• Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
    • College Sports
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • High School Sports
    • Black Hills High School
    • Capital High School
    • North Thurston High School
    • Northwest Christian High School
    • Olympia High School
    • Pope John Paul II High School
    • Rainier High School
    • River Ridge High School
    • Rochester High School
    • Tenino High School
    • Timberline High School
    • Tumwater High School
    • Yelm High School
    • Rec League
    • Semi-Pro Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Real Estate Broker
      • Residential and Commercial Cleaning
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Cosmetics, Day Spa, and Wigs
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Orthopaedics
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Attorney
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Day Trips
  • COVID-19 LOCAL INFORMATION
Search
Saturday, April 10, 2021
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes
      Evergreen College-Summer-School-Video-Production

      Explore Something New with The Evergreen State College’s Summer School Programs

      SPSCC-Writing-Center-staff-March-2021

      SPSCC’s Writing Center Team Releases Anti-Racism Statement

      History Bigfoot Olympic-Peninsula-Hiking-for-Bigfoot

      Some History on Bigfoot: Thurston County’s Most Mysterious Local

      Merida the Bitless Kristina Lotz

      Merida The Bitless: How A Gypsy Mare Helped Kristina Lotz Get…

  • Sports
    • AllCollege SportsSouth Puget Sound Community CollegeHigh School SportsBlack Hills High SchoolCapital High SchoolNorth Thurston High SchoolNorthwest Christian High SchoolOlympia High SchoolPope John Paul II High SchoolRainier High SchoolRiver Ridge High SchoolRochester High SchoolTenino High SchoolTimberline High SchoolTumwater High SchoolYelm High SchoolRec LeagueSemi-Pro Sports
      Bryce Cerkowniak Yelm-Cross-Country-3

      Bryce Cerkowniak, Yelm High School’s Best Cross Country Runner, Heading to…

      Pope-John-Paul-II-volleyball-1

      Pope John Paul II Volleyball Overcomes Obstacles To Place Second in…

      Capital-Volleyball-Oestreich-and-Nichols-2

      Capital High School’s Oestreich and Nichols Put Finishing Touches on Stellar…

      Sweet-Life-MX-partnership-cbd-david-lando

      Motocross Athletes Aim for the Sweet Life

  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      City-of-Lacey-Food-Truck-Court-Train-Depot

      Lacey’s New Food Truck Court Combines Good Eats, Local History and…

      Where to Eat Oysters in Olympia and Surrounding Area

      Olympia Farmers-Market 2021-csa

      No Fooling, Olympia Farmers Market High Season Returns April 1

      Olympia art Judy-Cook-Friendly-Marmot

      Olympia Artist Judy Cook Creates Beautiful Patterns and Incredible Pieces Through…

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Real Estate Broker
      • Residential and Commercial Cleaning
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Cosmetics, Day Spa, and Wigs
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Orthopaedics
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Attorney
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business
      PSE Green-Power-Solar-Grant-Skagit-Food-Distribution-Center

      How Puget Sound Energy’s $1 Million Green Power Solar Grants Benefit…

      Maid-Perfect-Shower-Chrome

      Make Your Shower Shine with These Deep-Cleaning Tips from Maid Perfect

      Holy-Lamb-beds-Holy-Lamb-Organics

      The Olympia Bed Store is Your New Northwest Wood Source

      Penrose & Associates Physical Therapy Training Reduces Injuries for Landscaping Company

