Imagine farmers arriving the day before market day. They would unload wagons and enjoy local taverns late into the night. Now, welcome to Head House Market. It is a place teeming with history.
Head House Market, originally New Market, has stood since 1745. Mayor Edward Shippen and merchant Joseph Wharton established it. New Market distinguished itself from the High Street Market. That market ran down what we now call Market Street.
Initially, New Market had sixteen stalls. These stalls were created by brick pillars. They supported a gable roof over the open market area. People knew this area as the Shambles.
By 1795, the market expanded to South Street. Later, it stretched north to Pine Street. In 1795, a two-story brick head house was built at the South Street end. This building held equipment for volunteer fire brigades. The cupola contained a fire alarm bell. It rang on Sundays and announced market days.
In 1805, a similar building appeared at the Pine Street end. Neighborhood residents funded a clock for this head house. The second story served as a fireman’s social club. Political meetings often took place here. The ground floor stored fire engines.
Market days occurred on Tuesdays and Fridays. Farmers sold crops for cash. Many sellers were women. They sold butter and dairy. After 10 am, hucksters sold trinkets. Widows and disabled persons often did this. Free Black men and women sold oysters and hot soup.
The market featured three-day fairs in May and November. Hucksters sold dry goods and toys. A herald read a proclamation from the mayor. It prohibited drinking in the shambles. Rowdiness led to the fairs’ shutdown. The last fair occurred in 1787.
Shops lined Second Street selling clothing and furniture. In the 1790s, exiles from France opened shops. Women commonly operated businesses in Philadelphia.
In 1794, a fire broke out near the market. Flames spread quickly. A brave carpenter extinguished the flames. He saved the building.
During urban renewal, many buildings were torn down. The market between Lombard and South was demolished. This created parking. Neighborhood protests saved Second Street from further demolition.
Today, the head house at Pine Street remains. The shambles host an outdoor food market on Saturdays. Historic buildings surround the market. John Ross’s townhouse stands at Second and Pine. A tavern from the 1750s served farmers.
Though parts of Head House Market have been lost to time and urban development, much has been preserved. This includes the spirit of community and commerce that defined it for centuries. Today, Head House Market continues as a public space. The market has evolved into a place where residents can enjoy the history and the culture.