Farmers Exchange

Medina, Ohio

Building History

Medina Farmers Exchange, a bulk goods feed and grain store, occupies the site and has been located on the site since 1904.  The Farmers Exchange was established in 1904 by SJ Swain, E. Brenner, WD Wise, AT Spitzer, CE Hoover, and FW Woods.  A few years later, Fred and Albert Snyder became part of the exchange.  The original building was destroyed by fire 1915, along with the subsequent building in 1935.  The exchange published the Medina Trading Post from 1904 to 1964, a free newspaper containing information for farmers and classified ads with no commercial advertisements.  Over 14,000 copies were distributed weekly at its height.  The Snyder brothers, Fred & Albert, contributed much to the expansion of the Farmers Exchange from 1907 until the 1960s by producing “Medina Quality Feeds,” the brand name associate with the company.
The existing structure contains the original metal capping along the roof parapet line.  The majority of the original metal framed windows have been preserved.  The structural metal overhangs at the north and south facades are present but in poor condition.  The elevated deck is original to the structure, predating the 1935 rebuilding after the fire.  The original brick remains unaltered and unpainted since 1935, and several historic signs are present in the building.  The structural canopies, grain silos, and metalwork from the 1930s mill operations are intact.

Community Plan

The building continues to serve the community as Medina’s Farmers Exchange building supplying feed and supplies, its original intended use since 1904.

Building Details

Sq.Ft.: 39,760
Date of Construction: 1935
For Sale: No
National Register Historic Property: No
National Register Historic District: No
Zoning: