Owners looking to reopen historic Stockade market

PHOTOGRAPHER: Bethany Bump

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Arthur’s Market will reopen in the heart of the Stockade neighborhood.

The market has had a fickle run over the past nine years, closing and reopening several times since the late Arthur and Peter Polacheck retired in 2004 after more than 50 years in the business.

The current owners, Joyce and Artur Wachala, are now planning to reopen the market as a deli — a venture they tried once before, in 2010.

Joyce Wachala said they’re in the process of cleaning and licensing the store at 35 N. Perry St. She declined to comment further and said she would be able to talk more at the end of next week.

A post on the “Arthur’s Public Market” Facebook page confirmed cleanup has begun.

“Look for the re-opening of our deli soon! Same awesome sandwiches, fresh coffee and always something new. Tables are back and we welcome our neighborhood residents, friends and the general public into the heart of the Stockade once again,” read the post.

Arthur sits at the prominent five-corner intersection of Front, Green and North and South Ferry streets. Stockade lore maintains it is the oldest continuous food market in America, having operated in some form since 1795.

Schenectady Heritage Foundation Chairwoman Gloria Kishton, a Stockade resident, said it has been the No. 1 priority of the Stockade Association to continue Arthur’s as a market for a while now.

“Arthur’s used to be the absolute hub of the neighborhood, but its status has changed over the years for a variety of reasons,” she wrote in an email. “When we first lived here, it took an hour to walk there, shop and return home because you met your neighbors there and visited. Lots of neighbors went there every day. Of course, the kids went for candy, etc. They gave credit, which was convenient. Arthur knew all the gossip, but was discreet and very kind.”

It’s unclear exactly when the Wachalas expect to reopen the market, but updates are being posted to “Arthur’s Public Market” page on Facebook.