Aug 31, 2018 | Blog, Collectibles
Linking the Old with the New
This vintage 1940s oak school desk-chair is probably still remembered by your grandparents, and maybe, your parents. Not particularly comfortable, but they sure did stand the test of time.
I’m wondering, did they have left-handed ones? Anybody know? Hmmm….
Check out the air-conditioned seat!!! And there was a shelf below to store books you weren’t using.
Speaking of books, take a peek at these. They include a 1959 Dick and Jane series titled, “Come With Us.” “The New A B C Book” is a motivated Silent Reader and Workbook from 1932! Plus a 1962 “Sally Dick and Jane” from the New Basic Readers. We’ve noticed that many homeschool teachers/parents stop in looking for these and the old classics of children’s books.
And we’ve added a variety of ‘school accessories.’ Of course, we recognize the stapler and tape dispenser. The Boston Pencil Sharpener Model L is from 1939! More recent Elmers Glue items sit next to an old bottle of Le Page’s Grip Spreader Mucilage. Le Page has been in business for well over 130 years. Here’s a quote from their website:
Our company’s story begins in 1879, when William Nelson LePage invented an industrial glue that was strong, ready-to-use and had a long shelf life. Shortly after, LePage developed a consumer version and expanded his line into other products, including mucilage, an adhesive that’s still widely used today.
Stop by today, whether you’re looking for something special or just want to browse “Nostalgia Lane.” Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Aug 29, 2018 | Antiques, Blog, Collectibles, Paper
Some have started – others will start next week!
We walked around the shop this week to find school-related items. We have a couple of fun posts for you.
Just the tin (top photo) that these watercolors are in is beautiful. Below you’ll see the actual watercolors and most are still complete. What a fun way to say, “Happy Back to School!”
Below is a group of very unique school collectibles.
On the right is an individual slate board from the 1920s-1930s. In front is a plastic recorder from Creative Playthings (R) from the 1970s. On the left is an 1883 vintage item: From Blackboard to Books – Calkins’s Reading Cards. There’s a sample reading card in the middle.
Going back to school may have a bit of trepidation to the youngest, while some returning students look forward to it and others feel like it’s a punishment to be endured. But no matter, we send best wishes for a successful year to each and every student!
Drop by Bahoukas Antique Mall and check these items and more. Yes, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Aug 17, 2018 | Blog, Collectibles
The First Was in New York 1853-54
We have a few wonderful collectibles from World Fairs of yesteryear. The above photo includes the following:
FRONT (l-r): 1939 World’s Fair Triathlon Salt & Pepper (New York) – this piece is truly unique. Made of the Fair’s Trylon & Perisphere. You pick up the entire piece, shake from one side and you’ll have salt; shake from the other side and you’ll have pepper. Next is the item from Century of Progress – American Bible Society Pamphlets. From the 1939-1940 International Expo are 100 Movie Views & Pathegram (viewer) from the Golden Gate/San Francisco Bay. Finally the 1965-65 New York World’s Fair Children’s Card Game.
BACK (l-r): Postcard from the 1939 World’s Fair “Car of Tomorrow” – a Crosley. It includes “My Feet are NO longer tired after what I’ve seen at the Crosley Building.” Next is a 1939 New York World’s Fair Vinegar Bottle. Next to that is a 1962 glass from the Seattle World’s Fair. And finally a unique bank from the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.
From what we’ve been able to learn from America’s Best History website, there were 30 World’s Fairs in the U.S. between 1853 and 1984 offering a wide array of exhibits and activities that generally included a ‘look at the future.’ This site has abundant information from each of the World’s Fairs. Click on a postcard and learn more. Then pop into Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum to check out these wonderful collectibles. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Aug 15, 2018 | Blog, Collectibles
Maybe – You’ll have to ask a numismatic!
In the photo above (left to right): 1923 Peace Dollar, 1971 Eisenhower Dollar, 1915-S Barber half-dollar, 1964 Kennedy half-dollar, 1929-D Mercury dime, 1835 large cent, and 1861 Indian Head penny.
If you’re a coin collector, ie numismatic, the right nickel could be worth in the $100,000 range. Of course, you’ll probably not find one in your pocket! Click here to read the story of 15 of the most valuable nickels. One was actually sold for over $3 million! Alrighty now!
In this photo, we have a Collector Book for Buffalo Head Nickles (use these albums to keep your coins). There is also a 1934 – $10 silver certificate and a 1957 – $1 silver certificate. In front on the left is a 1980 Proof Set, then 1 1969 Mint Set and a 2008-D Uncirculated Coin Set.
Want to learn the difference between Proof sets, Mint Sets, and Uncirculated Sets? Click here for a great site for beginner collectors.
