Jim_Auchinleck
Reading Terminal Market
This is by way of introduction to an upcoming series of photos I will be posting from a recent visit to the market.
Reading Terminal Market - America's oldest farmers' market
The Reading Terminal Market, established in 1892 at 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, is the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. Through its long and interesting history, it has seen times both good and bad, but has emerged in the 21st century as one of the greatest public markets in the country.
When you visit the market, you can enjoy eating virtually every type of cuisine, from sublime soul food and exquisite Asian and Middle Eastern dishes to authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare — all available from largely family-run stands.
Why a Reading market in Philadelphia you ask - - -
In 1889, the Reading Railroad decided to build a train depot, passenger station, and company headquarters on the corner of 12th and Market Streets. The move came eight years after the Pennsylvania Railroad opened its Broad Street Station several blocks away at 15th and Market Streets, and one year after the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad opened its 24th Street Station at 24th and Chestnut Streets.
The chosen location was occupied by an open-air market that had been in continuous operation since 1653. After loud complaints and much negotiation, the Railroad agreed to purchase the markets for $1 million and move them to a new structure: the Reading Terminal Market, located to the rear of the headhouse at 12th and Filbert Streets. This required the trainshed and all of its tracks to be constructed one story above street level, with the Reading Viaduct to bring trains in and out.
Reading Terminal served the railroad's inter-city and regional rail trains, many of which are still running as part of the SEPTA Regional Rail system that connects Center City with outlying neighborhoods and suburbs, especially to the north. Daily traffic peaked during World War II with up to 45,000 daily passengers, then declined in the 1950s with the advance of road and air travel. The terminal buildings declined with the railroad's fortunes as maintenance budgets were cut. The Reading declared bankruptcy on November 23, 1971.
The shed was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
It now houses some of the Pennsylvania Convention Center facilities.
Reading Terminal Market
This is by way of introduction to an upcoming series of photos I will be posting from a recent visit to the market.
Reading Terminal Market - America's oldest farmers' market
The Reading Terminal Market, established in 1892 at 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, is the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. Through its long and interesting history, it has seen times both good and bad, but has emerged in the 21st century as one of the greatest public markets in the country.
When you visit the market, you can enjoy eating virtually every type of cuisine, from sublime soul food and exquisite Asian and Middle Eastern dishes to authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare — all available from largely family-run stands.
Why a Reading market in Philadelphia you ask - - -
In 1889, the Reading Railroad decided to build a train depot, passenger station, and company headquarters on the corner of 12th and Market Streets. The move came eight years after the Pennsylvania Railroad opened its Broad Street Station several blocks away at 15th and Market Streets, and one year after the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad opened its 24th Street Station at 24th and Chestnut Streets.
The chosen location was occupied by an open-air market that had been in continuous operation since 1653. After loud complaints and much negotiation, the Railroad agreed to purchase the markets for $1 million and move them to a new structure: the Reading Terminal Market, located to the rear of the headhouse at 12th and Filbert Streets. This required the trainshed and all of its tracks to be constructed one story above street level, with the Reading Viaduct to bring trains in and out.
Reading Terminal served the railroad's inter-city and regional rail trains, many of which are still running as part of the SEPTA Regional Rail system that connects Center City with outlying neighborhoods and suburbs, especially to the north. Daily traffic peaked during World War II with up to 45,000 daily passengers, then declined in the 1950s with the advance of road and air travel. The terminal buildings declined with the railroad's fortunes as maintenance budgets were cut. The Reading declared bankruptcy on November 23, 1971.
The shed was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
It now houses some of the Pennsylvania Convention Center facilities.