Souvenirs from the Original Farmers Market

The Original Farmers Market is a historic landmark and tourist attraction that has been operating out of central LA since 1934. Before the land was developed it began as a 256-acre dairy farm in 1880. 20 years later the property owner, A.F. Gilmore, struck oil beneath the surface and the farm was replaced by an oil field. Oil derricks drained the site up until LA expanded and surrounded the field. The machinery was no longer permitted and the plot was left vacant into the 1930’s.

Fred Beck and Roger Dahlhjelm saw the empty land as an opportunity. They wanted to build a village where local farmers could sell their fresh produce directly to the public. Gilmore agreed to the plan, and the Original Farmers Market opened its doors on July 14, 1934.

Some months after it opened, farmers, restaurants, and grocers started to move into permanent stalls. The market's success was due in part to its convenient location, its wide variety of vendors, and its affordable prices. Parking lots were built as more cars took to the road. In 1952, CBS bought a portion of the property to build the first television studio on the west coast. The market became a hotspot for celebrities due to its proximity to the studios.

Today, the market is home to over 100 local vendors. It’s also a popular venue for concerts, festivals, and cooking demonstrations. Unlike most farmers markets, this one is open 7 days a week.

The market is a place where tourists and locals mix. The corridors swim with people and flow in every direction. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of vendors. The sounds of laughter, conversation, and music fill the space. There’s no shortage of seats to sit and relax. There are wild flowers, fresh produce, and delicious food everywhere you look. The atmosphere is electric.

It's a place to taste new cuisines and hang out with close friends. People from all over the world come together to shop, eat, and enjoy each other's company. You can find food from every corner of the globe, and you're sure to meet people from all walks of life.