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
Beam’s Passenger Car Decanter
This genuine handcrafted, Regal China Porcelain Decanter is 3rd in the Beam Train Collectors Wheel Series.
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!
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!
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!!!
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Items to decorate with or gift for ChristmasA 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
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!
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
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.
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.
Holly Hobbie gift items1988 Limited Edition Holly Hobbie doll
Bunnykins
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 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!
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:
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!
We first want to say how thankful we are for each and every person who has stepped into our store of collections! George – the ‘collector of collections’ – loves sharing his many finds and all the stories that go with them. We wish everyone a Thanksgiving filled with peace, love, and gratitude for all that we have. Remember, it’s not about quantity, but quality. Well, except for George – the collector! (chuckle)
It’s been George’s tradition to decorate the weekend following Thanksgiving. But this year, the hundreds of dolls he acquired meant that he had to move a lot of things around ASAP!!! So the windows are decorated a couple of days early – yes, thanks, Barbara. And Christmas can be spotted throughout the store.
Dolls – a 3.78 Billion Dollar Industry in 2021
So stopping by Bahoukas might just be worth your while. The dolls in the window are beautiful. The hundreds in our store – well, come see them. Check out the braid on this Barbie! WOW!
You won’t believe the dolls and doll furniture available. From tiny porcelain dolls to 2 ft + Barbies, baby dolls, and American Girl Dolls are just a few of the many waiting for someone to give them some love. Seriously, stop by and pick one (please). They are priced for the collector and to purchase for a special child in your life. Definitely something for everyone.
Add to this a wonderful selection of furnishings and accessories for your dolls that include well-made high chairs, table, rocking cradles, cribs, chairs, and more. Seriously this is one special collection.
Next add puzzles!
Here are a few of our very collectible puzzles. But we encourage you to check our TOY section for more.
Puzzle – map of US StatesPuzzle – the RiflemanPuzzle – the JetsonsPuzzle – Popeye and tigerPuzzle – Popeye fishing with FamilyPuzzle – Mary PoppinsPuzzle – the Flintstones
Horses
What celebrates Holiday Gift Giving better than a horse figure? Here’s a sampling:
And for the ‘littles’ on your list
Fisher Price Tip Toe TurtleFisher Price Roly Poly Raccoon
How About Ratatouille!
Emile
Colette
Games – did I hear Games?
Well, we have a substantial selection of board games in our Toy Section plus these unique games for indoor fun:
Skill Ball Game
Disney Pinball Game – Magic Kingdom
We are ready to help you with your Holiday Gift Purchases
Browse our blog for the hundreds of collections in the shop. Hopefully, this post gives you a glimpse of what’s available for the collector AND the kids on your list. We are here and, yessirree, we are excitedly waiting to show off our collections!
Remember, if you purchase $50 or more, you can fill out a raffle ticket for a chance to WIN a $100 HdG GIFT CARD – this weekend only!
Captain Action was an action figure created in 1966, equipped with a wardrobe of costumes allowing him to become Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Captain America, Aquaman, the Phantom, The Lone Ranger (and Tonto), Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, Sgt. Fury, Steve Canyon, and the Green Hornet. Captain Action was the Ideal Toy Company‘s answer to Hasbro’s G.I. Joe—although the protagonist dolls of both toy lines were created and designed by the same toy-and-idea man, Stan Weston.
Our Captain Action articulated action figure is in amazingly great condition considering the age and the fact that the original owner actually played with him. He comes with the following: Tonto, Batman, Green Hornet, Capt. America, Superman, and a baseball costume.
Some of the Captain Action costumes!
It’s interesting to note that Captain Action was also used in a variety of items including a comic book series, a book, and a card game.
The holidays are coming and this could be a great gift for a toy collector or a youngster on your list.
Stop in soon and see it for yourself. We’re here. And we’re watchin’ for ya!
No need to complain. No one wants to hear it. The heat has been … well … BEYOND HOT!
Do you wonder what George does when it’s so HOT?
“Caught ya!”
Yep, he received a wonderful assortment of all things “Barbie” and just had to play. Here he is going through the cases and dressing the dolls.
Here’s a sampling of the latest arrivals that came during our sizzling heatwave. Stop by and check them out. Whether you’re a collector, or you just have a special young girl that you know would just LOVE these, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
See what you miss when you aren’t checking in on George!?!? Stop by soon. We are looking forward to a break in the temps this week. And yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
At Bahoukas Antique Mall & Beer MuZeum we have a wonderful variety of toy sets to play house, buy groceries, cook and bake in the kitchen, and more.
The following describes a bit of ‘toy history.’
A great selection of kids’ pots, pans, coffee pots and more!
A toy is an item that is used in play, especially one designed for such use. Playing with toys can be an enjoyable means of training young children for life in society. Different materials like wood, clay, paper, and plastic are used to make toys. Many items are designed to serve as toys, but goods produced for other purposes can also be used. For instance, a small child may fold an ordinary piece of paper into an airplane shape and “fly it”. Newer forms of toys include interactive digital entertainment. Some toys are produced primarily as collectors’ items and are intended for display only.