  • History
    • History Bigfoot Olympic-Peninsula-Hiking-for-Bigfoot

      Some History on Bigfoot: Thurston County’s Most Mysterious Local

      Olympia History 1929-Smokestack-wedding-Jackstadt

      A Roaring ’20s Smokestack Wedding at the Port of Olympia

      Washington State Archives

      Take a Day Trip to Visit Oregon Trail Markers in Thurston…

      Puget Sound History Swantown-Marina-Downtown-Olympia

      A Brief History of Olympia’s Puget Sound

      Montgomery-Ward-olympia-Thomas-Architecture-Studios

      The Montgomery Ward Building Downtown Gets Another Chance to Serve Olympians

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • Mission Nonprofit Spotlight: Rebuilding Together Thurston County

      great pyrs rescue muffy and Barbie

      Locals with Big Hearts Save Giant Dogs Through Great Pyrs &…

      South-Puget-Sound-Community-College-Food-Pantry-Volunteers

      The SPSCC Food Pantry Provides Groceries and Other Necessities To Students…

      mission nonprofit hawk foundation

      Mission Nonprofit Spotlight: The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in…

      mission nonprofit BLAST

      Mission Nonprofit Spotlight Black Leaders in Action & Solidarity Thurston

  • LocalTalk
    • Thurston County Scenic Olympia Capital

      Inslee Updates Healthy Washington Criteria for County Phases

      Thurston County Ranks 8th Healthiest in State

      Thurston County Scenic Olympia Capital

      2021 Thurston County Rent Assistance Opened April 7

      Meet SPSCC’s 2021 All-Washington Scholars

      SOGO May Concert Megan Wakefield 2

      Olympia Symphony Scholarship Program Announced

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston
      Ballad scan

      Thrifty Thurston Reads a Book By Local Thurston County Authors

      Olympia-Pinball-Museum-Interior

      Visit the Olympia Pinball Museum for Hands on Fun the Whole…

      Brewery-Park-Tumwater-park-scene

      Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls Reopens April 1

      Thrifty-Thurston-Board-Games-Olympia-Captain-Little

      Thrifty Thurston Beats Boredom with Board Games

  • Events
    • providence advance directives

      Planning for the future? Providence Reminds You That April 16 Is…

      Pizza Klatch Gayla Students at Gayla Feb 2020

      Have Out of This World Fun at This Year’s Virtual Pizza…

      TCPAL Coach Lydell Spry Olympia renovation demonstratrion practice

      Thurston County Police Athletic League Surprises Coach Spry with Gym Renovations

      OBlarneys-St-Patricks-Day-event-celebrate

      Find St. Patty’s Gold at O’Blarney’s Irish Pub in Lacey on…

      City of Lacey Cultural Celebration Ethnic Celebration 132

      Share in the Region’s Diverse Culture and Cuisine at the 2021…

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Day Trips
  • COVID-19 LOCAL INFORMATION
Home Don't Miss Olympia Farmers Market – 170 Years of History

Olympia Farmers Market – 170 Years of History

By
Bob Partlow
Facebook484Tweet0Pin0

The first farmers market began in downtown Olympia 170 years ago. The spot at Legion Way and Water Street was not called that in 1847, of course, and the Indian gathering and trading spot had existed long before the first white settlers in the area began trading.

But, that first informal trading area laid the foundation for what eventually became the current bustling market at the foot of Capitol Way, said Olympia Farmers Market historian and vendor, Steve Wilcox, who spins out a mesmerizing, generations-long tale of politics, development and intrigue leading to today’s market. Wilcox, 72, grew up in New Jersey and joined the federal Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program in the late 1960s, eventually landing in Olympia.

Despite the many twists and turns, and 25 years of hiatus, “the idea never died,” Wilcox says.

olympia farmers market
Steve Wilcox, Olymipa Farmers Market historian, holds a sign from 1930 when the market was located at Legion Way and Water Street. Photo credit: Bob Partlow.

The Indian village became a larger community, and the site grew as farmers and fishers hauled their goods by boat to the site. Other development in the area included George Mottman’s first store at 4th and Capitol Way and city hall and a fire station one block away. Other businesses grew along “Little Hollywood.”

In the 1800s, railroads were voraciously gobbling up land in the west, some of which was then sold to farmers on the condition their crops be sold through the railroad or one of its agents.

That did not affect the local market, but it did provide impetus for the progressive political movement of the late 1800s to successfully lobby for a state law allowing city governments to own and operate farmers’ markets and cold storage facilities.

