Dolls – Dolls – Dolls

Do you have a doll collector on your gift list? Or a youngster who just loves dolls and would be thrilled to have another one!?! We have an enormous collection of dolls – including Wizard of OZ Character dolls, Presidents’ Wives dolls, baby dolls, American Girl Dolls, angel dolls, and even Barbie Dolls.

Decanters – a change from ‘dolls’

Beer Tray

Or, a beer charcuterie board. Made of solid American Oak, this includes 6-12 oz beer glasses, a board with an area for your cheeses and other delicious munchies, and a recessed area to slide the glasses into securely. It also has antique English handles. It would make a beautiful gift. Add a gift certificate to one of our breweries and, well, someone who loves beer would be delighted to receive this!

Jim Beam Collector Decanters

Jim Beam Passenger Car Decanter - 3rd of a series
Beam’s Passenger Car Decanter

This genuine handcrafted, Regal China Porcelain Decanter is 3rd in the Beam Train Collectors Wheel Series.

JB Turner Jim Beam Railroad Decanter
JB TURNER – Jim Bean Railroad Decanter

This Jim Beam bourbon/whiskey decanter highlights the J.B. Turner locomotive in Regal China Porcelain of Antioch, IL. This is one of the finest decanters Beam ever made and is certain to please the most avid collector of vintage train replicas.

Check back tomorrow when we highlight a unique box of Star Wars items that George discovered when moving things around to fit the dolls in the shop. Until then, stop by soon. You know we’re watchin’ for ya!

Did We Mention Dolls?

Hundreds of Like-New Dolls Need Love

That’s right. George has acquired a huge assortment of dolls from the tiniest porcelain dolls to 25″ Barbies. Seriously, We do not know where he will put them all. Here’s a sneak peek at just the very tippy top of the iceberg of dolls-dolls-dolls!

That’s not all!

Some of the dolls have been put out on the floor. There are beautiful collectible dolls and dolls priced for kids to play with. And there are many more to come – hundreds!

In addition, by Thanksgiving weekend with “Plaid Friday” and Small Business Saturday, we’ll have Christmas Decor, wrapping paper, and even doll furnishings.

You just won’t believe what we’ll have. So stop in soon … then return as more dolls and Christmas decor gets put on the floor.

WOW – it’s most certainly beginning to feel like Christmas (and it’s not quite Thanksgiving yet)! You can be sure, we’ll be watchin’ for ya even if we are peeking over a box of dolls!!!

Do We Really Outgrow Our Love of Dolls?

Dolls for Every Child (young or old)

Some will want to play with them while others will want to collect them and keep them on a shelf. No matter what you decide, we have some stunning dolls available.

There are many benefits to playing with dolls. These benefits include encouraging imagination, developing motor skills, fostering a sense of caring, boosting independence, teaching empathy, helping with social development, encouraging communication, providing a sense of belonging, creating opportunities for pretend play, and helping children deal with emotions. So if you’re looking for a toy that will promote your child’s development in multiple ways, consider investing in a doll. They will thank you later in life.

from AnnMarieJohn.com

Considering the many changes that have occurred since the pandemic, possibly a doll might be a perfect gift this year. Let’s encourage more child’s play and a little less screen time. Think of the benefits!

Dolls, of course, or great collectibles. You probably know someone who has a beautiful collection. And don’t forget that dolls can bring comfort to someone in a nursing home, especially those dealing with dementia.

No matter what the reason, we have a most wonderful selection of dolls. So look over your holiday gift list and see if someone might appreciate one of them. Maybe you? And yep, we’re here and we’ll be watchin’ for you. We would love to show you our collection of collections!

Dolls to Play or Collect

People collect dolls for many reasons. Some collect them because of fond childhood memories, others for the artistry that goes into making them, others for historical value, and still others for their resale value. People collect what appeals to them and reflect their desires and values.

from DiscoverAHobby.com

Here in our store, we have gathered quite a collection of dolls (and stuffed animals). Our “Barbie” collection is fairly extensive. But we’ve other delightful additions to consider whether it’s a gift for a young one to enjoy or to be added to a collection.

Shirley Temple doll with a variety of 16 outfits at Bahoukas

Shirley Temple Doll

This delightful doll can be purchased with 6 outfits, but we have a total of 16 if you’re interested!

Brief History of Dolls

Another excerpt:

Dolls in the Middle Ages were often made from clay, tin, or glass. Clay figures of horses and knights and figurines from glass and tin have been found. In addition, dolls made from bread representing various saints were eaten on religious feast days. Beginning in the 1400s, fashion dolls were created to display the latest Paris fashions to wealthy customers.

In America, one of the oldest dolls is the Kachina, made by the Hopi Indians in Arizona. Kachina dolls were hand carved from cactus root or cottonwood, painted with symbolic colors and designs, and dressed in traditional dresses. These dolls were intended as sacred objects for children to study, and were not used as toys. During religious ceremonies, Kachina dolls were given out by masked priests who dressed as ancestral spirits and offered petitionary prayers for the tribe.

Colonial Americans made dolls from whatever materials they had on hand, including corn husks, corn cobs, fruits, nuts, and gourds. Northern Indians and Eskimos fashioned their dolls from whalebone, walrus tusk, and mammoth teeth.

from DiscoverAHobby.com
Victorian Dolls and doll sofa
Victorian dolls and doll sofa

We’ve been posting about dolls over the years. CLICK HERE to see some of those older posts.

