Love Vinyl Recordings?

On this drizzly day, we thought it might be fun to share a very small taste of the amazing record album collections George has acquired. Some of these albums have NEVER been opened and hundreds of others are in ‘like new’ condition.

from WIKIPEDIA

The Age of Electronicus - record album with the MOOG

from WIKIPEDIA

The Clayhouse Inn presents The Real Thing Steel Band - sponsored by the Coca-Cola Bottler in Bermuda - record album
The United States Military Academy Band and Cadet Glee Club - West Point. - record album
Time Capsule - The March of Time
Hitler's March on Czechoslovakia - record album
United States Presidents Series - actual speeches of Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy - record album

Ornaments and More for Your Holiday

Click on the pics to enlarge most of them.

Add a Bit of Bling – Vintage Jewelry for the Holidays

A Little ‘Sparkle’

At Bahoukas You Must Look UP!

We frequently mention that when you visit Bahoukas Antique Mall you simply must look UP – Down – Eye Level. Then you’ll probably need to make one more go ’round to pick up those things you want to take home with you!

This simple post is to share a gallery of images when you Look UP! (Remember, you can click on an image to enlarge it.)

There’s a lot you’ll miss if you don’t take the time to notice variety of items tucked here – there – and well, EVERYWHERE.

And we’re here. Waitin’ for ya. Ready to help you find what you’re looking for (just in case you missed it)! We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Beautiful Orthophonic Victrola and more

It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful fall week. Welcome to October and to Bahoukas Antique Mall. Today we want to share a few antiques that arrived last week. They are stunning!

1928 Victor-Victrola

This beautiful Victrola is in working order and has great sound. It came with a box of records that included a variety of children’s songs to the amazing voice of Ella Fitzgerald.

Victor-Victrola 1928 Orthophonic 8-9 model

The Victor Orthophonic Victrola, first demonstrated publicly in 1925, was the first consumer phonograph designed specifically to play electrically recorded phonograph records. The combination was recognized instantly as a major step forward in sound reproduction.

from Wikipedia

The model 8-9 had the largest and most efficient all-steel horns and many collectors today consider them to be the pinnacle of acoustic reproduction.

beautiful grill of Victor-Victrola 1928 Orthophonic 8-9 model available at Bahoukas Antique Mall

The 8-9 (Victrola) was available only in a fumed oak finish, with blue painted trim panels and decorative appliques. In addition, the 8-9 featured a large art-deco ‘cross’ on the grille cloth.

These machines (with stamped-steel horns) have a very lively sound quality with improved high-frequency response when compared to their wood-horn counterparts.

from Victor-Victrola

Are you the one looking for this rare find? If so, stop in and see it today! You won’t be disappointed.

The Sanitary Refrigerator

The oak ice chest was the pathway to better and safer foods. It’s a beautiful vintage piece. Manufactured by The Sanitary Refrigerator Company

oak ice chest by the Sanitary Refrigerator Company available at Bahoukas Antique Mall

It may be hard to imagine, but the use of an icebox, and later mechanical refrigeration, actually allowed housewives to make fewer visits to the grocer and to be able to save and use “leftovers” safely. With the invention of mechanical refrigeration, the introduction of ‘frozen foods’ in the 1950s was made popular. You might remember the Swanson TV DINNERS – that was 1953!

An icebox (also called a cold closet) is a compact non-mechanical refrigerator which was a common early-twentieth-century kitchen appliance before the development of safely powered refrigeration devices. Before the development of electric refrigerators, iceboxes were referred to by the public as “refrigerators”. Only after the invention of the modern electric refrigerator did early non-electric refrigerators become known as iceboxes. The terms icebox and refrigerator were used interchangeably in advertising as long ago as 1848.

The traditional kitchen icebox dates back to the days of ice harvesting, whose heyday ran from the mid-19th century until the 1930s, when the electric refrigerator was introduced for home use.

from WIKIPEDIA

Gilbert Mantle Clock

Gilbert Mantle Clock available at Bahoukas Antique Mall

This beautiful mantle clock, manufactured by Gilbert Clock Factory is in great condition. It’s chime is a beautiful deep sound, very pleasing to the ear.

