Columbus Public Markets Annual Report   Save
Ohio History Connection
Description: Prior to the development of large supermarkets, public markets allowed city residents to purchase a wide variety of fresh foods and provided farmers with outlets for their products. Charles E. Reinhard, superintendent of markets for the city of Columbus, prepared this annual report on the four market houses owned by the city in 1914. The report contains statistics on expenses and income and information about hygiene standards. Photographs show exterior views of the markets in the central, north, east, and west parts of the city and interior views of the Central Market House. The pamphlet is 14 pages in length and measures 5.8 by 8.9 inches (14.73 by 22.60 cm). The report indicates that there were a total of 554 stalls and stands in the four markets. Of those, 238, or more than 40%, were rented by meat sellers. Fruit and vegetable retailers were also numerous, accounting for 206 stands or stalls. Other vendors sold baked goods, butter, eggs, cheese, fish, poultry, honey, horseradish, hominy, and flowers. The markets employed 2,400 people. Columbus was incorporated in 1834. Not long after, the first city market was established in the block bounded by State, Town, Pearl, and Front streets. It moved in 1850 to Fourth Street between and Town and Rich streets; for a time the building also housed city hall. It was demolished in 1966; a bus station now stands on the site. By 1914, there were three more markets. The North Market on Spruce Street was built in 1876. The original building burned down in 1948 and was replaced by a war-surplus Quonset hut. It is the only market still in business. In 1947, fire destroyed the East End Market House on Mt. Vernon Avenue. The West End Market House was located on South Gift Street. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: Om1901_1980786_004
Subjects: Ohio Government; Business and Labor; Architecture; Daily Life; Markets; Municipal government
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)