Hidden History: Remains of the original site of the 1955 State Farmers Market
For over 60 years, the State Farmers Market has been far more than an easy way for locals to get fresh produce – it's been a hub for growing simple childhood memories rooted in North Carolina culture.
Some locals remember the State Farmers Market's first location, down U.S. Highway 1 on Hodges St. – back in the days when Mr. Peanut still waved at cars driving through downtown Raleigh, just down the road from The Forest Drive-In. Some remember seeing vegetables from the market float down Old Wake Forest Road after heavy rainstorms flooded the nearby Crabtree Creek.
In those days, locals recall shucking peas until their thumbs were sore and spitting watermelon seeds for the market's Fourth of July competition. Although the State Farmers Market changed locations by the 1990s, many of those memories and traditions have been kept alive because of the North Carolina farmers, businesses, restaurants and people who keep the same flavors returning year after year.
That's likely why the State Farmers Market won the 2019 WRAL Voter's Choice Award for Best Produce.
Some of the old Farmers Market buildings from the original location are still standing today. The buildings are being used by the state – but like a memory that refuses to disappear, they still bear lettering and images from the original market, barely visible after decades of fading.
The origins of the State Farmers Market
Prior to WWII, most North Carolina farmers sold their produce at various stands, with no central location for congregating and connecting with the community.
The State Farmers Market Restaurant shared some of the market's history on their website, writing that "in 1955 the very first State Farmers Market was constructed on a 17-acre site by a private developer."
The establishment of the State Farmers Market led to an increase in the volume of fruits and vegetables grown in Eastern and Central North Carolina, according to an N&O article written in the 1960s. Having a centralized location for all farmers to sell their products and connect directly with the public provided a major boost to local farms.
"By the mid 1970s, the old State Farmers Market had grown beyond its capacity and had become unable to accommodate the swelling number of sellers and buyers," according to the State Farmers Market Restaurant.
The NCDA dairy farm near Dorothea Dix Hospital was chosen as the new site, offering easy access to I-40 and plenty of space for growth. While many locals express nostalgia for the original location, the State Farmers Market's more central location is no doubt more accessible and central as Raleigh has continued to grow and expand.
Peaches, butter beans and childhood memories
In the summertime, the State Farmers Market meant sweet summer peaches. In December, it meant chilly trips to pick the perfect Christmas tree.
Generations of locals have built memories at the State Farmers Market. After all, there's no better seasoning for fresh produce than savory childhood memories and sweet nostalgia.
"My grandparents shopped at the original Farmer’s Market. Gramp made the best fresh corn. He used silver queen and cooked it with cream and butter. We used to help shuck and then watch him cut it off the cobb," said Carla Bass, who shared her own childhood memories from the market.
Susan Skidmore remembered riding in the back seat of a white, 1960s era Chevrolet with the windows down and no air conditioner, "peeling and picking" the butter beans. "Field peas turned your fingers purple," she said.
She wasn't the only one who remembered shelling butter beans and peas. Joe Tucker said, "I was so excited to show my grandfather a machine that shelled butter beans – alas, no more sore thumbs!"
But his grandfather laughingly responded, "I don't need that, I have grandkids!"
Just as many locals have treasured memories of spending afternoons with their grandparents at the State Farmers Market, many locals are also sharing the experience with a new generation.
"My mother used to take me a few times a week before I started kindergarten. As I got older we still went a couple times a month, and it was a wonderful excursion in the summer time. I'll never forget what it was like to see the crowds when I was a little girl during the Watermelon Festival. I love taking my own children now," said Laura Elizabeth.
Even business-owners at the State Farmers Market have grown generations of traditions. Matt Jones, whose family has owned Jones Fruit and Produce since the market was on Hodges Street, remembers when his uncle let him drive the forklift with him as a kid.
"It was great watching my son do the same thing for the first time a few years ago," he said.
Good old-fashioned North Carolina traditions
The State Farmers Market still holds down local traditions, with the new generation of children growing their own happy memories.
And while many people remember the old watermelon seed-spitting contests and fresh summer peaches from decades ago, the market still offers Watermelon Days, with contests for largest watermelon, free samples and a visit with the Watermelon Queen.
They also hold summer events like Blueberry Day, featuring enough samples of blueberries and blueberry ice cream to stain your fingertips blue.
Likewise, some locals recall an autumn tradition of stuffing themselves silly with fresh seafood after shopping for Christmas trees on the weekend after Thanksgiving.
In autumn, the selection of pumpkins, gourds, and assorted apples and ciders still draw parents and kids to the State Farmers Market for a new generation of memories and traditions.
And true to their heritage, the State Farmers Market still celebrates their fresh peaches on Peach Day, with samples of NC peaches and a peach dessert contest.
"I still think back to the State Farmers Market when it was located near Capital Blvd. whenever I smell fresh peaches," said Travis Tarrant.
Those homegrown Carolina memories are the ones that last a lifetime.
Explore remains of the old, original State Farmers Market site
