Logan: A Hidden Market

There was much more activity on the streets of Logan than our last visit. Maybe it was the summer like weather, which was the complete opposite of last week’s rainstorms. We wanted to investigate a market we drove past. Most drivers passing Broad and Lindley streets would not notice this little market because an underpass hid it immensely. We wanted to obtain more information about this business because of its hidden structure.

Ha Ha’s Market lacked advertising on the building. The lights were very dim. There was graffiti written on the exterior. It lacked a lot of attention to attract customers. However, this building is convenient to those who ride the subway, since it is located directly upstairs from it. This store grabbed our attention because we took the initiative to look deeper into the neighborhood. If we continued driving, I would not have given this place a second glance. On the front of the building is an open sign which is located on the other side of the

entrance.

After preparing ourselves by writing down questions, we finally walked in. The odor of seafood greeted us as we walked through the door. It was a small store with a large variety of fruit at the entrance. We spoke to the available clerk, who also happened to be one of the owners. After asking a few questions, we realized that the language barrier was going to keep us from getting the interview we truly hoped for. She seemed a little uncomfortable, whether because of communication errors or concerned with the several questions being asked. She gave us brief information about the market. Ha Ha’s Market is a family business owned by her and her husband. The previous owners ran it as a restaurant but now after twenty years of service, Ha Ha’s Market sells fresh produce, fish and other amenities. The market is open daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Their busiest time of the day is in the early afternoon, mostly when people are on their way home from work.

It was disappointing not getting the interview we had pictured because of the communication problems but it comes with the territory of interacting with different neighborhoods we are not used too. It was a learning experience we will never forget.After not getting the interviewed we had hoped for, we continued to walk through the streets of Logan, deeper than last time. One of the weirdest things to us, were the number of tall gates in front of several row homes. We got the impression that they wanted a lot of privacy. There were many streets of row homes with this same notion. This neighborhood seems to keep much to their selves. There are many things to learn about Logan. It is certainly, a very diverse community.

Chelsea Sexauer and Kaira Patrick

Group 14 Logan and Feltonville