The "Oldest Single Family Run Country Market In Lancaster County" Story

 It's been close to 70 years since I made my first trip to Root's with my Grandpap and I never tire of walking around the market, just watching the many stand-holders as well as all the customers of the market.  Roots Market is the oldest single family run country market in Lancaster County.  It was back in 1925 that Abraham Witmer "AW" Root began the market as a poultry auction.  

One of the oldest buildings on the property.

When he became too old to handle the duties, he passed the business on to his three children.  Today the business is handled by members of the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations of the Root family.  At this point in my story, I guess I should correct your pronunciation of the word Roots.  It is not pronounced like the part of a plant that delivers water and minerals to the rest of the plant, but like the word that rhymes with "Puts".  Got that now?  There's something for just about everyone at Root's which is only open on Tuesday, rain or shine.  

One of the many outdoor stands.

Today they feature fresh meats, deli items, bakery items, flowers, handmade crafts, antiques, crafts, jewelry, household items, artist stands ...wait a minute...maybe I should list the items they don't have for sale on a market day.  There are over 200 stand holders at the market that is located in the heart of of Pennsylvania Dutch country in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Many of the stand holders have been around as long as AW himself.  

Fresh baked goods

And the reason I go to Roots is the fact that all the food items are fresh local items.  Yeah...you can pick out the tourists without a problem on any Tuesday with the way they talk and the questions they ask both the stand holders and those walking around the market.  Many want to know why the male Amish stand holders have beards or dress the way they do.  Others what to know if the women and girls all wear long dresses year round.  The market itself has close to a dozen buildings, counting the auction houses, animal house, etc.  Outside you can visit quite a few open-air stands as well as a few trailers that sell hot meals as well as ice cream and other desserts.  The market opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at dusk.  They have over 175 vendors.  During some weekends in the Spring, Summer and Fall you may find the area covered with artwork during their Art Show or vintage cars and hotrods during their annual car show.  

Lancaster Picture Framing/Grebinger Gallery

A few years ago Keith Grebinger, for whom I work part-time doing matting and framing of just about anything, and who was a former student of mine, opened a stand selling artwork and offering framing for just about anything.  He has done well and recently enlarged his stand to show more of what we can do at the Gallery.  

Outdoor vendor

Who would ever have thought that a guy known as AW would open a small stand along a country road to sell his produce and have it turn into one of the most successful market houses in the state of Pennsylvania.  Stop sometime and see what you have missed all your life.  Maybe you might want to take home a box of guinea pigs for the kids or grandkids.  It happened to me years ago!  And, I loved it!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Another outdoor vendor.

You can find metal die-cast cars at Root's

Great oyster sandwiches at this stand.

Big variety of candies.