My visit to St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market and Mennonite heritage town in July 2013

Cherries Galore!

These blood red cherries, green stalks attached were irresistible for dipping in my vinaigrette as I walked.

Jams and Jellies – What is a Farmer’s Market without its preserves? 

The choice of preserves, jams and jellies at St. Jacobs is massive, from sweet plums and pears to tart and spicy cucumbers and sauerkraut. After walking through the stalls of fresh fruit, on the front landing of the main building these delicious homemade wares are well stocked and stacked.

First Nations Art and Craft

St. Jacobs is more than fresh fruits and vegetables, wines and preserves. At this First Nations booth, in addition to a satchel similar to the white hand-sewn one hanging at the front of this picture, I bought a tasseled wool throw for the coming Fall. 

Mennonite Handicraft

The Mennonites are also famous for their quilts, embroidered linen, hand-sewn sturdy fine print clothing, and sheep and lambskin ornaments that add warmth to a comfy happy home.

The Corn Broom!

My chore it was, growing up to keep our floors clean with the corn broom. I never saw one made until July 2013. Did the Caribbean import corn brooms from St. Jacobs?

The Flit Gun!

I can see my father now pumping the handle of this pièce de résistance at nightfall to keep mosquitoes at bay. Apparently this kill-all-vermin instrument was widely used all over the colonial world. This mid-twentieth century type of technology is today passé, but invaluable for the memories it brings, and needless to say, just as invaluable as an antique.