Our History
Built in 1916, the historic Independent Order of Odd Fellows building was occupied by the Tillamook County Creamery Association from 1920 to the mid 1950s, by First National Bank and several retail stores.
In the spring of 2008 Doug Henson had an idea to start a public market in the downtown core area of Tillamook. He met with the building owner and proposed the idea to him and over a period of several months they came up with a plan on how to make it happen. The owner of the former I.O.O.F. Building at the corner of 2nd & Main was in the process of a total rehabilitation and restoration of the historic building, in the hopes of creating a unique retail space to enhance the economic viability of downtown Tillamook. Henson and the building owner realized that it would require a partnership of the various organizations involved, along with support from the community to create a successful public market.
In the fall of 2008 the 2nd Street Public Market Committee, a sub-committee of the Tillamook Revitalization Association, was formed to continue the process. The 2nd Street Public Market Committee currently is meeting regularly to oversee the progress of this project.
The 2nd Street Public Market Committee has received funding from the Tillamook Urban Renewal Agency for modifications which are needed to get the public market space ready for occupancy. Please visit our sponsor page for a full list of current sponsors.
While the 2nd Street Public Market has faced a number of challenges since its inception, the committee is now proud that the market has become a reality and opened its doors on June 5, 2010.
The 2nd Street Public Market Committee will continue to research and actively seek financial assistance and public grants to help sustain the market in the coming years.
A major marketing and advertising campaign has been launched to promote and educate the public about the goals of the 2nd Street Public Market. Feedback from the downtown business community has been overwhelmingly positive with over fifty committed supporters who want to see this market succeed.
What is a public market? According to the Wikipedia definition, public markets are markets in public spaces where independent merchants can sell their products to the public. Typical products sold at public markets include fresh produce, meats and various other food items and crafted goods.
A public market should consist of locally grown, locally made and locally owned businesses which accentuate the qualities that make a community unique. They create a dynamic place which can stimulate economic opportunity and promote a sense of community spirit and cultural exchange.
Public markets provide needed goods and services like fresh fruits and vegetables, an array of freshly prepared food stuffs, crafts and services that are often unavailable at the same high level of quality, variety and price in the existing area.
The many goals of a public market include:
•To attract customers to an area of a community.
•Support affordable retailing opportunities for small businesses.
•Provide opportunities to farmers, hence, helping to preserve the independent farms in an area.
•Encourage the use of public spaces within the community.
Historically, public markets have long shown themselves to be effective tools in a communities effort to revitalize economically depressed communities.
Economically, public markets, by providing opportunities to small business entrepreneurs, are able to help them achieve success by:
•Providing a low cost viable location in which to sell their products or services.
•Share marketing and promotional programs.
•Attract customers to the total market experience.
•Offer an economic opportunity to build a successful business.
Public markets provide a common ground for individuals to interact and enjoy the pleasures of socializing, people watching and shopping in a unique environment.