“The Barter Theater first opened its doors in June 10, 1933, providing relief and diversions for Depression-era audiences.  It was founded by Robert Porterfield, a young actor who suggested that audiences barter homegrown produce for admission.  Its motto was “With vegetables you cannot sell, you can buy a good laugh.”  Crowds were receptive to the idea of ‘ham or Hamlet,” and an estimated 80 percent of the audiences paid with fruits, vegetables, and livestock, or dairy products.”  [1]