Old Tube Radios

two old tube radios available at Bahoukas Antique Mall

Do you collect old radios? We have two old radios that need a bit of repair (and tubes) that may be of interest to you. And George may have the tubes you’re looking for. We encourage you to stop in and consider one – or both – of these gems to add to your collection.

old milk can

Very Used Milk Can

This milk can has been used a great deal. But that adds to its ‘character.’ Wonder what stories it could share!

This would make an interesting piece to add to your fall decor!

These are just a few of the vintage antiques you might find in our store. You are encouraged to drop by and browse our 9,000 sq. ft. of antiques and collectibles plus another 2200 sq. ft. of brewmania in the Beer MuZeum upstairs.

You know we’re here and we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Books, Magazines, and more…

Kids are back in school. The days are growing shorter. It’s the perfect time to purchase a few new books to read. We have something for everyone! From military and history books to Hot Rod Magazines (and others), from Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys to a huge supply of Golden Books, novels and cookbooks to boating and the Old West!

Barbara, who is our resident organizer, has spent days rearranging and sorting all the books in the store. “No Small Task!” So check out the gallery photos. Then give yourself a couple of hours to come and browse the amazing selection of books, magazines, and comics in our store.

We encourage you to stop and browse our book collection. But we have comics, games, toys, and more. And although it seems early, it’s a great time to begin your holiday shopping!

And yes, we’re here and we’re ALWAYS watchin’ for ya! Stop by and we’ll help you find whatever you might be looking for.

Do You Wish for Simpler Toys

One of the joys of shopping in antique stores is finding some of those simpler toys where children play without electronics. Many love listening to a child playing “make-believe,” using their imaginations as they create their stories.

Although it’s been a while since we last posted, we have a wonderful assortment of books, games, and toys that encourage a child’s creativity while foregoing the screens and electronics! Many believe that a bit of boredom is actually good for a child’s development.

Here’s a gallery of some of the interesting children’s ideas available:

“Children are discoverers; they’re active,” she said. With simple toys, your child gets to use her imagination to build and develop. Instead of the toy telling your child what to do, your child commands the toy. Simple toys promote independence, creativity, critical thinking, and imagination. The more the toy does, the less your child is doing — both physically and mentally.

 Dr. Sharon Saline, Psy.D., clinical psychologist
From ROMPER

We encourage you to stop in and see if a book, game, or simple toy might be just what a youngster in your life might truly enjoy this summer!

And yes, we’re here and we’re ALWAYS watchin’ for ya! Stop by and we’ll help you find the items mentioned here! Happy Summer!

Picnic and Garden Fun

Garden Critters

Our little cast iron garden critters would be so much fun tucked away amid your flowers – or even your veggies! Come take a peek. We also have a cast iron sundial. Now wouldn’t THAT make a statement?

cast iron sundial
cast iron sundial – perfect for your yard or garden

Maybe you’re planning a picnic!

Whether it’s on your deck or at your favorite park, check out this unusual item.

Ice-O-Mat ice crusher (non-electric)
non-electric Ice-O-Mat ice crusher – perfect take-a-long on your camping trip.

This pitcher and glass set for your favorite drink are sure to be appreciated! Crabs anyone!!!

Glass and Pitcher set - GMAD Baltimore - "Chessie" the quality crab
Glass and Pitcher set – GMAD Baltimore – “Chessie” the quality crab

Okay, just a few ideas. And you already know, we’re here – and we’re watchin’ for ya! Have a safe holiday weekend.

Gnomes? Dwarfs? Garden Spirits?

Gnomes have quite an interesting history. The following is an excerpt from a very interesting series of blog posts and their history over centuries.

a wonderful display of gnomes
A wonderful display of gnomes available at Bahoukas Antiques

Snow White is the first example of Disney’s tried-and-true formula of adapting a folk tale using the medium of cel-animation. In this case, the source material is the familiar Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale about a young girl absconding from her evil queen step mother and hiding out with seven miners that live in the woods. The original story never names the dwarfs, but Disney gave each one a personality and a moniker. Disney also transformed them into something more akin to Paracelsus’ magical gnomes than the human dwarfs most original readers of Grimm probably envisioned. Disney’s earth-dwellers were lovable, goofy, bearded (mostly), and colorful, and America fell in love with them in 1937.

