The Original Farmers Market

History:-

In the 1880s, Arthur Fremont Gilmore buys a large tract of land in the Los Angeles area on which he runs a successful dairy farm.

the Gilmores, drilling for water, find oil. Gilmore Oil and the A.F. Gilmore Company are off and running. In the 30s, a stadium is built to promote the oil company by hosting sporting events such as open wheel car races.

selling produce to local housewives. Vendors pay 50 cents a day in rent. The idea is so successful that by Fall, Farmers Market has stalls and shops, restaurants and special events. The first Fall Festival is held October 1934 – an annual event that continues to this day.

The Hollywood Stars, owned by real stars such as C.B. DeMille and Barbara Stanwyck, play home games at the field, one of the most intimate professional baseball diamonds ever built. Pre- and post-game meals at the Farmers Market are a hit with baseball fans. Only when the Brooklyn Dodgers move to L.A. in 1958 is the field torn down.

Called The Dell, it expands over the years to include dozens of shops. It is the original home to the taller of two world famous Farmers Market Clock Towers.

In 1948, Gilmore Drive-In opens on Third Street. It offers benches up front so pedestrians can enjoy outdoor movies, too. The Drive-In snack shop features a baby bottle warming station for the first Baby Boomers.

Commerce expands with the opening of Gilmore Bank in 1955. Farmers Market is a celebrity hot spot with special appearances by numerous Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe.

in town, and a favorite with luminaries such as President Eisenhower and The Beatles.

to include more than 120 shops, produce stands and restaurants.

New development continues, including the former site of the Gilmore Drive-In which, in 2002, becomes The Grove, a popular shopping center.

Farmers Market expands, welcoming nearly 20 merchants to the new Market Plaza and North Market.

Season: Year Round

Market Hours:

Sunday-Thursday, 10am-7pm

Friday-Saturday, 10am-8pm

Location: 6333 West 3rd Street