In my �irst ethnography, Yard Sales: The sociological treasures within another person's trash, I learned that yard sales consist of different symbolic interactions between people and that these events �lash in and out of existence. The next question I will be asking is, how do we nourish these symbolic interactions through material exchange?

We already see large-scale yard sale events; they are usually called �lea markets or swap meets. Wikipedia description is as follows; “A �lea market or swap meet is a type of bazaar where inexpensive or secondhand goods are sold or bartered. It may be indoor, such as in a warehouse or school gymnasium; or it may be outdoors, such as in a �ield or under a tent. The �lea-market vendors may range from a family that is renting a table for the �irst time to sell a few unwanted household items to a commercial operation including a large variety of new or used merchandise, including scouts who rove the region buying items for sale from garage sales and other �lea markets, and several staff watching the stalls.”

Like yard sales, they are naturally occurring and their location varies. Michael Prokopow provides a perspective of the �lea market, saying “The suggestion has been made that on any given summer Sunday in the United States more people can be found at �lea markets then attending church. Now while very possibly an apocryphal account, the idea of millions of women and men searching for old and new treasures is compelling. And whether located in a borrowed farmers �ield, the parking lot of mammoth sports arenas, the broad and arti�icially bright isles of some suburban shopping malls, or a high school gymnasium seemingly unchanged since the Cold War.” Another author by the name of G.G. Carbone expands on the subject stating, “The contemporary American �lea market constitutes a remarkable cultural and social phenomenon.” This said, creating an ideal environment for this type of �lea market behavior to occur is productive for the community on multiple levels.

The closest �lea market to me occurs once a week at the drive-in movie theatre. These locations are generally less than ideal (uneven pavement, no shade, high wind, venerable to weather), and I feel like there should be a better way. Renting spaces at a �lea market in California ranges from 5$ per 10x10 area, or in more densely populated areas up to 25$ per 10x10 area. Reservations are usually not required, although some �lea markets recommend it (LaFarge).

The proposed project is a center that can improve and expand the �lea market experience. Based on my previous research on yard sales, I will pair the needs identi�ied in the study with various forms of ful�illment. This center will be called The People’s Mall. Many of these areas of The People’s Mall will be based not only on material exchange, but also the exchange of knowledge. Elders, experts, or anyone else that can offer something to the community would �ind themselves welcomed and nourished. This said, my vision for The People’s Mall consists of the following elements.

The People’s Mall Project by Paris Daniell

Top down view of The People’s Mall.

Main Trading Building – This is the largest building in the center, and houses the indoor trading �loor. Here people can drop off their items through a loading bay, and then rent a space to sell their goods.

Welcoming Center - Many of the people at yard sales consisted of those new to the area. This area of the Mall would feature key information for new comers. It could also serve as a place for connecting lonely long-term residents with lonely newcomers.

Arts and Crafts area - The theme of this area would not only be artistic, but sustainable by making with old items e.g. Maker faire’s. This would serve as a point of social interaction, along with education. Hobbies and crafts serve as a medium in which people can communicate and bond through.

Education and Job center - The tools needed to acquire a job would be accessible, including one of the most important parts of employment - people that can help with networking or even �ixing a resume.

Auction house - this part of the peoples mall could be for pro�it or non-pro�it. Essentially this would serve a place to sell higher priced items and would attract more af�luent patrons. Those in it for the heat of a bargain would �ind this event exciting.

Art Gallery - The walls and resting areas of The People’s Mall would be decorated by artists. Also occasionally there could be indoor gallery viewings. This would inject cultural aesthetics into not only The People’s Mall, but also the community.

Public presentations and speakers - Leverage the community knowledge and project it to those inter-ested in listening. Why waste perfectly good life and professional experiences? This integration of intellec-tual giving-back would vary depending on demand, and would be moderated by the community.

Outside stage - Music and local bands could book this area; providing entertainment for the patrons and exposure for the musicians / performers. This sets a tone of celebration for the surrounding environment, and creates a main-stage for either those willing to entertain, or be entertained.

Recycle Center and E-waste disposal - An ef�iciently run recycling station and e-waste disposal dumpster aids the community in several ways. The �irst being economical, people are able to take their scrap metal, cans, etc to the People’s Mall in order to exchange them for money. This money can then directly be re-invested into the community, and optimal accessibility makes it an ideal location to visit. Positive environmental impact is also an obvious reason for this facility.

Co-op garden and Produce - A community garden would serve as a food resource, and social event for people. Those new to the area could sign up to take part in the care-taking schedule. The goods produced would be sold and the pro�it re-invested into the next garden.

Awesome playground - Kids love their playgrounds - and having an awesome one never hurts. The primary purchaser in families are mothers, so being a kid-friendly location is an important element.

The People’s Mall Project

Works Cited

Carbone, G. G.. How to make a fortune with other people's junk: an insider's secrets to �nding and reselling hidden treasures at garage sales, auctions, estate sales, �ea markets, yard sales, antique shows, and ebay. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005. Print.

"Flea market - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flea_market>.

Hall, Dennis, and Susan G. Hall. American icons: an encyclopedia of the people, places, and things that have shaped our culture. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2006. Print.

LaFarge, Albert. The U.S. �ea market directory: the complete guide to America's best �ea markets. 3rd ed. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2009. Print.