9-06-2025 4:49am

Freed’s Market Marks 100 Years with Community Celebration

Lesley Misko Editor

by Expression Staff

A century after its humble beginnings as a butcher shop, Freed’s Supermarket is preparing to mark its 100th anniversary with a celebration that honors both its history and the community it has served for generations.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at 2:20 p.m., the family-owned market at 2024 Swamp Pike in Gilbertsville will host a Customer Appreciation Day, reviving a tradition from years past. Guests will enjoy free samples from vendors, including hot dogs, beef barbecue from the deli, salad donated by ASK Foods, Goods potato chips, Canada Dry soda, and more.

“We haven’t done a customer appreciation day in many years,” said Sandy Freed, one of the four current owners and a fourth-generation member of the family. “We thought it would be a perfect way to celebrate the store’s 100th birthday and give back to the community.”

The celebration, that is being held on a Sunday to avoid disrupting shoppers and to allow more families to attend, will also feature raffles for prizes such as a bicycle donated by Coca-Cola and gift certificates from local businesses, including Pepe’s Italian restaurant . At 2:30 p.m., a state representative will present the market with an official certificate recognizing its century of service.

To encourage visitors to linger and reconnect, the event will offer games such as Cornhole, Connect Four, and other activities.

Freed’s roots trace back to 1925, when Warren Freed and his brother Tom opened a butcher shop in Boyertown. After a fire in 1945 destroyed Warren’s barn and store, he built the original Freed’s Market on Swamp Pike. Freed’s moved to its current, larger location in 1969, where it has continued to thrive despite the rise of corporate supermarket chains. The original store, closer to the road, now houses another business.

In those days, the store’s reach extended well beyond its walls thanks to a fleet of “peddle trucks” — mobile grocery stores that brought meats, produce, and pantry goods directly to customers’ doorsteps. Outfitted with display cases for fresh cuts of beef, pork, and poultry, these trucks traveled winding country roads, stopping at farmhouses and neighborhoods across the region. Butchers such as Woody Freed, Clarence Baker, Sam Rothenberger, and Ralph Freed would greet families by name, take orders on the spot, and often share the latest local news before heading to the next stop. For many rural households in the mid-20th century, the arrival of a Freed’s truck was as welcome as any holiday. The trucks were eventually retired as shopping habits changed, but the personal service they represented remains a hallmark of the store today.

Today, Sandy runs the store alongside Richard Freed and Karen Freed, following the recent passing of Donna Specht Landis. Sandy describes her role as “jack of all trades,” from placing orders to running the register.

Though the store has added a rewards program and introduced new products, it has largely stayed true to its traditions — most notably its reputation for top-quality meats, cut fresh to order, and its contributions to local events such as the annual Great Swamp Picnic.

“I’m proud to have a business last this long — especially a supermarket,” Sandy said. “There aren’t many independents anymore. We’ve had offers to sell, but I’ve always been determined to keep going.”

With its location set back from the road, Sandy calls Freed’s a “hidden gem” — one that has endured thanks to loyal customers who value its friendly service, fresh offerings, and commitment to community.

For more information, visit www.freedsmarket.com.

History of Freed’s Super Market

1912 – Warren Freed purchases a 100-acre farm in New Hanover Township.
1921 – Warren and his brother Tom open a butcher shop on East Philadelphia Avenue in Boyertown.
1925 – Freed’s Market is founded, beginning a tradition of fine meats and personal service.
1930s – During the Depression, Warren and Tom part ways; Warren continues his business on the farm.
1945 – A fire destroys Warren’s barn and store. He rebuilds on Swamp Pike, launching the first Freed’s Market building.
1940s–50s – Freed’s operates a fleet of “peddle trucks” delivering fresh meats, produce, and groceries directly to homes.
1969 – The store moves next door to its current 10,000-square-foot building, set back from the road.
2000s – Fourth-generation family members take over operations, continuing the market’s independent tradition.
2025 – Freed’s celebrates 100 years of service with a community-wide Customer Appreciation Day.