JFM History: “New Site, Earlier Start” in 1979
We’re embarking in 2026 on a journey back through the history of the Jamestown Farmers Market (at points also called the Jamestown Public Market) to determine just how long this city institution has been operating. We’re grateful to Dennis Webster, who was instrumental in the re-forming of the Jamestown Farmers Market in 1978, for sharing materials with us, including this press release from 1979!
Enjoy this look back at JFM history from over four decades ago with this press release:
Jamestown Farmers’ Market: New Site, Earlier Start
The Jamestown Farmers’ Market will begin its second year at a new location with an earlier starting date.
The market will be held in front of the former Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Depot on West Second Street. The Farmers’ Market will begin operation on either Saturday, June 8, 1979, or the following Tuesday, June 12, 1979, depending on weather and crop conditions.
Following the opening, the market will be open every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, rain or shine, from 8 AM until after noon. The market will continue operating into the fall as long as fresh produce is available. During the first year of operation, in 1978, the market ran until mid-October.
When the Jamestown Farmers’ Market opens in June it’s expected strawberries, radishes, asparagus, lettuce, and possibly bedding plants will be available. Through the remainder of the season farm fresh and seasonal produce, grown by area growers, will be sold at the market. What items will be available on each market day will depend on market conditions and weather.
Dan Kelley, chairman of the Jamestown Farmers’ Market Committee, says, “The new location in front of the depot will allow for more growth in the size of the market, and will be easier for drive-in customers.” The new site can accommodate up to 15 sellers, with customer parking available on the opposite (North) side of Second Street and on Lafayette Street between Second and Third.
Participation in the market as a seller is limited to those with home grown produce, in season. Further information on selling at the Jamestown Farmers’ Market is available from Chautauqua County Cooperative Extension.
In the first year of the market, the opening date was in mid-July, with the site at Third and Washington streets.
The Jamestown Farmers’ Market is administered by a group of interested in citizens and growers, in cooperation with the city of Jamestown, Chautauqua County Cooperative Extension, The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Business and Professional Association.
