The San Jose Flea Market, located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, was founded by George Bumb Sr. in March 1960.

His idea to open a flea market sparked while working in the solid waste and landfill business. He witnessed an abundance of treasures thrown away every day and realized he could make a profit from these discarded items.

After visiting swap meets in Los Angeles and Paris’ Thieves Market for inspiration, George Bumb Sr. established the San Jose Flea Market on 1590 Berryessa Road in San Jose, California.

He bought 120 acres (0.49 km2) of an old meat-processing plant and remodeled it to create a market with an initial 20 vendors and only 100 customers per day. Now, the San Jose Flea Market is the largest open-air market in the U.S. and has become a California landmark with over four million visitors each year

San Jose Attractions

Winchester Mystery House

Californias Great America

Alum Rock Park

Things to do in San Jose - As the hub of Silicon Valley, San Jose City has become a popular destination for tourists and business travelers. Visitors find many amenities in the City's revitalized downtown area including fine accommodations, world class restaurants and shops. San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area, located roughly 50 miles south of San Francisco and 390 miles north of Los Angeles. San Jose has a world-renowned quality of life, offering a wide variety of exciting cultural, recreational, educational and entertainment opportunities. There are plenty of things to do in San Jose that will keep you and your family occupied with fun filled activities.

Flea Market Treasure: A Vintage Side Saddle - Some years ago while vacationing in the mountains of West Virginia I bought a vintage side saddle. I found it at a flea market and paid $25.00. It was from the turn of the 20th century, with tooled leather and a red velvet seat. When I got it home and began to clean it up, it soaked up oil like a sponge. But other than being dusty and dry, it was in fairly good shape. I had a few minor repairs done by Mr. Rudolph Smith, owner of West Mount Saddlery in Rocky Mount, NC, after which it was in good usable condition. I later sold my side saddle, which I now regret, even though I made a very healthy profit.