The Hidden History of Farmers' Markets: A Brief Look Back

The Horton Market in September 1910, Elgin County Archives

The Horton Farmers' Market was founded in 1878, named after former mayor Ed Horton, who generously donated the land for its site - positioned strategically near Talbot Street and the CASO railway station, cementing its role as a regional hub for fresh and local goods. Even before its formal establishment, St. Thomas served as a natural gathering point for farmers by the 1830s, thanks to its location at key road and rail intersections.

Historically, farmers' markets were essential community hubs for buying, selling, and trading goods, where country farmers would bring their goods into populated urban areas for city customers to come and buy. Preceding modern-day grocery stores and markets, farmers' markets were often the only places where people could go to purchase livestock, produce, and goods of different varieties in one location. If you have ever attended a local Renaissance fair, you may have seen displays showing how different bartering and buying of livestock, produce, and goods were done. 

The origins of farmers' markets in Canada can be traced back to European settlement, particularly by French and British colonists who brought the tradition of open-air public markets with them. In Quebec (historically New France), markets were established in central town squares where settlers bartered vegetables, game, grains, and handmade goods. By the late 1700s and early 1800s, form markets were set up in many Canadian towns. These markets were often created by government decree and became regulated spaces for trade, and served both practical and social purposes - helping farmers access urban consumers and acting as central gathering spots for local communities (a role which markets like Horton still fulfill to this day). 

During the 1800s and early 1900s, as cities expanded and rail lines were built, farmers' markets flourished. Market buildings became iconic town features, with almost every major city and small town having a market square, often near the town hall or main street. These markets sold things like fresh produce, meat, eggs, butter, fish, baked goods, and hand-crafted tools and clothing. This period emphasized regional self-sufficiency and face-to-face commerce, with strong ties between producers and consumers. 

Mennonite settlers in Waterloo Region at the Kitchener Market, 1830. History of the Kitchener Market.

Farmers' Market in Market Square, Hamilton, Spring 1941. Yesterday's Trails Historical Photos.

The 1940s until the 1970s marked the rise of supermarkets and the growth of industrial agriculture in Canada, which shifted consumer habits dramatically and directly impacted historical farmers' markets. As people began shopping in chain stores, they favoured convenience and low prices. Urban planning of cities focused on car-centric designs and suburban sprawls, pushing traditional markets out of city centers. Sadly, during this time period, many historic markets closed, became flea markets filled with resellers, or transformed into general retail spaces. This decline mirrored broader shifts in food systems - where local, seasonal food gave way to large scale-produced, globally shipped products. 

But by the 1970s, concerns about the environment, food quality, and rural economies sparked a resurgence of interest in local foods and markets. Back-to-the-land movements and organic farming began to flourish, and people started seeking out farmers' markets for fresh, chemical-free produce and a more personal connection with food producers. Governments and municipalities began to support farmers' markets as a form of rural economic development and urban revitalization. Organizations like Farmers' Markets Ontario (which The Horton Farmers' Market is a proud member of), founded in 1991, and other provincial associations began to help standardize operations for and promote best practices. 

Now in the 21st century, farmers' markets are doing well in both urban and rural areas of Canada. The local food movement has become more mainstream, and according to Farmers' Markets Canada, markets generate over $3 billion in annual sales, and contribute to job creation, tourism, and regional development, as well as strengthening local economies and retaining Canadian spending. The local food movement has been driven by environmental awareness (fewer food miles, reduced packaging, and sustainable farming), support for local economies (keeping money in the community and fostering entrepreneurship), health consciousness (consumers seeking fresh, whole, traceable food), and cultural diversity (with markets often reflecting the rich mix of immigrant food traditions). Canada now has more than 800 farmers' markets across provinces and territories, and many markets are dynamic cultural spaces, due to their use of live music and featuring of artisans, foods, seasonal festivals, and more. 

From their colonial beginnings to their modern resurgence, farmers' markets in Canada like Horton tell a story of resilience, adaptation, and community spirit. They've survived centuries of chance and now stand as symbols of sustainability, connection, and pride. In the digital age filled with instant gratification, local farmers' markets serve as a continuation of deeply local, face-to-face and fresh-from-the-field relationships, community hubs, and sources for truly local and sustainable agriculture and artisanship.