Market Past

It is difficult with precision to ascertain where or when the initial Owen Sound Farmers’ Market began. There exists a number of references in the early history of Owen Sound to a “Market Square”. One of these was at the site of Boyds Wharf, (where the current Bayshore Arena is sited) and another was beside the courthouse (current old courthouse). Yet another places the market in its current location prior to any building for its specific use. These differences may reflect the changes occurring as the newly established community grew and evolved.

The construction of the first Town Hall in 1868 allows us with certainty to establish the market in a specific location. The original town hall was a significant undertaking. The facility included space for municipal activities, a bank, and the lower floors would accommodate market stalls and stores, including an Old Farmers’ Market butcher and a harness maker. Its completion caused the local paper, the Comet, to state; “Our new Market Building is now completed and is a substantial ornament and a credit to the town.” It is interesting to note that this “substantial ornament” would not truly be completed until fifty years later. With many debates, a clock tower was incorporated in the original design of the town hall. However, as a compromise to fiscal constraints, a dummy clock was installed during construction. It was not until 1920, the same year that Owen Sound was granted designation as a city, that a working clock and supporting tower were installed.

Here the market remained until 1936. The weekly market had outgrown its facilities at the city hall, and the need for more municipal offices created an impetus for action. The City undertook to renovate the building the Market now inhabits. Two covered ramps were erected on the north side of the building. Public washrooms were installed. Interior work included quarters for the Board of Health and the Market Caretaker on the second floor. On the first floor, large windows replaced wooden doors creating a bright and airy interior. Inside, specially made tables lined the walls and center to create over 70 individual vendor spaces.

The response of the community to the opening of the remodeled Market on the weekend of August 8th 1936 can be witnessed by the description expressed in the Daily Sun-Times:

“The streets were filled from early in the evening until well after midnight and it was a jovial good natured crowd that thoroughly enjoyed itself. Not only did the city folks turn out in large numbers, but they came from the country by the hundreds, all eager to see what this city had provided in the way of a new market and also to rejoice with the city folks in the fact that there was a real market here at last. It was a gala occasion.”

In just two generations, this grand new beginning had begun to fade and falter. In 1969 the Market entered into what many believed would be a fatal crisis. Changing patterns of purchasing emerged post war, and slowly those interested in the weekly market diminished. A vendor of the period reminisced, “ You could fire a gun from one end of the market to the other and not hit anyone …..You could work all morning and sell only one dozen eggs.”

Faced with apparently lackluster support, an aging building, and an increased demand on space in the downtown, the town council debated the fate of the Farmers’ Market. Move or close the Market, demolish the building, expand parking, were options discussed. The threat of closing the Market became the catalyst for the community to renew its support for this long-standing Saturday activity. The response from citizens and the actions of a dedicated group of vendors resulted in the formation of the Owen Sound and District Market Vendors’ Association. This non profit co-operative association continues into the present having become successful stewards of one of Owen Sound’s premiere historical buildings. The ongoing partnership with the city of Owen Sound has been paramount in this success. No less important, the Market Co-operative continues to provide a vibrant, attractive and economical arena of commerce for local producers and crafters.

We welcome your feedback. Please email your comments to us at manager@owensoundfarmersmarket.ca.