Houston Flea Markets (and other things)

I wrote a short magazine article on Houston-area flea markets in Cite magazine’s Spring 2008 issue, which can be read here. Unfortunately, due to my inexperience with magazine writing and the writing world in general, a lot of information was left out of the published piece. Here are some scattered notes and photographs from my visits.

• International Common Market

  The International Common Market on 59 and Little York used to be a WoolCo until 1983. The entrance is a small vestibule that is used for various outreach programs. On the day of my visit, a couple of Mormon men were handing out tracts. A rotation of commercial and non-profit groups use the space, from credit card companies, to clinics offering free sugar testing, to pesky Mormons. It is ICM’s way of opening itself up to the surrounding community.

  

• Pasadena Indoor Flea Market

  The Pasadena Indoor Flea Market was converted from a Montgomery Ward department store. At the time of my visit, much of the building was still under renovation. Manager Gracie Saenz’s approach to growth is based on permanent attractions; a restaurant was being built, as well as units for rentable storage. Already completed was a ballroom that they rent out for quinceneras and other formal parties.

  

• Trading Fair II

  Trading Fair II off the 610 South Loop used to be a Lovitz Furniture store. Before it closed down, this flea market had some of the most interesting offerings in Houston: finely detailed hats with netting and feathers, some as expensive as $800; fine artwork; a barbershop; a tattoo parlor (because who doesn’t want to get a tattoo at a flea market?). On the second floor of the Trading Fair II was a massive arena that could hold up to 6,000 people. In the past, it has held concerts by Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Yolanda Adams, Queen Latifah, and Mike Jones. It has also hosted gun shows and similar attractions.

  

• Cole’s Flea Market

  This outdoor flea market by Beltway 8 and Telephone Road didn’t quite fit into my article for Cite magazine, but I really loved the piecemeal feel I got when I visited. I was also a big fan of the various sheds covered in unused billboards, as seen in the last photo.

  

• Farmers Market on Airline

  Though the Farmers Market also didn’t get mentioned in my article for Cite magazine, it could easily provide enough material for a separate story. I loved the makeshift shelters underneath the main shelter, the colors, the atmosphere. I definitely left that day with some good produce as well. And I don’t cook, so that should say something.