In the first decade of the 1900s, the City of Olympia did just that. “What had become an informal market turned into a more formal market” that endured, Wilcox says. A picture hanging in the current Olympia Farmers Market office shows the structure of the building in 1930.

olympia farmers market history
This structure is all that remains from the mid-1970s rebirth of the Olympia Farmers Market. It was built in one day in a “barn-raising”-type effort, said Steve Wilcox. It is part of property at 24th and Crestline. Photo credit: Bob Partlow.

A number of factors caused that business model to collapse, Wilcox says. The factors influencing the market included the beginning of supermarkets, a farm labor force depleted by World War II and the beginning of huge farms growing through irrigation provided by power from the Bonneville Dam. The city and local business leaders also wanted the land for a park.

“The market was considered old-fashioned,” Wilcox says. “The city turned its back on it.”

In about 1947, the local farmers’ market system became dormant and remained that way until the early 1970s, when Wilcox and others began a rebirth so those who farmed and fished could bring quality local goods to a central location.

Over the next several years, many food co-op and farmers’ market-type systems were attempted, including one by a group of gay women and another called the “Olympia Food Conspiracy Co-op.” The “conspiracy” moniker was borrowed from Berkeley, CA, and other places. Wilcox chuckles, “You have to remember the times.”

All the energy and passion eventually paid off.

olympia farmers market
This plaque, on the site of the current Olympia Farmers Market, commemorates the partnership that led to the market being built. Photo credit: Bob Partlow.

“In 1974, there was a grassroots revival” of the farmers’ market idea, Wilcox says. A local produce seller named Mary Towne used $500 from her sales as seed money for a new farmers’ market. Old timers remembered the old market and they led the renewal.

At first, it was located at Sleater-Kinney and Pacific. But, according to Wilcox, a strong feeling existed among some board members that “they wanted to go back to the waterfront in Olympia. They were reclaiming their old territory, and they did it with an attitude.”

They planted the market on the old Legion Way site in 1976-77, until a city official forced a move, saying they would ruin the grass. The next home was across from the old Olympia City Hall on Plum Street. Development desires by the landlord required another move to the old Yardbirds location near Gardner’s Restaurant in 1984.

That land was later marked for other development, so in 1995, the market board decided they wanted to have a public partnership, “where we would not be subject to private owners wanting to do something else with the property we were on,” Wilcox said.

olympia farmers market
Shoppers enjoy a bustling day at the Olympia Farmers Market in downtown Olympia. Photo credit: Bob Partlow.

The Port of Olympia, the City of Olympia and the Olympia Farmers Market came together in 1996.

Now, on open days, about 2,000 people come through the market to visit the 120 vendors, who include sellers of produce and seafood, food processers, crafters and artists, food vendors and musicians.

The market has created a community gathering place similar to that of 170 years ago, sustained in large part by an intangible relationship between the vendors and the community and providing quality local goods sold by local people.

“What the market has going for it is a sense of trust that exists between the grower and the buyer,” Wilcox says.

 

Visit the Olympia Farmers Market at 700 Capitol Way N. in downtown Olympia. Hours and directions to the Olympia Farmers Market can be found here.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Facebook484Tweet0Pin0
Previous articleOlympia Federal Savings Named a Top 5 Company to Work for in Washington
Next articleTools of the Trade Scholarships for SPSCC Students
Bob Partlow

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Kelly-Wilson-all kids win Granddaughter

People in Public Service: Kelly Wilson Makes a Difference for Homeless Youth With All Kids Win

Thurston-County-Public-Health-covid vaccine-drive-through-clinic

Thurston County Public Health’s Herculean COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out

