Accent

For more than 45 years, open-air market endures

Larry and Joan Green sell fresh produce October through May

By A.E. Araiza

Arizona Daily Star

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.07.2008

It's another day and another short commute for Larry Green. Most mornings he walks from his kitchen to the living room, then to the small porch where he opens the first of two metal gates that protect his home and business, Fruit-Land Market, 1101 N. Sixth Ave.

There is the aroma of freshly picked citrus from the Phoenix area as it mixes with the scent of ristras from Hatch, N.M. Strings of chiles hang from worn, wooden rafters, some in the traditional long, bright red strands and others arranged in a circle or a cross.

The rush of traffic along Speedway is only slightly muffled as Green reaches for a radio perched on a small refrigerator and mellow music plays.

Over the years, there have been three or four traffic accidents at his intersection where vehicles have ended up on the property, Green said. Once, when a car crashed into the market, he had watermelon all over the place, he said, shaking his head with a smile.

Green quietly walks past specially packaged bags of figs, apricots, shelled pecans, dates and pistachios. Shelves of honey, cactus jelly, cherry cider and salsa also are neatly stocked as he continues past bins of walnuts and mixed nuts on his way to hang the signs for his trade.

"We are the only open-air market left in the city," he said. "We're practically one of a kind."

For more than 45 years, from October to May, Green has been operating the market from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, mostly with the help of his wife, Joan.

"I came into this business not knowing a thing," he said proudly. "I started with nothing."

Indeed, he started working at the market for a previous owner for $1 an hour.

After playing drums for several big bands here and in Colorado, Green wanted to have a steadier life, one where he did not spend so much time on the road. It was time to settle down.

He started operating the business on his own in 1962 when another owner was unable to manage it, Green said.

At the time, the market had dirt floors, but in 1965, concrete floors were added. The names of friends and musicians who helped pour the floor are still etched in the cement.

"In the old days, I would get my produce along Baseline Road (in Phoenix)," Green said. "Now, most of the places where I used to gather produce are gone."

Whenever his produce supply runs low, he makes a drive north to his suppliers in the Phoenix area, purchasing his freshly picked oranges and grapefruit wherever he can, sometimes in Mesa, Gilbert or Queen Creek.

Working seven days a week has taken its toll on the couple, Green said. "We could use some help around here, but good help is hard to find," he said. "It's hard to get away and do things. On the days when I need to get more produce, Joanie has to be here to take care of the customers."

He is now in the process of breaking in another worker to help with the work, he said.

At the end of the day, his familiar commute goes into reverse. Signs come down, he covers the nuts and apples to protect them against the moisture and cold, and the gates are closed and locked.

Green retraces his steps as he and Joan retreat to the warmth of their home and rest for a new day.

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For more than 45 years, open-air market endures