Does that help explain the intrigue of coin collecting? Maybe the following article will help if you’re thinking about it and haven’t started yet. It’s from U.S. Mint website:
Why Collect Coins?
Coins in your pocket, coins at the store, coins under couch cushions, there’s always more! It seems like coins are everywhere. Why in the world would anyone collect them?
There are plenty of reasons to collect coins! Here are some of them:
- Coins can be souvenirs—both of the event and of how you got the coins.
- Coins come in many designs and metals.
- The way they’re made has changed over the years.
- They’re often just plain beautiful to look at.
Whether you have a lot of money to spend on coin collecting or none at all, it’s an interesting hobby for everyone. Here are some other reasons to collect coins:
- To learn about history.
- To learn about other countries and cultures.
- To enjoy the way coins capture moments of history, time, and people’s lives.
- Because of an interest in coin design themes such as art, science, or animals.
- For the joy of learning about the coins themselves.
- To display and share with others.
- For the challenge of completing a collection.
- To enjoy belonging to a coin club or meeting fellow collectors from around the world.
- For the excitement of finding rare coins in your pockets!
Numismatics is the study and collecting of things that are used as money, including coins, tokens, paper bills, and medals. A person who collects coins is called a numismatist.
Interested in collecting coins or want to meet your fellow numismatists? Visit the American Numismatic Association website to learn more.
When you’re ready to get started, stop by and visit. We’ll help. And yes, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Aug 13, 2018 | Blog, Collectibles, Sports
Do you know your reels?
Included in this photo are left to right: Penn Reel 1940s-50s, Zebco 1960s, Martin Fly Fishing Reel 1960s, and a JC Higgins Open Face Reel from the 1950s.
While working on this particular blog post, we had to do a little research. We found this very interesting article on boatmags.com that will intrigue the novice and probably start a lot of debate among collectors and fishermen/women.
Wikipedia relates an interesting development of the fishing reel and states that in 1651, English literature first reported a “wind” installed within two feet of the lower end of the rod. This is usually accepted as the earliest known written reference to a reel. However, there are examples of Oriental paintings that depict Chinese fishermen using reels of various sizes that date to the twelfth century.
Until the 1800’s the reel was used primarily as a storage device for excess line. However, in the 19th century there was a rapid development of the multiplying reel, which allowed reels to evolve into casting devices. Although multiplying reels were probably invented in Great Britain, the reels of George Snyder, of Paris, Kentucky, have become the most famous 19th century multipliers.
Did you realize that there was a “wind” or reel as early as the 12th century?
We certainly didn’t. But it seems they’ve been depicted in Oriental paintings. Fascinating!
The credit for the first multiplying reel in the U.S. goes to a Kentucky man. Sadly, not having patented or trademarked it, it was soon copied by others. The following quote is from Kentucky Monthly:
Snyder was born in or about 1780 in Pennsylvania and moved to Kentucky around 1803, settling in Paris. He was a watchmaker and silversmith, and also an avid and apparently skilled fisherman who is credited with building the first multiplying reel in the United States. Snyder owned, or had at least seen, a British-made 1-to-1 level wind reel and likely developed his multiplying design from this simple tool.
So, yes, we encourage you to stop in and browse our shop. Whether you’re looking for a reel or any other item from our “Collection of Collections,”, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Aug 10, 2018 | Blog, Collectibles
or Black Americana
The above photo is an example of some of the vintage collectibles of Black Americana available in our shop. In front, it includes a syrup and shaker set, bobble-head, and salt & pepper shakers. In back are Little Black Sambo books, postcards, and a biscuit jar. We have a variety of other pieces.
Over the years we’ve had a number of collectors inquire about our various pieces. We believe that, while offensive to some, they are important in remembering and understanding our history. Only then can we learn and grow beyond those times. Below is one of several articles regarding this very issue of why people collect Black Memorabilia. This one is from PBS.
In response to this fascinating rhetorical question — “[Since] some items are disturbing, offensive and hard to believe, [if you collect and display them] are you creating these images yourself?” — her pamphlet answers: “No, definitely not,” since the store “contains astounding mementos reflecting true lives of people of African descent,” including all that African Americans have suffered through visual media, “depictions [that] are a testimony of life in the past,” including “the ‘good, bad, and ugly.’ ” And in response to whether “these politically incorrect depictions” are, in fact, “teaching racism,” the pamphlet answers that “displaying memorabilia as part of a home, no matter how painful it may seem, is ensuring that ‘each one teach one’ and that history must not repeat itself.” Our children, it continues, “must know where we have been to know where we are going.” In other words, the most important function of displaying and collecting this stuff is a didactic one: critique. And there is a lot here to critique. from PBS article by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The quote is in from an African-American woman, Gail Deculus-Johnson, who owned Sable Images Shop in Los Angeles.