History Bigfoot Olympic-Peninsula-Hiking-for-Bigfoot

Some History on Bigfoot: Thurston County’s Most Mysterious Local

Upcoming Events

Apr
10
Sat
all-day Clue: The Stay At Home Version p... @ Online
Clue: The Stay At Home Version p... @ Online
Apr 10 all-day
Clue: The Stay At Home Version presented by Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre @ Online
This is a unique, fully-virtual theatre experience. So, snuggle up in your PJ’s, grab your popcorn, and enjoy the show from the comfort of your own home! Tickets on sale through Broadway On Demand for[...]
all-day Registration Closes April 30th f... @ Pioneer Park
Registration Closes April 30th f... @ Pioneer Park
Apr 10 all-day
Registration Closes April 30th for Tumwater's Adult Cornhole League @ Pioneer Park
Join us this spring for the inaugural Tumwater Adult Cornhole league. That’s right, the popular lawn game has turned into a league. This self-officiated, recreational league, will consist of 5 weeks of play, 45-minute matches[...]
all-day Thurston’s Hunger Walk @ Thurston's Virtual Hunger Walk
Thurston’s Hunger Walk @ Thurston's Virtual Hunger Walk
Apr 10 all-day
Thurston's Hunger Walk @ Thurston's Virtual Hunger Walk
Step up and help your hungry neighbors by donating before Monday, May 3rd to Thurston’s Virtual Hunger Walk today. Visit – www.ThurstonHungerWalk.com. Join one of about thirty teams. All donations equally benefit Thurston County Food[...]
all-day Thurston’s Hunger Walk @ ONLINE
Thurston’s Hunger Walk @ ONLINE
Apr 10 all-day
Thurston’s Hunger Walk @ ONLINE
From now to May 2nd, 2021, visit our fundraising page to donate to this great cause. www.thurstonhungerwalk.com OR send a check to The Community Kitchen, P.O. Box 1104, Olympia, WA 98507 LET’S CARE ABOUT EACH[...]
Apr
11
Sun
all-day Clue: The Stay At Home Version p... @ Online
Clue: The Stay At Home Version p... @ Online
Apr 11 all-day
Clue: The Stay At Home Version presented by Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre @ Online
This is a unique, fully-virtual theatre experience. So, snuggle up in your PJ’s, grab your popcorn, and enjoy the show from the comfort of your own home! Tickets on sale through Broadway On Demand for[...]
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

PSE Green-Power-Solar-Grant-Skagit-Food-Distribution-Center

How Puget Sound Energy’s $1 Million Green Power Solar Grants Benefit...

In the energy sector, you might say that green is the new black. Customer demand for renewable energy has been increasing every year and...
Maid-Perfect-Shower-Chrome

Make Your Shower Shine with These Deep-Cleaning Tips from Maid Perfect

Holy-Lamb-beds-Holy-Lamb-Organics

The Olympia Bed Store is Your New Northwest Wood Source

Penrose & Associates Physical Therapy Training Reduces Injuries for Landscaping Company

Lacey-Chamber-Cheryl-Sparkuhl

Humor and Initiative Define Cheryl Sparkuhl’s Tenure with Lacey Chamber of...

Trending Now

Thurston-County-Public-Health-covid vaccine-drive-through-clinic

Thurston County Public Health’s Herculean COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out

City-of-Lacey-Food-Truck-Court-Train-Depot

Lacey’s New Food Truck Court Combines Good Eats, Local History and...

Maid-Perfect-Shower-Chrome

Make Your Shower Shine with These Deep-Cleaning Tips from Maid Perfect

Editor Picks

Thurston-County-Public-Health-covid vaccine-drive-through-clinic

Thurston County Public Health’s Herculean COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out

City-of-Lacey-Food-Truck-Court-Train-Depot

Lacey’s New Food Truck Court Combines Good Eats, Local History and...

Where to Eat Oysters in Olympia and Surrounding Area

Recent Posts

  • People in Public Service: Kelly Wilson Makes a Difference for Homeless Youth With All Kids Win
  • Inslee Updates Healthy Washington Criteria for County Phases
  • How Puget Sound Energy’s $1 Million Green Power Solar Grants Benefit Two Thurston County Organizations
  • Make Your Shower Shine with These Deep-Cleaning Tips from Maid Perfect
  • Thurston County Public Health’s Herculean COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.