Roscoe’s romance with fleas

By Anahi Rodriguez | Manor Ink

Roscoe, NY – You won’t get fleas at the recent flea market at the Roscoe Motel, but you might just find love. More on that in a minute. First, the term “flea market” comes from a French phrase, “marché aux puces,” which translates as “market of fleas.” The term originated in 19th-century France to describe bustling second hand markets where vendors sold various items. Those items were often infested with fleas.

There were nineteen vendors at the Roscoe Flea Market’s fifth year, with much vintage clothing and antique jewelry being sold. The most popular items this year in addition to clothes were books and lots of cool art and posters, and we can’t forget the burger set-up!

“I want people to have a good time and reunite with friends in the area,” said Rachael Yaeger, owner of the Roscoe Motel along with Michael Ray. Yaeger and Ray purchased the motel right before the pandemic in 2020, when Yaeger serendipitously drove by the property the day the previous owner put out a for-sale sign.

“I got to shadow the old owners for two weeks to see how they ran the business, and quickly learned that there is a super special, pre-existing fly fishing demographic that is the motel’s core customer base,” said Yeager. “They’ve been staying here for the last thirty-plus years, so it’s more their motel than mine!”

Yaeger’s goal for the flea market is to give people a good place to buy or sell things that make others happy. “For me, the market provides a chance to see Aaron and Misty who own The Junction, my favorite restaurant, Charlotte from Taylor & Ace, and a bunch of friends and community members. A moment to hang out on the lawn with friends, to bring people together,” Yeager said. “I collaborate often, trust other people to help me. I live a big, full life with a lot of love around me and am very lucky. Also, this year especially, I would say that love is certainly in the air!”

Yaeger was referring to a marriage proposal that happened right in the middle of the flea market. Gabriel Byer, one of the market’s organizers, popped the question, and his girlfriend, Martha Superti, accepted.