Patch Letter: Keep Antique Vendors at Sunday Harvest Market

As a long time patron of the , my husband and I enjoy the selection of fruit and veggies every Sunday, but we’ve especially fallen in love with the thieves market.

Lots of other community farmers markets feature fresh produce, but having the opportunity to pick up a rare used book, a luscious bar of hand made soap or an antique rocking horse – this is what sets Montrose’s event apart from the rest. 

Over the years we’ve formed special friendships with the wonderful vendors who travel long distances to bring their treasures to Honolulu Avenue. There’s Don the Book Guy, who takes special note of our interests, then seeks to fill those elusive gaps in our library. Eli Burnham makes delightful, unique jewelry, and will even make a custom Scrabble tile pendant with a photo of your favorite pooch.  Rick Dombrowski features collectables and rarities that are always a delight to look through, and come Christmas time he might even put on a Santa suit for your entertainment.  These merchants and their vibrant personalities are a perfect compliment to the friendly streets of Montrose, and truly make this event our “weekly neighborhood reunion.” 

We’ve heard that there is talk now of doing away with the thieves market, and we hope this does not come to pass.  If anything, I could see the benefit from steering away from vendors who sell new, mass-manufactured goods (sorry, Tupperware Lady,) which give the market a sort of “swap meet” feel.  But the merchants selling antiques, rarities and handcrafted items are a perfect fit, and a fitting compliment to the produce at the other end of the avenue.  Montrose, let’s speak up to save what we love about our community, what gives it its friendly, small town charm. I’ll see you on Sundays!

, La Crescenta