The origin of center-city farm-to-market sales began for York in 1754. According to the Royal decree granting permission for the operation of York’s first center square market:

The inhabitants of the town of York are become so numerous that they find it necessary to have a public market… or the better supplying and accommodating them with goods and wholesome provisions under proper regulations. The proprietor upon the humble request of the inhabitants of York grants and ordains that they and their successors shall and may forever thereafter hold and keep within the town, in every week of the year, two market days, the one on Wednesday and the other on Saturday.

Central Market York itself was constructed in 1888 at a cost of $45,000. It was designed by noted local architect J.A. Dempwolf and was one of the first structures in York to contain indoor plumbing. The building’s massive timbers were raised in place by shipwrights in town from the Port of Baltimore.

York Central Market House was named to Pennsylvania’s Inventory of Historic Places in 1977 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. At nearly 35,000 square feet, the structure consumes almost an entire city block. For obvious reasons, it is important, yet sometimes expensive, to preserve and maintain such a historic and valuable structure.

 

The Market is more than simply a building. For those who call York home, it is a tradition many grew up with, where fond memories were made and a visit was an occasion that was coveted. While fulfilling the basic functions of a thriving fresh food market, it was also the place to be seen -- the spot to be recognized by neighbors and friends -- and served as the town hall where information, gossip and the pulse of the community could be seen and felt.

 

Yet from its humble beginnings on January 14, 1888, when 16 York area businessmen and farmers united together to construct a new public market house on their own, the finances of Central Market House, Inc. have been tenuous.  At various points in its history, Central Market has reached out to its community-minded owners make the market even more hospitable to vendors and customers and sustain this vital community institution.  

The board recognizes that revenue can be increased by putting market in a position to take advantage of the ever-increasing demand for fresh local food.  To that end, funds are once again be being sought to support marketing, promotions, education, outreach and programming, as well as to improve the aging and historic social center of this community.  To read more about revitalization effort, please click here.