Farmers, Gardeners, and Truckmen
Center Market’s exterior was just as bustling and crowded as its interior. Farmers’ wagons, trucks, and automobiles lined the curb outside of the market selling fresh country produce.
For a nominal fee, street vendors, or ‘hucksters,’ could sell wares outside of Center Market. Hucksters’ packed the streets around the market, hawking seasonal goods, greenery, and even preparing food at open-air restaurants.
A Family sells goods out of their wagon on the 'Farmers' Line'
This family sold fresh produce right out of their wagon. They probably lived on a farm in the country and drove the wagon into the city on market days.
Courtesy DC Public Library, Washingtoniana Division
Why are there two pictures? When viewed through a stereoscope, this card displays a three dimensional image!
"Fruits of the sunny south and their buyers, in famous old Centre Market, Washington, U.S.A."
This stereograph card shows shoppers perusing wares at the ‘Farmers Line.’
Hucksters Outside Center Market
Live chicken for sale! Vending offered power and income to marginalized Washingtonians.
Courtesy Special Collections Research Center,
The George Washington University.