Roadside Stand

By the 1920s and 1930s, auto mobility was beginning to bring customers to the farm gate. Enterprising growers responded by developing their direct marketing. Roadside stands were especially popular in the fruit raising regions, but were found all over the state. They were generally frame structures, sited along a well travelled roadway, with ample parking and turnaround facilities. These shed-roof or gable-roof buildings were small, and usually not heated. Often they had hinged, boarded windows which swung down to create a display area. Sometimes they also had an extended shed roof, supported by light poles, to shelter the merchandise and the customer. Portable shelving could be erected underneath.

Roadside Stand
Roadside stand, Adams County, mid 20th century.
This stand was sited at a busy crossroads. Its garage style door
could be opened for easy access during the summer season.
Merchandise could be displayed on the shelves under the canopy.