Wonder Why We Collect Dolls?

You’re in good company if you love to collect dolls of any kind. Some famous people, such as actress Demi Moore and actor Johnny Depp, collect dolls. Even British singer, Sophie Ellis Bextor, collects a variety of dolls because they’re full of personality and charm. You may collect dolls purely for investment purposes. After all, an original and mint condition G.I. Joe doll can fetch a pretty penny, as can a rare, vintage, or designer diamond-encrusted Barbie doll. But you likely already know that not all dolls are worth a fortune, so there may be another reason behind your habit.

from SpruceCrafts

Whether you’re looking for a Barbie to add to your collection, a Victorian doll, or a princess or baby doll, we may be able to help. So we encourage you to stop in soon. Yep, we’re always watchin’ for ya!

Gentle Reminder:

Might we add that 5 months from now will be the Christmas Holidays.

Dolls, Scores of Dolls

Is there a doll you always wanted? We might have it!

Some of the huge variety of dolls in our collection.

Check our front window. There’s an amazing selection of dolls from small cloth dolls to beautiful baby dolls and everything in-between! They’re in excellent condition and will surely delight a collector, or a young one whose eyes would light up with one or two of these beautiful dolls.

Beautiful Presidents’ Wives Collection, Bride doll, and Beanie Babies.

Above are wives of former presidents (l to r): Mrs. Barbara Bush, Mrs. Pat Nixon, Mrs. Jackie Kennedy, Mrs. Nancy Reagan, and Mrs. Rosalyn Carter. These dolls are beautiful. In addition, there’s a lovely bride’s doll. And the beanie babies are only a few of the collection we have acquired.

Stop in soon and take a peek. Surely there’s a perfect doll for a very special person in your life! Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Spring Means Pyrex Fest

Kids Need Activities? Beanie Babies, Puzzles, Activity Books, and More

Kids puzzles, activity books, and more available at BAHOUKAS ANTIQUES in Havre de Grace MD
Kids puzzles, activity books, and more available at BAHOUKAS ANTIQUES in Havre de Grace MD
Barbie Travelin' Trailer off-road vehicle and horse trailer available at BAHOUKAS ANTIQUES in Havre de Grace MD
Glamour Gals Ocean Queen Cruise Set available at BAHOUKAS ANTIQUES in Havre de Grace MD

Last minute ideas for HIM – HER – and the KIDS!

Stunning glassware - stop by BAHOUKAS ANTIQUE MALL in Havre de Grace MD
Functional Cast Iron pieces at BAHOUKAS ANTIQUE MALL in Havre de Grace, MD

TOYS on Your Christmas List?

Toys at BAHOUKAS ANTIQUE MALL in Havre de Grace include very collectible Western Figures.
Toys at BAHOUKAS ANTIQUE MALL in Havre de Grace include very collectible Western Figures and more.
SKY SOLO SET - metal planes - available at BAHOUKAS ANTIQUES in Havre de Grace MD
SKY SOLO SET - metal planes - available at BAHOUKAS ANTIQUES in Havre de Grace MD

Or maybe you’re looking for a couple of CLASSIC AUTOS or MATCHBOX
Models of Yesteryear!?!?

Storewide Sale thru Christmas Eve – SAVE 20% – Perfect Timing for Last Minute Gifts!

Critters, Carvings and more

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!

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.

Holly Hobbie and Bunnykins

Holly Hobbie is so much fun

From dolls to tea sets, trays to vases, plates, and more. From the photos, you’ll see we have a wonderful assortment – all in great condition.

Bunnykins

Vintage Royal Doulton Bunnykins children's dish sets

A cute variety of pieces from Royal Doulton Bunnykins! You must have a young one who would love a set. Or maybe a collector?

And check out this dollhouse!

Bayberry Cottage 1998 - beautiful condition
Bayberry Cottage by Dura Craft

This doll house is large and well-built. Stop by to check it out. We also have miniature furniture for it.

The holidays are upon us. 10 days from now is Christmas Eve. Hurry in and choose your gifts so you’ll have them wrapped and ready to place under the tree!

Besides toys, holiday decorations, and board games, we also have vintage tools, dishes, and many more collectibles. VISIT OUR BLOG for more ideas. And know that we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Amazing collection of Star Wars Miniatures

Several boxes of Star Wars Minis

As George moved things around to make room for the 5 – yes 5! – truckloads of dolls that needed sorting and displayed throughout the store for Thanksgiving weekend, this wonderful collection of Star Wars Miniatures w/Stat Cards was discovered. We meticulously went through them to match cards with figures and now have a large box with scores of these minis in excellent condition.

This is a beautiful collection. It’s hard to believe that there were so many different characters and themes in the Star Wars Series. Fascinating! We also found a book of RULES:

Star Wars Miniatures - Rulles booklet

If you have a ‘Trekkie’ that needs something unique for his/her collection, do stop in and take a peek! Yep, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya!

Christmas Galore

Decorating Ideas and more

We have Christmas galore
Throughout our store.

With Santas and angels tucked here and there
And dolls of all sizes – well – EVERYwhere!

Stuffed bears and gift tins
Are waiting for you.
So stop in soon and
See what’s new!

Of course, you know, we’re watchin’ for ya and we have plenty of ideas to help you in planning your holiday and gift-giving!

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