Would anyone have cared to put a dwarf on their lawn if not for Snow White? It’s hard to say, but it is not likely that garden gnomes would have become as popular to consumers around the world without the unforgettable image of Disney’s dwarfs.

from A fascination with Gnomes
SCRABBLE - a Tom Clark gnome available at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace
SCRABBLE – a Tom Clark gnome available at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace

Walt Disney Changed Our Image of Gnomes/Dwarfs

Tom Clark Sculptures Gnomes

A majority of the gnomes in our window display are sculpted by the well-known artist, Tom Clark.

a Tom Clark gnome available at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace
a Tom Clark gnome available at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace

Tom Clark is best known for his whimsical Gnomes and Woodspirits, but equally impressive are his scaled miniatures of historical people, such as Thomas Jefferson and Davy Crockett.

from Cairn Studio
a Tom Clark gnome available at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace
a Tom Clark gnome available at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace
a Tom Clark gnome available at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace
a Tom Clark gnome available at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace

Whatever your reason, a garden gnome, a collectible for a special place in your home, or even a great gift! We have some very wonderful gnomes available.

Vintage Mushroom Garden Gnomes available at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace
Vintage Mushroom Garden Gnomes available at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

Remember, we’re here and you can be sure, we’re watchin’ for ya!

Graduations-Weddings-Reunions-Picnics

A busy season of activities is upon us. And you may just want to add a serving dish, cake plate, or covered cake carrier to your collection. They make beautiful presentations as well as being practical.

Bbeautiful Serving Pieces Perfect for Weddings

We have a selection of beautiful and exquisite crystal vases, bowls, and stemware that could add loveliness to your wedding decor.

Or possibly you just need a very practical wood-based tray with a dome-covered cheese tray.

No matter you’re needs, we have a variety of beautiful serving pieces from casserole dishes for your picnics to china and crystal for the wedding table.

beautiful serving dishes available at Bahoukas
Just one example of beautiful serving dishes available at Bahoukas.

Drop by and browse our shelves at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum soon. We’ll be watchin’ for ya.

Grandma Core – Hipstoric Homes – Homefront

Check out the latest trends.

According to Fashion Magazine, the latest trends include ‘Grandma Core’. And Pinterest Business says the trends are ‘Hipstoric Homes’ and ‘Home Front.’ Let’s see what those trends include and then stop in and visit us.

‘Grandma Core’

lace doilies and hankies at Bahoukas Antique Mall
Lace, Vintage Clothes, jewelry, and more are popular as the new trend – ‘Grandma Core’

Believe it or not, grandma is back!!! Think chunky sweaters, slim belts, the perfect old-as-new hat, and the perfect piece of jewelry from grandma’s well-curated collection. oooo-la-la

beautiful jewelry choices available for Mom on Mother's Day at Bahoukas Antiques
Just a sampling of jewelry to develop your new wardrobe trend

Sitting on her bed, I relished examining the antique wooden triptych mirror, which sat adorned with hanging pendants and delicate silver chains. Her shelf was cluttered with colourful trinkets and tiny boxes that spilled open to reveal little treasures gathered over time. To me, it was the picture of personal style carefully cultivated through the decades. This is the ethos of grandmother fashion, which is set to be a defining trend in 2023.

from Fashion Magazine
Grandma’s hats are the new trend
George at Bahoukas checking out the ladies hats just in time for the Preakness!
wonderful and stylish hats to keep your head warm this winter at Bahoukas Antique Mall in Havre de Grace

Hipstoric Home

Antiques are chic – yep, they’re back and they’re popular.

collection of milkglass
Beautiful milkglass collection

And ‘eclectic’ is the perfect approach to the new trend of joining the old with the new! Maybe you’d like to enjoy your iced tea in a favorite ‘character glass.’

complete set of 5 Peanuts Camp Snoopy McDonald's Glasses
character glasses – we have hundreds

This trend is best described by this line from Pinterest Business:

Soulful spaces that merge self-expression and historical nostalgia.

from: Pinterest Business

Serve your favorite cake and cookies on a cute vintage dish:

Beautiful covered cake dish - Bahoukas Antiques
covered cake dish
cake plates and more
cake plates and more
beautiful glass cake platters/servers
beautiful glass servers and cake plates

This trend includes tchotchkes of all kinds, mixing new and old and appreciating both.

