—ljncaster Farming, Saturday. May 24. 1975 44 Root’s Auction Tuesday Evening’s Tradition Celebrates 50th Year by; Melissa Piper Lancaster County has always been rich in many traditions ranging from shoo-fly pie todistlefinks, but perhaps one of the most noted traditions of all is the weekly pilgrimage to Root's Auction. Rain or shine, sunny skies or snow, every Tuesday night finds people from as near as Manheim or as far away as Wisconsin streaming their way to Root’s-for as the familiar statement suggests “if you can’t find it at Root's-it can’t be found.” The famous auction and market, which is located south of Manhiem off Rt. 72, has selected this month to mark their 50th An niversary having been founded in the spring of 1925. The auction is co-owned by John and Abe Root and Mrs. Graybill (Root) Longenecker all children of the founder A.W. Root. Although quite busy, with THIS WEEK AT ZIMMERMAN’S Homemade, Hot Beef- OC C Vegetable 03 SOUP quart On sale beginning this Friday noon. Bring your kettle. NOTICE Store Closed all day Monday, May 26th on account of the I MEMORIAL DAY holiday. We Sell BREYERS ICE CREAM 2 Piece Lids for regular Mason Canning Jars. 59c per doz BULK GARDEN SEEDS Peas, Beans, Corn, etc Ten good kinds of Sweet Corn Wood BEAN POLES and Tomato Stakes Michigan Peat 501 b. Bag Mulches, etc $1.49 Vegetable & Flower Plants PETUNIAS-A Specialty Hanging Flower Baskets FISHING LICENSE & fisherman s equipment Steel TACKLE BOX with tray $3.50 regularly $3 98 Spalding FIELDER S GLOVE full size $11.95 Regularly $l4 95 YEW TREES jq and other shrubbery ADDING MACHINES & Electronic Calculators LP GAS Let us quote you on your needs and deliver with our new bulk tank truck Dependable service for our customers' appliances COUNTRY AUCTION Sat. afternoon, June 7th W. L. ZMMERMAN & SONS Open Thurs till 8. Friday till 9 Closed Wed afternoons Phone 717- 768-8291 INTERCOURSE, PA Signs adorn most of the buildings reminding visitors and concession holders of the 50th an niversary of the farm market and auction. a flurry of people asking his advice, Abe Root took time to' visit with Lancaster Farming during Tuesday’s auction. Root explained how the business had originally been started by his father. “At the beginning it was just an auction where far mers gathered to buy and sell,” Root explained. “Little by little, my father began allowing standholders to sell their concessions and it has been a slow continous growth since that time.” Since 1925, the market has grown in size considerably with new buildings being added to accommodate the dealers who sell everything from chickens to leather goods to candy. At present there are over 100 standholders although the number varies during the winter and summer months. Many of the standholders have been coming to Root’s for 25-30 years with many children taking the parent’s place over the years. In the summer many dealers line the walkways of the auction selling fresh fruit and vegetables as well as flowers, trees, shrubs, and food. In the winter a smaller number seek room in the buildings which reduced the number of dealers but not the number of visitors by any means. The response has been so great over the years that there is now a waiting list of potential standholders who wish to begin their con cessions at Root’s. Root explained the con cessions by stating, “we’ve tried to keep the concessions farm oriented.” “We think there is a good variety for everyone - really we could have more dealers here if we wanted to allow a lot of novelity items to be offered but we feel if people want that type of stuff they can easily go to the bargain stores.” A little of everything probably describes it best as everyone surely seems to find something of interest at the market. Root explained that along with the market type of area auctions are also held in conjunction with the program. Poultry, livestock and some produce is offered on the block along with antiques. One aspect of the auction is that it has been faithfully run on Tuesday evening since its inception 50 years ago. Many people frequently ask the Roots how they can get people out to their func tion on a weekday night. “People keep asking us how we run on Tuesday evening,” Root commented. “It has always been a tradition and I guess that is the way it will stay.” “As far as I know there is no other auction in the country of our type, that operates on a weekday night.” Although visiting an auction and market on Tuesday evening as opposed to a weekend may seem like an infraction of today’s life style; Tuesday evening at Root’s has been a tradition for three generations and will most probably remain just as popular as shoo-fly pie in Lancaster County. Outside standholders at Root's offer everything from (lowers to french fries. Business was active at Darkes Flower Stand, the owner of which comes from Jonestown. Fresh vegetables and fruits are jone Auction every Tuesday evening, of the main attractions at Root’s Let Us Watch Your Money.. You'll Be Pleasantly Surprised! We'll give it tender, loving care ... make it grow and flourish. Our Savings Accounts and * Certificates will pay the highest rates of interest allowable under the law. Come in and consult with us. We’ll help set up a plan to suit your family’s situation and needs. See us soon. You’ll be glad. THE FARMERS NATIONAL BANK OF QUARRYVILLE SMALL ENOUGH TO KNOW YOU LARGE ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU TWO CONVENIENT SOUTHERN LANCASTER LOCATIONS QUARRYVILLE PENN HILL PHONE (717) 786-7337 * A substantial interest penalty is required AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER for early withdrawal MEMBER F D IC. EACH ACCOUNT INSURED TO $40,000
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