1870: CHRISTMAS AT THE TRENTON MARKETS

There were busy markets in downtown Trenton back in the 1870's. One was laid out along the center of North Broad Street from State and Broad up to around Academy Street. There was another on South Stockton Street. I transcribed the following interesting news articles before the advent of the personal computer. The articles were copied verbatim from the newspaper and printed out on a "Brothers" electronic typewriter.
TRANSCRIPTION:

CHRISTMAS PRICES AT THE TRENTON MARKETS

DECEMBER 19, 1870

GAZETTE

On Saturday, there was a good display in our markets of poultry. Turkeys and chicken continue to command 25 cents a pound. We bought from a farmer the one half of a very fine sheep for eleven cents a pound, and by this mode of changing our base we expect to be able to buy a turkey without increasing our expenditures. Whether we pay 11 cents a pound or 25 cents a pound for 25 pounds, makes a difference of $2.25 for one week. John Jacob Astor could not finance better to save his Christmas dinner. After eating sheep meat for a whole week, the change to a good fat turkey will be quite agreeable.
There is only one other plan to secure a turkey without affecting our pockets, and that is to abstain from eating meat altogether. Folks are preparing all kinds of expedients, and this is one of them. No extra charge for advice

WASHINGTON MARKET READY TO OPEN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1870
GAZETTE

The Washington Market will be opened on Saturday next, on which occasion there will be a grand rush for Christmas turkeys, chickens, etc. The butchers who have rented stalls will on that occasion put their best foot foremost. There will therefore be a very fine display of beef, as well as everything else.