The origin of toys is prehistoric; dolls representing infants, animals, and soldiers, as well as representations of tools used by adults are readily found at archaeological sites. The origin of the word “toy” is unknown, but it is believed that it was first used in the 14th century. Toys are mainly made for children. The oldest known doll toy is thought to be 4,000 years old.
Playing with toys is considered to be important when it comes to growing up and learning about the world around us. Younger children use toys to discover their identity, help their bodies grow strong, learn cause and effect, explore relationships, and practice skills they will need as adults
Kitchen accessories, baking tins, hand mixers, rolling pins and more – sized perfectly for kids!
Besides perfect toys for kids, it didn’t take long for marketers to realize the value of making kid-size representatives of their ‘brands.’ Who didn’t want a refrigerator “Just like mom’s.”
The following is a perfect example of this new marketing tactic that quickly built a huge toy market from the 1950s forward. (photo courtesy of Smithsonian Nat’l Museum of American History and Sears)
Pop into Bahoukas and see what fun items might be perfect for one of your youngsters. We really do have some great items. And yes, we’re watchin’ for ya!
Hula Hoops are a great way to have your children burn off that crazy, pent-up energy from the rainy days! We have them. We also have a variety of toys perfect for playing outdoors and others that make for a great time on a rainy day (goodness! Did I just say that out loud!?!?) We have metal trucks and cars, wonderful stuffed toys, doll houses, action figures, trading cards, dolls, and yes – games!
Do you know when the first Hula Hoop was marketed? Or the kind of ‘hoops’ different cultures used previously to the toy we are all familiar with now? Read below then click the link to Wikipedia for more information! Interesting!
The hula hoop gained international popularity in the late 1950s, when a plastic version was successfully marketed by California’s Wham-O toy company. In 1957, Richard Knerr and Arthur “Spud” Melin, starting with the idea of Australian bamboo “exercise hoops”, manufactured 1.06-metre (42 in) hoops with Marlex plastic. With giveaways and national marketing and retailing, a fad was started in July 1958; twenty-five million plastic hoops were sold in less than four months, and in two years, sales reached more than 100 million units. Carlon Products Corporation was one of the first manufacturers of the hula hoop. During the 1950s, when the hula hoop craze swept the country, Carlon was producing more than 50,000 hula hoops per day. The hoop was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong in Rochester, New York, in 1999.
The hula hoop craze swept the world, dying out again in the 1980s, but not in China and Russia, where hula hooping and hoop manipulation were adopted by traditional circuses and rhythmic gymnasts.
By the way, did you know there’s a NATIONAL TOY HALL of FAME? Check this out! CLICK HERE
Stop by today. It’s going to be a beautiful Monday! See what we have to offer that will make any day special for the kids in your family! We’ll be watchin’ for ya
The Victorian Sofa is perfect for a young girl’s smaller dolls. Burgundy cloth on a beautiful wooden frame is a perfect ‘seat’ for a variety of dolls including the Victorian Stuffed doll on the right. Of course, Mickey Mouse or a little doll with boots and coat will also enjoy the sofa.
… to Masters of the Universe – STRIDOR
STRIDOR carries He-Man to victory. And we have two of these awesome war horses sitting on the shelf waiting for the perfect owner.
We encourage you to stop in soon and see not only these items, but the variety of toys and games for the young and the young-at-heart. We’ll be watchin’ for ya.
Gift giving never has to be a challenge… instead think of it as a creative endeavor. Would a special person on your list appreciate a gift that shares some interesting history about the birth year, or the year you met, or another significant time in their lives? For instance an old magazine from their birthdate or birth year will most certainly create conversation as folks share stories that they remember.
Here, at Bahoukas Antique Mall, we have a number of old magazines that just might ‘fill the bill’ for that year you’re looking for. Or maybe it’s a childhood book that you find among our shelves that would be a real hit for a gift!
Another unique item can be music from a given year. This, too, can bring a flurry of conversation… and quite often, dancing! And yes, we have record players if you need one!
Looking for a collectible plate with a certain year,
… or a toy from a particular era, or maybe a toy related to a tv show of years gone by are a few more ways a collectible can make a perfect gift. We highly recommend that if you give a collectible item to a younger person, encourage them to find the tv show, commercial, or other piece of info about the item by searching on the internet. That bridges the generations and also brings a collectible to life!
We have old board games,
…license plates, sports items including collectible cards, models and hot wheel cars, Angels of the Year figures, Barbie Dolls, and even World’s Fair memorabilia. So come on, put you’re thinking cap on and start remembering those ‘good ole days’ … because you just might find a gift that will not just be a box to unwrap, but will become the ‘life of the party’ as you all share memories – we consider this the perfect gift.
Visit our blog posts for 44 Days of Gift Giving if you need more ideas to tickle your imagination.
The countdown is on…. Christmas is definitely close… so stop in and let us help you find the perfect gift at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