Or put another way, this quote is from a blog post by Pamela Wiggins in The Spruce Crafts page from 11/18/2017:
Others have a completely opposite reaction. They want to own all types of Black Americana because those items were a reflection of their cultural heritage. A collection reflecting both difficulties and triumphs embrace important aspects of lineage and interest in our nation’s history. It’s reported that Oprah Winfrey is among the celebrity collectors interested in black memorabilia, so other collectors are in good company.
Collecting takes a different turn in these terms. It’s not just a matter of fun, frivolity, and amassing things to fill a home. It becomes a personal endeavor to make peace with the past and ensure a prosperous future free of racial barriers.
If you collect Black Memorabilia, we welcome you to come and browse our collection. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya.
Aug 8, 2018 | Antiques, Blog, Collectibles, Toys
Everyone Had a Horse!
What was your favorite toy horse?
It took three times around the shop to actually find all the ‘play horses!’ And we’re not even talking about the horse figurines, which we’ve posted in the past. These amazing rocking/springy/bouncy children’s horses come in all shapes and sizes. But don’t stop there.
We also have several wooden horses including this Fench Rocking Horse from the early 1900s. It’s not in the best of shape, but someone out there could create a beautiful upcycled pieced, we’re certain.
The other fun ‘horse-y’ items are the 1940s stuffed horse and jockey. These are just too cute.
You might notice in our slideshow two unique pieces. One is a stick horse which requires actually walking/running around pretending you’re riding a real horse. Hey, exercise that’s fun! The other is a huge wagon wheel. Why? I don’t know, just seemed to fit with horses. One is all metal; the other is wood with a flat metal tire. These are large wagon wheels at least 3 feet in diameter. Can you come up with a unique upcycle?
Stop in and think creatively. Whether you purchase one for your bouncing, active little one or you upcycle it in some way, we have a nice selection to choose from. Stop by and share your stories of playing on your bouncy, springy, rocking horse. Yessireeee… we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Aug 6, 2018 | Antiques, Blog, Collectibles, Home, Tools
Unique and Interesting
The variety of implements and tools are wide and varied in our antique mall. The above slides include a spinning wheel, butter churn from the early 1800s, coffee grinder, kerosene heater, minnow basket, a wheel from an assembly line belt from FW Smith & Son (out of Belcamp), a 150-year-old cask that sits on a table and in the photo is sitting on a table that would have held large barrels (from Europe and over 200 years old).
Did you notice the clothes washer? It’s a 1950s electro mite portable, electric, washing machine. The tub holds 4 gallons of water and sits in the base that is a motor that agitates the tub, washing the clothes. That’s it – add a bit of detergent to the water, add clothes, plug in and agitate – easier than a washboard!
This is an amazing set of implements and tools.
Stop in and check these out. We’ve plenty of ‘unique’ for you to browse. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Aug 3, 2018 | Blog, Entertainment, Events/News/Fun, Havre de Grace History
Havre de Grace Opera House
1st Anniversary!
It is exciting to be celebrating the First Anniversary of the newly restored Havre de Grace Cultural Center by sharing a number of items from our shop and our Havre de Grace history collection for their display. Offering hundreds of programs for the youngest to the oldest citizens of our city and to residents and visitors alike, the HdG Opera House is a beacon to creatives. If you’ve not visited the Opera House yet, this weekend rounds out a week of celebration. CLICK HERE to see what’s happening and to purchase your tickets for their weekend celebrations and upcoming events.
Havre de Grace has the energy of the arts running in its veins. From early days of minstrel shows and theater on a barge to today’s Tidewater Players (our local community theater group), performing on stages continues to be alive and well.
The beautifully restored HdG Opera House!
Visit the Havre de Grace Opera House at 121 N. Union Avenue. You’ll not only find wonderful performances, but there is also a wall of interesting historical photos and memorabilia sharing the history of the building itself and theater in Havre de Grace.
Aug 1, 2018 | Advertising, Blog, Collectibles, Furniture, Home
Reflections – real or perceived?
We all recognize “Mirror, mirror on the wall…”
But have you really stepped into Bahoukas Antique Mall and looked for all the mirrors we have? The variety and sizes are many. From a small child’s music box mirror to a huge, full-length mirror, and everything in between! The shapes are oval and rectangle. They’re found on the wall or atop a beautiful chest of drawers. You really have to stop by and check them out. I’m sure we’ve not found them all. And yes, as always, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Welcome to August! Enjoy the final weeks of summer!
