Arthur's Food Market, Schenectady, NY

This claims to be the oldest continuous food market in the United States, operating since 1795. Arthur Polachek bought the building in 1945, but was still renting store space across the intersection in what is now a law office. He actually moved the market to the current building in 1951. In 1989, Arthur gave the market to his son Peter. A major renovation was completed in 1999 which updated some of the technical facilities, but basically kept the store atmosphere the same. The inventory has changed enough that a popular sign was removed, "If we don't have it, you don't need it."

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Historic photo

Listen to a memory (if sound doesn't play, please install RealPlayer)
Read transcript of audio

Speaker: Pete Polachek

 

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