Pikes Place Market Seattle

#PikesPlace_Market_Seattle

Pikes Market (named after the street) is the oldest Farmers Market (1907) in the United States
 It was saved from demolition in 1969 with a strong public movement which eventually lead to its designation as a historical district

KeyTip
There is no admission fee as you walk through the nine acre area
 With a vehicle, the market has its own parking garage starting at $6.00 per hour 

 

 
The market idea basically got its start as the price of goods kept rising, but the farmers and other producers did not see any of those profits plus the locals were angry with the higher costs
So a local Councilman identified an ordinance in the City bi-law giving Seattle authority to set aside land for Public Markets, so then the vendors could sell directly to the paying customers thus eliminating the "middle man" 

Beginnings
Thus in 1910 the first permanent building called the Sanitary Market was built with additional stalls being added later
Also local entrepreneur Frank Goodwin got things more organized and also constructed many of the permanent structures, which a few are still standing today

Early Challenges
 During World War 11 when the Japanese American farmers were incarcerated, it impacted the market as many businesses and stands were lost
In the 1950s and 1960s with the rise of supermarkets, the market fell into disrepair with a lack of customers

Modern Era
Then in 1971 a public campaign  was started to save the Market, plus to invest capital into it which lead to the forming of The Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority which still manages it today 

Mannings was the first Coffee Bar to open in the 1908 at the market then in 1971 Starbucks launched, which in the beginning was selling only whole beans, spices and teas.
Then it all changed (for all of us 😉) in 1984 as it started serving espresso based drinks

Then in 2008 (to honor its beginnings) Starbucks released the Pike Place Roast 

Three Girls Bakery

It was the first ever business to be licensed to women in Seattle that opened in 1912 and it still operates at the market today
This was during those times that women were fighting for their rights as humans; 
 be able to vote, own and manage property in their name plus birth control and reproductive rights

For those humble beginnings the Market has now over 500 Independent Operated Businesses plus has expanded and includes 450 residents in affordable housing, thus showing off its philanthropic roots through its Pike Place Market Foundation
With that organization it also manages social services with a free clinic plus a senior center which is a commitment to be a resource to its community and not just a marketplace

The "flying fish" is a tradition here since the 1930s as it is tossed when a customer makes a purchase from the front counter to the back to be wrapped and prepared
It started out as for efficiency purposes but has evolved into entertainment, which can be seen on webcams now if you cannot be here in person

Magnificent Seven Public Markets

Its an International Alliance that shares its knowledge and collaborates on sustainability to  preserve their operations as cultural landmarks
I have highlighted a few; La Bogueria in Barcelona Spain, Sydney Fish Market Australia, Markthalle Neun Berlin Germany and Borough Market London England  

From my City of Halifax and its Farmers Market which is the oldest continuously operating trading center in North America

 It was established by Royal Proclamation in 1750 by Governor Edward Cornwallis to ensure a supply of fresh food for the colony that was founded just one year earlier
To present day as it still operates with over 100 vendors offering a wide range of local produce, baked goods, artisanal crafts and international foods while still retaining its historical connection to the area