Berlin Farmers' Mart Vendors---Inside
This place has been a part of my shopping experience going back almost 60 years. We used to call it the Berlin Auction. I remember going there on Sunday afternoons long before there were any malls or discount stores. Back then there were the "blue laws" and many stores were not open on Sundays----hmm-mm? Ok, I am questioning that in my mind. So I did some online researching. I did not come up with anything to confirm my memory that the auction was open on Sundays back in the late fifties and sixties. I remember being told that the Jewish owners had stores in Philadelphia that were closed on Sundays and Wednesdays so that enabled them to open at the Berlin site on Sundays. For many years there was no real auction activity at the Berlin Farmers' Mart but it seems that they do have a weekly auction now.
My new companion:
In general it was much the same as it is now. They still have a butcher shop and though the meats look great, I never remember my family purchasing any meat from there. Gone is the leather shop where you could have a pair of shoes made from the hide of your choice. One of my favorites was the cut-rate magazine shop with piles of National Geographic Magazines, Mad magazines and just about every other popular magazine. They still sell magazines but the offerings are not as good as I remember. All of the covers had a part slashed off. I am quite sure they had at least two fabric shops back in the day when sewing was done by just about every woman. There is still a dress shop that features beautiful white communion dresses and spiffy Sunday going-to-church outfits.
The most popular stop used to be Danny Mertz's store. This store with narrow aisles had a raucous atmosphere when Danny was there during peak shopping hours. All types of household supplies were available but I think the perfume section was the big draw. My friend says that an employee shared that Danny was a very kind and generous soul but in the store he was prone to cursing and generally sounding very harsh to all. When Danny passed away a few years ago the store continued. I was not that familiar with the personalities that worked there but my friend mentioned Lois, Carl, Tommy, and Johnny. Please leave comments or email me if you can add or correct my description here.
On this particular day I chatted with two owners with engaging personalities who owned stores. The fellow owned a vintage record shop with musical instruments. Since my grandson is a young drummer he must have a good sense of rhythm. So I spied an old time spoon instrument that he might like. Old time country musicians used to get two spoons clacking to get the rhythm going. This instrument had the two spoons bonded together in the proper configuration. The owner asked if I knew how to play them and I said, no, but that I knew a woman who was quite talented playing the "spoons". I mentioned that she was related to the Jersey Devil. So he immediately asked me if she was a Leeds and I responded, "Yes, she certainly was!" The woman happens to be my husband's cousin. As we talked I found out that he lives in Sweetwater, NJ----not far from me.
The other owner had a open an airy shop which featured two commercial-duty sewing machines. Although this lady offered basic tailoring services this seamstress was extremely creative and her works of art seem to be hanging everywhere. She showed me a 60's era fur-trimmed coat that was re-lined with a snazzy fabric. Another creation was a summer dress made from a patchwork design of colorful bandannas.
Today you will find a barber shop, a jeweler, a pet store, an auto parts shop, a fabric shop, a music shop, a candy store, a produce store, a butcher shop, dress shop, a wig shop, a spice and sauce shop, a magazine shop, a couple of eateries, an airbrush artist, and a furniture store with ornate vintage reproductions. Other than a purchase of corn nuts my son did not make any purchases but he may be interested in a samurai sword in the future. I purchased a few sewing notions and some fabric samples and a rustic birdhouse.
Also, with today's sensibilities for our handicapped population there has been one feature that has disappeared. Maybe some will not remember when handicapped individuals would stay in the halls getting donations because of their affliction. I remember it was difficult as a child to see that.
The cement floors are the same as the ones from 60 years ago, stains and all but that is not a problem for me. On another review they were a bit critical of the restrooms. I found the restrooms to be very clean with an attendant on duty sitting in the ladies' room. You are not going to find wonderful bargains but the unique shopping experience continues and I hope it goes on for another 60 years. The market was started in 1940 by a family name Giberson---a name that goes way back in Piney history.
Are you into texture? :
This year's sampling of gaudy belts:
Many rave about this store. Probably the best selection anywhere in the area:
Plenty of camouflage outfits at this "mall":
I have a thing for this 70 dollar head:
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Vintage house dress?
Going to church in style:
Bold and Beautiful:
Get some respect with these medals:
Imaginary threesome:
Seems to have a Middle Eastern influence in this portrait:
Prismatic beauty:
Grandmom would like these:
Not a fan of Scarface but I am a Pacino fan:
Four hundred dollars for a ferret:
We had mice for pets along with hog-nosed snakes and a kitten:
Put your soldering skills to work:
We hope to return soon on a day when the flea market is open.
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