This new trend may be the perfect way to blend all the things you love, creating a ‘home’ that truly says, “Welcome.”

Home Front

We’ve always believed that sitting on the front porch is so very welcoming. Actually, here in Havre de Grace, many folks still enjoy their front porches and are quite comfortable saying, “Hello,” as you walk by. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbor or make a new friend.

The backyard has had its moment—it’s time to serve the greeter good. In 2023, the front porch will get the spotlight treatment. Rising searches suggest Boomers and Gen X will adorn their entrances with elaborate decor and embellishments.

from PINTEREST BUSINESS

Adding a crock filled with long-stemmed Pampas Grass or a real fern is a beautiful and inviting look by the doorway of your front porch.

salt glazed stoneware
salt glazed stoneware crocks

A comfy chair or maybe a chess set will add to the welcoming look and encourage folks to linger awhile and chat.

mosaic chess/checkers set

A great way to hang out on your front porch:

Fun and funky chess/checker sets with mosaic tables created by Barbara. (Note: all of these are not presently available)

There’s really no limit to the fun ways to say ‘welcome’ when adding a bit of your favorite items to your front porch. From a favorite chair to a ‘flying pic,’ and just about everything in between, stopping by Bahoukas Antique Mall is a delightful way to add to your decor.

white flying pig on a bell - cast iron
White flying pig on a bell – all in cast iron
cast iron flying pig at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace
flying pig in cast iron

So whether it’s Grandma Core, Hipstoric Homes, or the new Home Front styling, a stop at Bahoukas is worth your time. And you know, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Spring Ahead and Bunnies

Easter and the Signs of Spring are all around us. Here at Bahoukas Antique Mall we have a few ideas for you for your Easter Baskets, Easter and Spring Decor. For instance, check out this gallery of the cutest bunnies and Easter eggs! They’ll bring a smile for sure!

Bunnies and Eggs

Whether you use these bunnies for table decorations, Easter Baskets or just little reminders of spring tucked on shelves or tables about the house, they are delightful. Hurry in and make your selection soon.

Books About Bunnies Kids Will Love

Sometimes a little book tucked into the Easter Basket is just the perfect addition! We browsed our shelves to give you a sampling! Of course, that Gift doesn’t have to be about bunnies. But they seem quite appropriate for Spring!

Remember, Easter is Sunday, April 9th. Add a bit of bunny fun to your decorations and baskets.

And don’t forget…

This Sunday Begins Daylight Savings Time

Crocuses - Reminder of Daylight Savings Time

You don’t want to be late for church or brunch or any other activities this Sunday! Turn your Clocks ahead (yes – SPRING AHEAD) before you go to bed this Saturday.

And remember, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya. Stop in and say ‘hello.’

Look UP and down for Collectibles from Bahoukas

The featured image is a bone domino set from the late 1800s.

Look Down and All Around

There are small treasures tucked in EVERYwhere at Bahoukas Antique Mall. Here’s just a sampling of small surprises waiting for you!

Look UP for Larger Treasures

Not only do you want to look down and all around but you’ll definitely want to look UP. After all, some of the best discoveries are hanging from the ceiling!

very tall beer stein
Very Tall Beer Stein
cast iron sitting mermaid - large
tall sitting mermaid in cast iron
grandfather clock

It’s the weekend before Valentine’s Day and we thought we’d share a sampling of our small and large treasures to be discovered in our shop. Find that special something for your special someone.

