Food Heritage Site--DC's Eastern Market Burns

The 134 year-old Eastern Market on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC was virtually gutted by fire today. It was the last of the city's traditional markets, home to numerous vendors, some of whose businesses date as far back as 60 years. Fortunately, the structure of the building was saved and already there is a clamor to rebuild it.

For many years we lived right across the street from the Market and popped in and out of it regularly. Its funky Market Lunch was the best place in town to eat soft shell crab sandwiches and cole slaw, as well as crab cakes and more. We always brought visitors to the Market, and they were delighted  to experience a European-style  shopping experience in these United States.

In the summer the sidewalks outside filled with seasonal vendors selling  all manner of fresh fruits, veggies, and  artsy crafty wares. One of our favorite characters there was a tooth-free elderly dame who supposedly peddled "local" products---when we sniffed the strawberries, she could always be counted on to say, "Them's Driscoll's, Honey! " ( Errrr....you mean from California?)

No doubt the outside sellers will be there once the structure is stabilized. And Eastern Market, a community meeting place and the heart of Capitol Hill--a place not lately associated with much warmth--must indeed be preserved. It is a food heritage site that should be high on any foodie's list.

( Pic from www. pps.org)

Comments

[Foodie]

Steve Ackerman, who is writing a book on the history of Eastern Market, just sent us this report:
"I just went to Mayor Fenty's press conference at the Market, which was thoroughly impressive. Overnight, he had produced a well-thought out, comprehensive plan for rebuilding. He even had a huge banner that we will rebuild up so fast that the paint was still wet.
things are happening fast. Market Day will go on this weekend. There is a fundraiser tomorrow night. Already they are seeking a location for the inside merchants and financing them for the interim.
Good news: it now appears not to be arson. Also, Snowden Ashford's firewall worked, leaving the 1908 extension with very little damage if any. Best of all, the new fire chief believes that the outside walls remain sound."

Steve will have a piece in the Close to Home section of the WaPost this Sunday.

[Nephew]

from the Washington Business Journal:

"In essence, the city does not take out property insurance for its real estate holdings and instead assumes all the liability when damage occurs."

If the city had the common sense to have insurance on its buildings, there would be no need for a fundraiser.

[Foodie]

Hey, Neph--that is bizarre-seeming. I wonder if this is typical of other cities or just an oddity of DC. Do you know?
And tks for the info.