Soulard Farmers Market Gymnasium - No. 2

“Excuse me sir, are you a professional photographer?” I always cringe when I hear these words when I’m taking photos in a public place. I’m not a professional photographer. However, I’m frequently told that because my gear “looks professional” (whatever that means), and because the owner of the property has a misbegotten policy prohibiting photography, that I have to stop taking photos or leave.

I was taking a photo at Soulard Farmers Market when I was tapped on the shoulder and heard a voice ask me the dreaded question. I turned around, expecting to be told that I needed to stop taking photographs. Much to my surprise, totally the opposite occurred. I was greeted by a friendly gentleman who introduced himself as a member of management. He asked me if I had ever been to the second floor of the market. I told him I had not. He explained that there is an old gymnasium/theater on the second floor that few people ever see anymore, and he asked if I would be interested in photographing it. A bit stunned by the turn of events, I nonetheless quickly indicated that I would be very interested. He led me up a locked staircase to the second floor, showed me around the dark gymnasium/theater and then left me alone to take photos for as long as I wished, with only rule: “Don’t hurt yourself.”

Soulard Farmers Market is the oldest farmers' market west of the Mississippi. The market began in 1779 as a flat meadow where farmers would come to sell locally raised fruit, vegetables, dairy, and livestock. In 1795, Antoine Soulard was given a 122 acre plot by his father-in-law, Gabriel Cerre, that included the market grounds. After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, there was a lengthy legal battle over Antoine's claim to the land which was not resolved until after his death. In 1836, his widow, Julia Soulard, acquired the deed to the land and, in 1841, officially set aside two city blocks to be used as a farmers market. She gave the land to the City of St. Louis in 1842, with the stipulation that it always be used as a public market.

The current market building complex was built in 1929. Designed in the Renaissance style by architect Albert Osburg, it is modeled after the Italian Renaissance Foundling Hospital in Florence, Italy, built in 1419 by Filipo Brunelleschi. It currently houses the Grand Hall Shops on the first floor and the gymnasium/theater on the second floor.

As you can see from the photos, the gymnasium/theater is in dire need of repair. A conceptual Master Plan for the entire market published in 2012 calls for converting the gymnasium/theater to an event space/banquet room. However, to my knowledge, funds for this effort have yet to be allocated.

The market is operated by the City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry. I thank them for their generosity in allowing me to photograph this little known portion of their historic building.

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