Root’s Market, a Long-Standing Lancaster-County Tradition

The History of Root’s Country Market

A.W. Root founded Root’s in 1925 as a poultry auction. Now, it’s a flourishing country market filled with bakeries, delis, butchers, local and imported produce, crafts, jewelers, collectibles, and antiques.

In the years that followed, Root’s Country Market and Auction grew to include both inside and outside areas for local farmers and their families to sell their home-grown produce and handmade goods.

In 1963, ownership and management of Root’s Country Market was passed down from A.W. to his three children, Abe and John Root and Edith Root Longenecker. Root’s Market soon involved the third generation when one of A.W.’s grandchildren, J.D. Longenecker, was hired as Market Master.

During the summer of 1972, Root’s Country Market endured the devastating loss of most of its main building due to a fire. Construction of the new building took roughly 15 weeks, so Tuesday markets were held completely outdoors during this time. As recalled by Edith, it rained on the first week market was held inside the new building.

Edith Root Longenecker acquired full ownership of Root’s from her brothers in 1983. At the same time, she hired her grandson, Thomas Longenecker, as General Manager and Market Master. Tom is A.W.’s great-grandson, making him a fourth-generation family member to run the market.

A couple of years later, a new wing of the main building was built to house additional inside stand spaces and a new sit-down restaurant. Now, the main building contains Areas #1-#5.

Root’s Country Market and Auction, Inc. expanded even more in 2005 when the owners purchased the neighboring flea market area and named it Root’s Old Mill Flea Market. This new addition offered 175+ antique and flea market dealers, which added to the already bustling Root’s Tuesday market activity.

Recently, Root’s Old Mill Flea Market renamed their two buildings, The Artisan Mill and the Emporium, and also added a Saturday Flea Market to their schedule. Now, flea market vendors can be found at Root’s Old Mill on Saturdays between April and November, in addition to Tuesdays, year-round.

Presently, Root’s Country Market and Auction continues to host two auctions (a small animal sale and a plant/produce sale) on Tuesdays while simultaneously offering indoor and outdoor vendors to its customers. Areas #1 through #5 are inside sections, while Areas #6 through #9 are outside. Stand-alone buildings include Building #6, Building #9, Building #10, the Showroom, and multiple food sheds.