A few months ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Lorna Ingersoll (below), General Manager of Jamie's Flea Market in preparation for an article I wrote for Leisure Living magazine. One of the things that she told me was pretty surprising – everyone has been pronouncing the name incorrectly for 50 years!
Lorna ought to know. Her grandparents Bill and Martha Jamie were the ones who opened the flea market. Lorna pointed out, “It’s pronounced ‘Ja-May.’ But because of the spelling, it was just easier to go with “Jamie’s” and not correct people every time.”
So how did Jamie's Flea Market get started?
“In the early 60's my Grandfather Bill Jamie started an auction house in the east building,” said Lorna. “He later added furniture and carpet. After visiting a flea market, he decided to turn the auction house into one in 1974. He built the center building and moved the furniture and carpet store into it."
Here's a Journal ad from July 7, 1974. As you can see, the furniture business was about to move, making way for the flea market that would open later that month.
Before the flea market opened, the Journal ran some teaser ads, like the one below from July 5, 1974.
Finally, the flea market opened on July 31, 1974.
It's great that Lorna is still involved with the business her grandparents started, even though it is no longer owned by her family. As she explained, Bill and Martha Jamie sold the flea market to their daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Stan Ingersoll (Lorna’s parents) in 1976. The Ingersolls then ran the flea market until health reasons unfortunately forced them to sell. Ralph and Lolita Mock bought it in 1983, and Lorna stayed on as an employee. Owner Ralph Mock made her General Manager in 1996, and she’s been proud to keep her grandfather’s original dream alive.
Believe it or not, Lorna noted that online auctions like eBay have not hurt Jamie's. People still like to come out and shop, looking for bargains or hard-to-find collectibles. Food trucks give it a festive atmosphere as well.
But Lorna confessed to me that retirement can be tempting sometimes. However, she loves what she does and uses social media well to promote Jamie's.
What does the future hold for the beloved Lorain County business?
“Jamie's Flea Market will continue to be the best flea market around, bringing buyers and sellers together, and providing a fun shopping experience for everyone,” says Lorna.
Jamie’s Flea Market is open 8 am to 4 pm, Wed & Sat. It’s located at 46388 Telegraph Rd. (State Route 113) in South Amherst, OH 44001. Visit its website at www.jamiesfleamarket.com
Going to Jamie's was like going on a magical excursion, the kind of trip that, rightly , should require around fifty grand and a large U-Haul truck.
ReplyDeleteI never knew that everyone pronounced the name wrong; live and learn.
My dad would go to auctions at Jamies, and I would go w him. Once he inadvertently bought some heavy rope, I don't know why but the closing price was like a dollar. Not paying attention that was per foot! We also would go to one on the corner of Colorado and Abbe Rd on SE corner. Not sure if building even there anymore. I've known it was Ja-May for some time my husband grew up across the street from Jamies.
ReplyDeleteHi Rae, I looked at an old post I did on that building at Abbe Rd & Colorado Ave., it looks like it was Scotts Auction House, around 1963 or so.
DeleteI've never been there, but often wondered about it. Thanks for the article!
ReplyDeleteYes, Jamie's is a good flea market to get deals at.It is one of the best flea markets in northern Ohio.I remember about 20 years ago there was a fire in one of the buildings and it burned to the ground.Two little girls started the fire.I wonder where they are now?
ReplyDeleteAnother great post. We’ve enjoyed going to Jamie’s for many years.
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