The vendor, Joe Londrico, is a state-licensed estate handler. “That means I get to go into these old houses and clear everything out,” he explains. Londrico chats with me for just a moment before calling out to other customers. “Old books! One of a kind!” Before long, someone is pawing through a positively ancient copy of Washington Irving’s short stories and asking Joe how much he’will take.
Welcome to the flea market, a place that brings to mind an old Disney song about London’s famous Portabello Road, “street where the riches of ages are stowed.” Northeast Ohio might be a long way from London, but its flea markets still offer “anything and everything a chap can unload.” You name it, and you’ll probably find it here.
Some flea market finds are admirable indeed. One vendor at Medina’s Flea Market of Collectibles sells Golden Oak furniture that rivals any you’ll find in an upscale antique shop, and another vendor deals in extremely rare Steiff and Bing teddy bears. Such pieces are quite pricey, yet well worth the expense.
But by and large, most of what you’ll find at the flea market is inexpensive and not particularly rare or desirable. Regardless, the old adage “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is never more true than at the flea market.
Despite the treasures that may or may not be available, you still have to wonder how these informal marketplaces thrive. Parking tends to be difficult, and almost no one accepts personal checks, let alone credit cards. Frequently conducted outdoors and in the country, they’re exposed to the elements and to the, well, fragrance of nearby livestock. In short, it’s not the most convenient shopping venue. Why bother with the hustle and bustle at the flea market when you can find similar items on eBay in the comfort of your own home?
Marion Coblenz, manager of the Hartville Flea Market, says he believes flea markets thrive for a number of reasons. “Web sites like eBay don’t offer that face-to-face communication,” he says, noting many vendors will set up stalls even when business is slow, just for the camaraderie.
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