Stop in and browse. Find the special Valentine’s Day gift (or maybe a little something for yourself). Hurry. You’ll enjoy the SuperBowl a lot more if you’ve finished your shopping! And yes, we’re here and we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Fun Tin Signs = Perfect Valentines

A Bit of Humour for Your Valentine

Whether it’s for your ‘sweetie,’ one of the kids, or a good friend, our selection of metal signs will tickle the funny bone! Here’s a sampling:

We also have a selection of vintage oil and gas signs as well as Marvel Comic Characters. One might just be perfect for you, your sweetie, or a friend!

Remember, we are here 7 days a week! And Valentine’s Day is NEXT TUESDAY!! Hurry in. You know we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Art/Prints add Sunshine in January

Art to Bring a Smile

It’s always a perfect time to add a new/old piece of art to your home or office. But during the long, gray days of the early months of the year, browsing Bahoukas Antiques is a perfect time to search for something to add a bit of color, sparkle, and yes, even a smile to your home.

Art Deco, Florals, Advertising, and more

The above slideshow is a great sampling of some beautiful pieces available throughout our store. Many are in gorgeous frames.

So we encourage you to stop in and browse. You might be very delighted by the choices we have. Don’t forget we have fun metal signs, and always so much more!

We look forward to helping you find that perfect ‘bit of sunshine’ to bring into your home. And, of course, you know we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Christmas and SNOWSTORM?

Talk of Snow always makes the kids – and the kids at heart – look for their sleds. This beautiful wooden sled with metal runners might be just perfect. And if you want to feel safe (or just add a bit of warm comfort to your holiday), our HUGE selection of oil lamps will fit any decor.

A wonderful collection of oil lamps in all sizes to add to your holiday decor or to feel safe if a snowstorm affects your power grid.

And the 7th day is Christmas!

Yes, we’re on the countdown to the BIG day! And we’ve plenty to help you with your last-minute shopping. From your holiday decorating to your family and friends’ gatherings, we still have items to help you put the finishing touches on everything.

wonderful selection of Christmas decorations, dolls, stuffed animals
Items to decorate with or gift for Christmas
Lenox serving dishes
A variety of serving pieces (this is just one sample)
Sadly – this photo does NOT do justice to this amazing crystal glassware from Yugoslavia.

Green Team Honey

Honey from the Green Team of Havre de Grace
Local Honey – gift a gift of Havre de Grace!

So hurry in. It’s a beautiful day to be finishing up your last-minute holiday shopping. Remember, we have toys, games, and dolls galore – just to name a few things! We’re here – and most certainly, we’re watchin’ for ya!

Sometimes ‘Clowning Around’ Pays Off

Story of the Clown Trunk

Every now and then someone walks in and inquires about an item that we didn’t really think was anything more than ‘cool.’ This week we had that happen.

The photo above shows the trunk they ‘discovered’ in the back of the store. It was filled with dolls (yes, part of the 5 truckloads George acquired about a month ago!) George was out of the shop, so we called him to see if he would sell and for what price. DONE!

Well, as we closed the deal, we inquired as to whether they collected clown items. Sort of! They were actually clowns themselves and knew the clown painted on the trunk! They were purchasing it as a prize at a fundraiser for their club, if we remember correctly.

Their ‘Thank You’ Note and a bit more detail

Here’s the e-mail they sent to us today (12/15/2022):

Good morning…This is the clown box, we purchased Tuesday…research confirmed that this is Ken Horsman former RBBB clown.  Ken passed in 2016.  The local clown alley Freestate Clown Alley #30 and the Circus Fans of America Association tent John Ringling North ll/Steve and Ryan Tent #178 held a “freeroll” (lunch/snacks and social) for the RBBB clowns in his lounge.  Spencer Horsman (son of two Ringling Clowns) now owns the Illusions Magic Bar & Lounge on S. Charles Street in Baltimore, MD.  

Spencer has been on AGT and performs all over the world.  

