Pike Place Market

History of Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is Seattle's first and largest farmers' market, operating since 1907. At a time when farmers could not recoup their costs, the market was a way to connect them directly with buyers, by eliminating the middlemen. Every day, thousands of city dwellers come to pick up flowers for their birthday, buy fresh food, or meet friends to relax after work.

Pike Place Market is full of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. There are also fish and butcher shops, flower shops, bakeries, dairy and specialty food vendors, and a wide selection of restaurants.

But what really makes the market so special? These are far from fruits and vegetables...

At the turn of the century Seattle was a fast growing city. The population was accustomed to mining gold, harvesting forests, fishing and trading, therefore the demand for products and goods from neighboring urban farms grew. Since 1890, the city's population has doubled in ten years, increasing from 42 to 80 thousand citizens.

Farmers brought their vegetables, fruits, milk, eggs and meat to the city using horse carts and ferries from the nearby islands. The goods were bought by wholesalers who sold goods for a commission in warehouses. Under such a system, farmers sometimes made a profit, but more and more often lost money.

Later on, product prices skyrocketed, and citizens became angry about price gouging. The noise prompted a local official to come up with a solution. In the summer of 1907, Seattle City Councilor Thomas Revell proposed that the city create a public marketplace where farmers and consumers could meet and trade directly, bypassing wholesalers.

On the opening day of August 17, 1907, crowds of shoppers in search of fresh produce poured into the new market. One farmer even sold out his product in minutes. Within three months, the market had grown to 76 stalls, and by 1922 had expanded to 11 buildings on nine acres near the Seattle waterfront.

By the 60s, Pike Place Market was devastated, with the aftermath of World War II. The fact is that among the sellers, two-thirds were Japanese, and after order No. 9066 they were sent to the camps. Fortunately, the architect and activist Viktor Steinbrück and his associates successfully campaigned to create the historic quarter that saved the market. Offices and parking lots couldn't move it.

Today there are over 500 shops, restaurants and bars. In 2017, the market expanded, bringing in additional outdoor space for sellers.

What to see on the market

Exploring the shops at Pike Place Market can take an entire day. There are over 200 artisans in the market selling everything from homemade soap to handmade ceramics. All of them will be happy to talk about their work.

Pike Place also known for its endless rows of flower stands, and a lush bouquet will cost only $10. You will find a variety of shops selling vintage posters and magazines as well as pop culture items, from lightsabers to rare comics.

During a walk or excursion, you will see:

• the Sur La Table grocery store, as well as the Made in Washington gift shop;
• Metsker Maps of Seattle is a travel and geography shop with maps, local topography books and guides;
• nearby is So Much Yarn, a yarn and knitting department store;
• Along West Avenue, explore Ugly Baby and La Ru and The Paper Feather boutiques for quirky gifts and handmade paper products for friends;
• if you want to eat outdoors, buy fresh fruit with special cheeses and cold cuts from DeLaurenti, and nearby you will find a place under the surprisingly familiar name — Piroshky Piroshky. Yes, don't be surprised, they sell Russian pastries here;
• After a bite to eat, drink one of 16 beers at Old Stove Brewing Co.