In 1917, an enormous fire ravaged 75 blocks of Atlanta, leaving 1 mile of destruction in its wake. To replant the seeds of commerce, the city of Atlanta created an open-air market (1918 – 1923) in what is now the Sweet Auburn Historic District. The gathering became so popular, a permanent structure was demanded and the Womens Club of Atlanta raised money to help make it happen. The Municipal Market of Atlanta, as its officially titled, opened its doors in 1924, selling produce, meats, and products to consumers of the day. The market was in many ways egalitarian, meant for people of all classes and color, but not everyone was allowed inside. The African American shoppers had to buy their goods from carts on the curb, prompting a nickname that still stands nearly 90 years later; today we affectionately call it “The Curb Market."