. We get to work with our grandchildren and the farm,” said Earl Groff.
For over 70 years, the Groff family has sold produce grown on their farm at the market.
“We’ve been coming since my grandmother, my grandmother’s mother came. It’s a tradition,” said Cindy Holden, a customer.
“It’s wonderful. It keeps changing, but we’re glad for all the people who keep coming back,” Groff added.
Just around the corner, another piece of Lancaster history thrives at Long’s Horseradish, a business that began in the 1900s with a pushcart brought over by the founder’s ancestor.
“It was started in the 1900s when the first ancestor came over and he had a pushcart,” said Kathleen Stoltzfus, owner of Long’s Horseradish.
The business still uses equipment that is more than a century old.
“It works well, so why change it,” Stoltzfus said.
“Every step of the way, it’s done by hand,” she added.
“The fresher you get it, the better it tastes,” Stoltzfus said.
“It’s delicious. You can’t find it anywhere else,” said customer Kathy Speitel.
As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, Lancaster Central Market serves as a reminder that America’s story isn’t just found in monuments and museums but in places where generations gather, businesses are supported, and traditions are passed down.
“It’s mind-boggling to think about how steady this location has been to predate our country’s history,” Ressler said.
Lancaster Central Market will celebrate its official 300th anniversary in 2030.
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