Saturday, March 19, 2016

"Meet Me at Third and Fairfax"

 
L.A. landmark: Farmers Market clock tower
 
The L.A. City Historical Society hosted a special members-only tour of the Original Farmers Market yesterday. We were there, even though we've been to (what we call) "the Farmers"—one of our favorite L.A. haunts—a million times.

Since it was an historical society tour, the emphasis was on the history of the market, some of which I never knew or had long forgotten. For instance, I never knew the Gilmores—who owned and developed the land over 100 years ago—were originally dairy farmers. While drilling for water, they struck oil and immediately sold the cows! Soon after, Gilmore became the largest distributor of gasoline, west of the Mississippi, with some 3500 Gilmore gas stations servicing three states. The family built a stadium, a drive-in theater, and Gilmore bank on the surrounding land—all of which are now distant memories. But the market, created in 1934, has survived and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in L.A. We love it.

If you visit Farmers Market, be sure to look for the exhibits displayed throughout, chronicling the history of the area. You'll leave with a whole new appreciation of Los Angeles.

 
Replica of Gilmore gas station at the Market

 
Gasoline is clear, so Gilmore
added dye to give his fuel color

 
Gilmore mascot atop the gas station

 
Can't leave the Market without a Dupars pie!

 
And, of course, locally-grown produce

 
Can you find us enjoying some late lunch?

 
CBS Television City, the west coast's first TV studio, 
now sits where the old Gilmore stadium stood

Great video about the history of Farmers Market

2 comments:

Suzanne said...

As I read your blogs I sometimes wish I still lived in L A.

Cyn said...

I wish you still lived here, too!