Documentary Photo: Twelve at the Italian Market

Friendly Clayton Dabney has lived in Philadelphia for 43 years and currently works at the Italian Market. When asked what he liked best about the Market he said, “So many people, so much food around and you meet so many new people.” He also enjoys and looks forward to the 9th Street Italian Festival which takes place in the Spring.



Charlie has been at the Market all his life. He has called Philadelphia home for 63 years and currently works at the Market and has for the past 16 years. “I was a policeman in this neighborhood before working here.” When asked what his favorite aspect of the Market is he said, “The mixture of people. There’s everybody here, take your pick.” The negative aspect he said jokingly are “Cranky people and of course, bosses.”



Salvador Garofloa has lived in Philadelphia for 43 years and has worked at the Hollywood Meat Market for 18 years. “I enjoy the environment and the people who visit." He said he least favorite aspect is when it rains.



Gary Calega and his wife Grace were at the Market to get lunch. They live in Marlton, New Jersey and visit quite frequently. “This place used to be my favorite when it was all Italian flavor. It has changed a lot. This place used to be jumpin’ like in the Rocky movie.”



Cannuli’s House of Poultry is where Verino Coletti currently works. He has lived in Philadelphia for 52 years and has worked at Cannuli’s for the past 16 years. “What I like most? The diversity of stores. What I like least? My job,” he said jokingly.



Halin was sitting on a stoop during his cigarette break. He has worked at the Market for 10 years and enjoys it, except for getting up early. “We look out for each other at the Market, we’re all supportive.”



Visiting the Market from Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania was David Benasutti and his wife Pauline. “Our daughter lives on South Street, so we’re here a lot.” The food is what brings them back. When asked what he likes least he said, “It’s dirty and the lack of parking.”



“I’ve been in Philly all my life,” said Maryanne Bratton. She has worked at the Market for 13 years. “I like the friendly people and it’s convenient to where I live. I just don’t like all the trash.”



In a hurry was Fred, who was visiting the Market all the way from Delaware. He comes for the produce, mostly the lemons. “I work in and around the City. It’s fun, but we’ve lost most of our Italians.”

Jared Blando has been living in Philadelphia for almost 5 years. He doesn’t visit the Market often, but enjoys the low prices. “You can get like 80 pounds of food for $25 bucks. The least favorite part of the Market would be the lack of cleanliness,” he said.

Visiting all the way from Seattle, Washington, Rich Leopold comes to the Market to visit friends. “I come on vacation to get away. All my friends live here and come here.”

While smoking a cigarette, Jonathon Long told me what he enjoys most about the Market is the “Outdoorsyness.” He has lived in Philadelphia for 5 years and comes to hang out with his friends. When asked what his least favorite aspect of the Market is he didn’t have a response, but then replied “Maybe the fish.”