More than a Market

Local Block 2

John F. (left) and Arthur (right) Kieslich at Kieslich’s Market. Photo courtesy of Sr. Marie Kieslich.

Kieslich’s Market supported local farmers and food enterprises whenever possible.  Ice fishermen brought in smelt and perch to sell in winter, and local people provided honey and maple syrup for sale.  Sister Marie Kieslich, founder JV Kieslich’s granddaughter, likens the network of local vegetable and dairy farmers, bakeries, and wholesale food and beverage companies to an extended family that “put it all together.” Even Gordon Paquette, mayor of Burlington from 1971 to 1981, delivered bread from Fassetts Bakery to the market.

In the early years, Kieslich’s Market sold chickens from a coop in the backyard. JV’s grandson Dick remembers collecting eggs in a large bowl that sat on the counter. Customers would carry their eggs home in a wooden box, which they returned to the store on their next visit. A chute delivered potatoes and onions, purchased from a wholesaler, to the basement, where the Kieslich children bagged them for sale.