Zern's Farmer's Market

William Zern (1883 - 1978) started Zern's, also known as "The Sale," in 1922. The small family farm auction was soon joined by neighbors and townsfolk and before long a Gilbertsville landmark was born. During the early days, livestock was auctioned in the large lower barn. The auction grew and pulled in numerous vendors of widely varying merchandise. In 1966, tragedy struck as fire broke out and turned Zern's into a pile of burnt remains. Within days there was a groundbreaking for the new building. Philadelphia magazine once voted Zern's "Best Of Philly." When the economic downturn began in December of 2007, stands at Zern's became increasingly vacant. The effects of the economy were compounded by the fact that two new shopping centers, both featuring grocery stores and restaurants opened within 2 miles (in either direction, on Route 100) of the market. In June 2018, it was announced that Zern's Farmer's Market would cease operations after 96 years of operation. Zern's ended operations on September 30, 2018. ==References==