In Havre de Grace it’s “PLAID FRIDAY” (day after Thanksgiving 2023). Wear your plaid and get 10% discounts in many shops downtown. To celebrate the beginning of serious shopping for the holidays, here at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum, we’re featuring a variety of Holiday Ornaments.
Click on the pics to enlarge most of them.
Do you begin your holiday decorating the weekend following Thanksgiving Day? We do. Our PEZ tree is in our window and we’ll continue to decorate the front windows over the coming week. And in this blog we’re highlighting many holiday ornaments that might be the perfect addition to your collections.
We know that the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year goes quickly. So we encourage you to stop in soon. Today is a “perfect-weather” day! Stop in and pick out a few decorations. Then take some time to browse the shop for that perfect gift for someone special.
As you know, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya!
Whether you’d love a new pin for your coat or sweater, earrings and a necklace, or a bit of bangle on your wrist, we have a variety of vintage jewelry that’s fun and easy on the budget.
A Little ‘Sparkle’
Jewelry is fun. And here at Bahoukas Antique Mall, we have a selection of vintage jewelry to put the perfect finishing touch on your holiday outfit.
Stop by this weekend and browse our shelves and jewelry cases to add bling and sparkle to your Holiday with our vintage jewelry.
We’re here and we’re 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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 – 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.
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
Okay, just a few ideas. And you already know, we’re here – and we’re watchin’ for ya! Have a safe holiday weekend.
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 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.
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
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.
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
Remember, we’re here and you can be sure, we’re watchin’ for ya!
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.
selection of covered cake carriers and cake platters on pedestalsshell-pink milk glass cake platter on pedestal2 cake pedestal cake platters and a serving bowl of white milk glass with silver edging at Bahoukas in Havre de GraceThis stack of beautiful cake platters is just a sampling of what’s available at Bahoukas.
Bbeautiful Serving Pieces Perfect for Weddings
wood tray with dome-covered cheese trayexquisite etched glass cake platter/cover at Bahoukas AntiquesAdd elegance with these exquisite crystal vases, bowls, glasses available at Bahoukas.
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.
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.
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, 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
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.
Antiques are chic – yep, they’re back and they’re popular.
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.’
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.
Serve your favorite cake and cookies on a cute vintage dish:
covered cake dish
cake plates and more
beautiful glass servers and cake plates
This trend includes tchotchkes of all kinds, mixing new and old and appreciating both.
dog figruinesfan for the wall and moreoil lampshen on the nestPorcelain angels and ladies1930s keyspink depression glassvintage train cases
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.
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 crocks
A comfy chair or maybe a chess set will add to the welcoming look and encourage folks to linger awhile and chat.
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 – all in cast iron
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!
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
Pysanky Decorated EggsCeramic BunniesIrresistible Bunnies FiguresCutest Ceramic BunniesColorful EggsDelightful BunniesBunnies of all sizes
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!
Peter Rabbit Giant Treasury BookPetter Rabbit booksThe White Bunny and His Magic Nose bookLucky Rabbit, A Surprise for Mrs. Bunny, and Three Little Bunnies booksOld Man Rabbit’s Dinner Party, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and The Bunny Sitter booksLeo the Lop – Tale 2 and Tale 3 booksRabbit’s New Rug bookBugs Bunny BooksTiny books: Peter Rabbit: Lost in Mr. McGregor’s Garden and Peter Rabbit: Home Again
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
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.’
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!