In the 1930s, Earl Phillips offered Amish farmers and other merchants the opportunity to sell their products on his 14 acre farm. As more merchants became familiar with Booths Corner Farmers Market, the small wooden barn that belonged to Earl Phillips expanded. His farm added several sheds filled with a variety of products and produce. A fire destroyed the original market in 1973, so a new building was constructed where the wooden barn once stood. Presently, a long tan building with numbers over each entrance way topped with a black roof is a hidden secret in Delaware County.
One entity that remains from the past are the Amish farmers and merchants who sell their goods to the general public. Bonnie Cohen, one of the current owners, states that Booths Corner has always welcomed the Amish since its opening and because of its constant flow of business. There is an extensive waiting list for merchants hoping for a spot to rent. The building’s plain exterior does not prepare guests for the secrets that lie behind its walls.
Entering through a door with the number five above, guests are immediately immersed into a crowd of buyers hustling along the concrete floor with stores on both sides. To the right lies Silver Sense, owned by Donna Giorgi. Inside are bags, assorted clothes and jewelry for anyone between the ages of 8 and 98. “I used to be a full-time nail tech but wanted something part-time so I could spend time with my kids. That is when I found Booths Corner. I like having my shop here because the level of traffic I get is great,” says Giorgi.
Customers love the one-of-a-kind pieces Ms. Giorgi has collected throughout her travels. The jewelry ranges from $12 to $27, clothing from $25 to $30 and bags starting at $12 to $60. Silver Sense is just one of the many shops located in Booths Corner that offers several one of a kind accessories for sale.
To the left of number five, several small shops offer clothes, books, rocking chairs, nuts, candy and assorted vegetables. Amish men and women dress in conservative clothing, ready to sell their goods. Towards the back of this long building, the smell of fresh pies, breads and other assorted goods are irresistible to anyone walking through. In this area, Linda, owner of Linda’s Bakery, comes forward with her hair pulled back into a bun, neatly held in place with small black pins with her light pink Amish dress, covered with a black full apron flowing behind her as she stops behind the counter, she rests her elbows on the glass separating her and her handmade pies. “We make everything here from scratch. Of course, we do not make it here but rather at home and bring it with us. We do not have the equipment necessary to cook everything here,” she said.
Her pumpkin products are currently in high demand: her pies, breads, and rolls are her top sellers. Currently, her pumpkin cakes are selling the fastest, a whole cake costing $14.50. If you would like a smaller sample, then consider purchasing half a cake for $8.25 or a quarter for $4.50.
When asked how she had managed to find this place from Lancaster, she said “Oh, my Dad purchased this area in the late 60s. He wanted to find a location that is family friendly. As you can see, things worked out since we are still here.”
Linda’s Bakery is not the only bakery located in Booths Corner. This area serves as a small market where merchants sell vegetables, baked goods, and meat products such as chicken, sausage, and steak.
Before leaving, stop by Gia’s Steaks and Hoagies, which opened in June 2010. Customers have a clear view of the kitchen, separated by the counter and cash register and can witness a woman quickly slicing a long, fresh roll of bread in half, getting ready to prepare one of their famous cheese steaks for $7.45.
Walking along the opposite side of the market, you can still gaze through shops to see what is on the other side though the aisles can quickly become filled with experienced customers with shopping carts making a beeline for selected merchants or an amazed, inexperienced customer who is simply taking in their surroundings before deciding to sidestep into a shop. However, there is always a crowd of children and adults cooing at puppies in the window of the pet store. Small children tend to look at the puppies who are either sleeping, playing, or sometimes gnawing at the glass on the first level while adults loom over them, pressing their hands against the glass, observing the puppies located on the higher display. A woman decides to walk inside the pet shop sticking her finger through the gates of the display. Two short hair Chihuahua puppies, one black and the other brown with tan accents, lick her fingers, their tails gyrating like propellers slapping their napping third roommate, a wire-haired white dog whose nose is buried under the shredded newspaper flooring.
Down a ramp a vendor selling electronic candles that glow in assorted colors is Danny Mertz’s, a general goods store containing seasonal bags, toys, personal hygiene products, cards and other assorted gifts. This store is open on Thursdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. as well as Booths Corner’s regular hours, Fridays 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
At the opposite end of Danny Mertz’s are steps leading downstairs to the more vintage shops. Here, merchants sell records, old coins, video games, a fake million dollar bill, and other assorted goods that will transport you through time. If one merchant is no longer positioned at their booth, their neighbor offers their aid in search for your item.
Walking upstairs, a couple is looking at a counter that separates in the middle, allowing for extra pieces to be added, making it longer. Well, more like the woman is looking while her male counterpart is staring into the distance. She summons the salesperson and begins to question how the counter works. As the salesperson demonstrates, the man walks over to one of the handcrafted rocking chairs. Upon lowering himself onto the gray cushioning outlining the chair, he smiles, resting his head back, and enjoying a few moments of relaxation.
A mob of hungry customers, arms raised, call out their orders to the two workers at Donut Haven. Amongst all the commotion, the white sign with bold red lettering spelling “Donut Haven” subtly shakes, the dark brown circle with a hole in the middle does not do justice to the delicious pastries that sit in a glass case. Contrary to the name, their specialties are cinnamon rolls. These specialties are guarded by glass that underlies the counters of their shop. Children lick their lips and press their hands against the display, eyeing the cinnamon buns, a half dozen costing $7.00. Above them, a white sign reads “do not touch the baked goods thank you” written with a Sharpie in bold lettering.
Amongst the assorted food stores, vintage shops and clothing shops is the shoe repair store simply called Shoe Repair. Inside, brown bags with flaps folded over are stapled with neon green tags, each having a price and product scribbled on them. Today, the entrance is being intruded upon by a row of suitcases, also containing green tags, all waiting to be picked up by their owners.
An old cash register sits on the counter, a sign taped on it that reads, “cash only.” Sitting, head tucked so his chin rests upon his chest, is the owner, Jim. Located behind him are damaged shoes, bags, belts, and other items he repairs along with his two coworkers. When asked how he managed to find this place and why not open his own store, his response was, “I had my own place in a Bazaar on Baltimore Pike. After it closed, I moved here. Been here 20 years repairing shoes, luggage, handbags, zippers, and boots.” As he says this, he cradles a dress shoe belonging to a male customer in his lap; his eyes never leave his current project as he carefully a
pplies specialized glue to the heel of the shoe. The starting price for having the heel of a shoe repaired is $4.
The vendors listed above are just a few hidden gems located in this farmers market. Whether you are distracting children and adults with puppies, shiny objects from around the world, looking for a place to eat or need something repaired, Booths Corner will have it. Their extensive options are complimented by the friendly merchants that are located at every booth waiting to welcome the public and show their wares. When you have the opportunity to visit, consider picking up a pecan cinnamon roll from Donut Haven. Also, take the time to find out what Linda is cooking up for Christmas.
Kellie Carle is a graduate student studying creative writing. She can be reached at KC793959@wcupa.edu.