Swap Meets: Past and Present

by Vicky Moon and Don Dean, Jr.

MWhile strolling between the rows of sellers at Kobey's and searching for hidden treasures among the goods displayed in the stalls, you can almost envision what it must have been like centuries ago in medieval Europe at the Renaissance Fairs. These gatherings of merchants and craftsmen were actually portable shopping centers made up of tents and horse drawn carts filled with people hawking their wares.

MMIn addition to goods, at these fairs new inventions, discoveries and ways of thinking were also exchanged. For instance, many of the merchants had to establish an independence of thought from the medieval church, since it forbade selling goods that someone else made for a profit.

MMThese merchants also broke away from the medieval feudal system when they developed financial independence. No longer did they have to depend on their lords for their livelihood. By breaking with the old order these merchants became a driving force for what we call today "Renaissance". Later, they formed the early nucleus for today's middle class and the basis for capitalism and modern democracy.

MMIn time, the portable markets became established ones when the tents were replaced with buildings. After a while, these marketplaces became the heart and hub of almost every major city in Europe. This process has been duplicated throughout history everywhere on earth. But no matter how advanced a culture became there always seems to be a need for informal outdoor markets.

MMIn the U.S. we call these markets "Swap Meets" or "Flea Markets". The name Swap Meet makes sense because of the idea of exchange implied by the word "swap", but where did the term "Flea Market" come from?

MMLike many expressions it originally came the French, who seem to have coined phrases for almost everything. In the late 1800's, there was a field near the Porte de Clingancourt just north of Paris where an odd assortment of junk dealers and rag pickers assembled. Here they sorted out their day's finds which in many cases were crawling with fleas. In time this place became known as the "Marche aux Puces", literally the "Market of Fleas".

MMSince this Flea Market often yielded some fabulous finds in art and antiques, connoisseurs (another French term) soon flocked there in droves. They in turn attracted the general public. Eventually the market grew into a thriving city within a city covering acres of land and boasting more than 2,000 shops. This same outdoor market still exists and has become a major French tourist attraction.

MMIn contrast, the term "Swap Meet" was coined by the early settlers in America's wild west. Since in those days paper money was unstable, the pioneers relied heavily on the barter system where goods were swapped for other goods and services. At times they would gather in large groups and hold a "Swap Meet". Because of this, "Swap Meet" is the predominant term for outdoor markets west of the Mississippi while in the East, which is closer to the European tradition, they're known as "Flea Markets".

MMIn Southern California, these Swap Meets really blossomed right after WWII when people were struggling to recover in the post-war economy. Now they are an integral part of the lifestyle.

MMNext time you stroll between the aisles at Kobey's and listen to the dealers haggle with their customers, just close your eyes and imagine you are at a Renaissance Fair or the famous "Marche aux Puces", minus the fleas, of course.