Thanks for the opportunity to own part of clown/circus history.  Attached are 2 pics at Illusions…pic of Ken in baseball hat right before he passed.

from Pat Stevenson’s (aka Patty Cake) e-mail (and Thom Stevenson)

Kenneth Horsman, aka Ken-Zo

Ken Horsman, aka Ken-Zo the clown, on the right in the black cap

We did a little research and we think his obituary (May 17, 2016) gives a wonderful short summary of a colorful life that brought smiles to thousands:

“A city boy, a shy, frustrated problem child, leaves town to join the circus. He becomes a clown and puts on a painted smile, unicycling around the sawdust track, juggling and coaxing smiles from children of all ages,” said a 1981 Evening Sun profile of him. “Kenny Horsman’s story is such a classic it’s hard to believe it really happened.”

“He was always an entrepreneur,” said his son, Spencer Horsman, who followed his father as a comedy magician and escape artist. “He sold apples at the Cross Street Market to buy his first suit.”

The 1981 article said Mr. Horsman had been a circus nut since a young age. His parents took him to the Civic Center each year, and he got ultimately got a job selling cotton candy when the circus was in town. “I used to hook school,” he said in the article. He said he would leave his house for school, then take a bus or hike to a spot near the airport to attend the Clyde Beatty Circus. He and other boys would “help pull ropes and set up chairs” in exchange for free passes.

The article also noted that his English teacher at Southern High School, from which he graduated in 1977, recalled that Mr. Horsman “was a self-starter.” While in school, he took a train to Washington to audition with the Ringling Bros. He was chosen to attend its Clown College in Venice, Fla., and was one out of 21 — from a class of 60 — to be offered a Ringling Bros. job.

“He became part of the crew sent ahead of the circus to talk to reporters and generate publicity and was named one of two ‘boss clowns,'” the article said. In 1981, after marrying an acrobat clown, Mary Bernadette “Bernie” Spencer, he gave up the circus life. He returned to Baltimore and bought a house on Byrd Street while still appearing at birthday parties and store openings. He also opened a magic shop, Ken-Zo’s on Light Street.

He ultimately found a new clown role as Ronald McDonald. For nearly 20 years he represented the McDonald Corp. in its Washington, Virginia and West Virginia restaurants. He also appeared at Ronald McDonald houses and other McDonald’s-sponsored events. He worked congressional parties and once took breakfast to Sen. Bob Dole and his wife, Elizabeth, who headed the Red Cross. He appeared on stage at an event with Nancy Reagan.

In 1986, he located a large storefront for sale on South Charles Street just north of the Cross Street Market. He opened Ken-Zo’s Party Place, where he sold magic paraphernalia and party supplies. He also had a room for children’s birthday parties.

“He appeared in a movie with Tom Selleck called ‘Her Alibi.’ He was cut from the film but made $30,000 in 10 days. He put the deposit on this building,” his son said.

“When people come in, it’s a happy feeling, a great feeling — like, what’s behind that door?” he said of his business in a 2005 Baltimore Sun article. “This is a very giving business. The reward of it is to make other people laugh. How many people can say they do that?

“If you can’t have fun in a store like this,” he said, “then you’re not going to find any fun anywhere.”

In 2007, Mr. Horsman renovated the South Charles Street building and renamed it the Illusions Magic Bar and Theatre. He managed the place with his son, who performs his magic and entertains guests at the popular venue.

Mr. Horsman remained at Illusions until his death.

from The Baltimore Sun by jacques kelly

Illusions Magic Bar and Theater

Illusions Magic Bar and Theater in Baltimore featuring Spencer Horsman, son of Kenneth Horsman, aka Ken-Zo, and later Ronald McDonald!
still operating in Baltimore by his son, Spencer Horsman

So you see, we never know what wonderful stories we’ll be gifted with when someone walks into our store. We hope you’ll check out the Illusions Magic Bar, sounds like fun!

And yes, remember that we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya. Besides, we’re waiting to find out what discoveries you might make that will give us a great story.

The Season for Angels

Beautiful Angel Sculpture

The sculpture above would be beautiful on the mantle, or as part of a centerpiece. Simple and inspiring – especially for the holidays.

Angels – all sizes

Need a BIG Angel?

This battery-operated angel is delightful and plays music. Or maybe you want a large “BARBIE” angel. Yep, we have that, too.

If you need an angel for the holidays, hurry in. For sure, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya!

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