About Jim's
Our Story
In 1978, Ike Esh started a farmers market in the Old Jail Courtyard in Chambersburg — the spark that would become Jim’s Farmers Market. Two years later, Ike partnered with Jake Flaud and Martin Reese, and in April 1980, the three founders rented the former Grant Street freight station at 251 Grant Street and opened Jim’s Country Market with twelve vendors. Word spread quickly, and the number of vendors soon grew to thirty.
The farmers and vendors who made the move from the Old Jail Courtyard to Grant Street all pitched in together — installing counters, shelving, and tables to build out the new space. That spirit of community effort has defined Jim’s ever since.
In 1983, a fire destroyed the original Grant Street Station location. Rather than close, Jim’s rebuilt — moving to its current home where it has continued to serve the people of Franklin County and beyond every Friday and Saturday, year-round.
Today, Jim’s Farmers Market operates in the Round House on the site of the former Franklin Yard of the Cumberland Valley Railroad — a fitting home for a market built on hard work, local pride, and generations of community.
1978
Ike Esh opens a farmers market in the Old Jail Courtyard in Chambersburg — the predecessor to Jim’s.
April 1980
Jim’s Country Market opens at 251 Grant Street (former Grant Street freight station) with twelve vendors. J.I.M. stands for founders Jake Flaud, Ike Esh, and Martin Reese.
1980–1983
Vendor count grows from 12 to 30. Vendors from the Old Jail Courtyard relocate and help build out the new market space.
1983
Fire destroys the Grant Street Station location. Jim’s moves to its current location at 255 Grant Street.
1980–Present
Jim’s Farmers Market has operated continuously — open every Friday and Saturday, year-round — serving Cumberland Valley and the greater Franklin County community.
Our History
Jim’s Farmers Market is located on the former Franklin Yard of the Cumberland Valley Railroad — one of the earliest railroads in Pennsylvania. The market occupies the Roundhouse on this historic site, giving it a unique connection to the region’s transportation and industrial past.
Early days at Jim’s — vendors selling eggs and fresh produce.
April 1980 — Jim’s opens at the old railroad station on Grant Street in Chambersburg, PA. Handwritten note reads: “Ike moved to this building from the Old Jail in 1980. Old railroad station on Grant Street in Chambersburg, Pa.” Photo by Ken Peiffer, The Record Herald
A Cumberland Valley Railroad (C.V.R.R.) “Pioneer” locomotive — a nod to the rich railroad history of the site where Jim’s Farmers Market stands today. The Pioneer was housed at the CVRR Roundhouse and is the equipment that was modeled for the Chambersburg Christmas Parade Santa Float.
The former Cumberland Valley Railroad roundhouse on Grant Street —Jim’s Farmers Market’s current location.