Rep. Love offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 361.

A resolution to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Eastern Market.

            Whereas, For 125 years, tons of some of the freshest fruits, vegetables, and flowers have made their way into Detroit’s historic Eastern Market. Only the mode of transportation has changed; from horse drawn carts and wagons to new, modern semi-trucks. Actually, the Eastern Market’s history stretches back even farther than the 125 years it is celebrating. It began as the Detroit Farmer’s Market at Cadillac Square in 1841 where it originally sold hay and wood. In 1891, the market move to its present location and has grown to encompass some 150 private business and specialty shops; and

            Whereas, Over the years the Eastern Market has grown and lived up its mission of nourishing Detroit and Southeast Michigan with fresh produce as well as meat and poultry. You can also find home goods, art, jewelry, and Michigan-made products. More than 2 million people shop at the Eastern Market annually generating some $360 million worth of annul wholesale food sales and $418 million in meat sales employing some 1,300 people; and

            Whereas, Eastern Market has become a family tradition for many southeast Michigan families as generations of families have shopped there. Parents bring their children and in turn those children bring their children. Special events like the annual flower day brings thousands of visitors to the market and the city. In fact, on any given Saturday more than 45,000 diverse people from all over the state, as well as out of state, make the trek to the Eastern Market; and

            Whereas, The Eastern Market has stood the test of time and changing consumer tastes and shopping and buying habits. The district was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974 and the Eastern Market is the largest historic public market district in the United States. Eastern Market farmer's distribution center is also the largest open-air flowerbed market in the United States; and

            Whereas, The Eastern Market has thrived over the years to become a landmark and both a tourist destination and a required stop for Detroiters, the Eastern Market Board of Directors are not sitting on their laurels. They already have a plan to improve the market with better parking, pedestrian access, and a strong infrastructure; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of legislative body commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Eastern Market and look forward to many more years.