In my first 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 flash in and out of existence. The next question I will be asking is, how do we nourish these symbolic interactions through material exchange?

1. The People’s Mall Project by Paris Daniell
In my �irst ethnography, Yard Sales: The sociological The proposed project is a center that can improve and expand
treasures within another person's trash, I learned that yard the �lea market experience. Based on my previous research on
sales consist of different symbolic interactions between yard sales, I will pair the needs identi�ied in the study with
people and that these events �lash in and out of existence. various forms of ful�illment. This center will be called The
The next question I will be asking is, how do we nourish People’s Mall. Many of these areas of The People’s Mall will be
these symbolic interactions through material exchange? based not only on material exchange, but also the exchange of
knowledge. Elders, experts, or anyone else that can offer
We already see large-scale yard sale events; they are usually something to the community would �ind themselves
called �lea markets or swap meets. Wikipedia description is welcomed and nourished. This said, my vision for The People’s
as follows; “A �lea market or swap meet is a type of bazaar Mall consists of the following elements.
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
Top down view of The People’s Mall.
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).

2. 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.

3. 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
Arts and Crafts area - The theme of this area Education and Job center - The tools needed to The People’s Mall, but also the community.
would not only be artistic, but sustainable by acquire a job would be accessible, including one
making with old items e.g. Maker faire’s. This of the most important parts of employment -
would serve as a point of social interaction, people that can help with networking or even
along with education. Hobbies and crafts serve �ixing a resume.
as a medium in which people can communicate
and bond through.

4. 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.
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.

5. 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.
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.

6. 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.

7. The People’s Mall Project

8. 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.