Blog March 15, 2011
In Memoriam: Elizabeth Harris, Our “Market Matriarch”
Elizabeth Harris at the Market in November 2008. (Photo: Barry Choi)It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Elizabeth Harris on Monday, March 7, 2011. Elizabeth was an important member of the Evergreen family, playing a key role in the launch of the Evergreen Brick Works Farmers’ Market. Elizabeth’s passion for supporting local farmers and her ability to bring people together was legendary.
In early spring 2007, we asked if she’d help us get our market off the ground. In those early days, Evergreen Brick Works was still a collection of deteriorating heritage buildings and a big idea. Elizabeth immediately saw the potential. She quickly went to work calling on her extensive networks of farmers, many of who had worked with her for years at Riverdale Farmers’ Market (which she’d also started). About 20 farmers and vendors joined us that first year. It felt like a long shot—an abandoned site off the beaten path. In fact, many came out as a personal favour to Elizabeth.
Under Elizabeth’s leadership, the market quickly became a success, as it is today. A weekly gathering of community members who pay homage to the bounty of Ontario’s rich and fertile soil, and individuals who have turned their life’s passion into sustainable operations using artisanal growing and cooking methods.
Everywhere Elizabeth went she knew people whose lives she had positively affected in some way; they were farmers, chefs, writers, photographers, and people who shared in her passion. She had the sharpest memory, and always a wonderful story to tell.
We at Evergreen will remember her for her sparkling blue eyes, sharp wit and contagious energy that permeated across the market floor and beyond. We will miss being challenged by her in ways that were provocative and playful. We will miss her dearly.
Next time you visit Evergreen Brick Works, take the time to visit the sign in Elizabeth’s honour on the side of Building 5. You can also share your stories and read about how she touched others at elizabethrosalindharris.wordpress.com.
Elizabeth died peacefully at home in Cabbagetown surrounded by her family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Elizabeth and Aileen Harris Fund supporting CASA. Call Tom at TD Waterhouse 416-308-3458.
Comments
She was an incredible force of nature, and I will miss her kindness and (inspiring) tenacity.
Elizabeth was such a passionate person and a great leader. She’ll be missed.
Elizabeth was so special, and loved by many. She will be missed!
Elizabeth - you inspired so many people and brought out the best in all of those who had the pleasure of “working” with you. The community of Toronto, and so many smaller communities across the city you touched - are better for you time spent here. Our little community at Evergreen Brick Works - and the farmers’ market you helped create - is a special place because of what you gave from your heart. Great ideas, energy, passion, the occasional kick in the ass, and a lot of love. Thank you Elizabeth. I will remember you as someone special.
i remember one day before the market started. i was sitting on a bench organizing my inventory when i looked over my shoulder to see a man who clearly loves pigeons. he had an entire army of birds on his poop infested van. he was feeding them with great amounts of bird seed. elizabeth had problems with him before from the look on her face. she walked over to him and asked him to leave because the market was about to start. vendors and customers dont need to have umbrellas on such a nice day. the man quickly made rude remarks towards her for not understanding what he was doing. (there is a time and place for everything and feeding massive amounts of birds at this time was not in the best interest of anyone). clearly her words had no affect on the man so she got her market opening bell and shooed the birds away ringing the loud bell. i was amazed at how effective the bell was! the man made some more rude remarks and left in his messy van. the market began and no one got pooped on. most people would have seen the man and left him to his so called nature loving act. elizabeth saw it as a large problem for food safety and integrity of the market. her uncanny dedication to the people of the market is unforgettable. i will always remember her for her great dedication and leadership.
we will miss you
Elizabeth took a chance by inviting me to come to the Brickworks to sell vintage textiles. It opened up a whole new world for me. I also remember the bell!!!
We had lots of laughs together.