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.
We have holiday ornaments and items to create a beautiful centerpiece. You’ll find little things throughout the store to add just the right ambiance to your holiday fun.
Homemade Sweetness
Local Havre de Honey from our Green Team
Whether you’re baking, adding a glaze to your ham, or sweetening your tea, our local honey from Havre de Grace Green Team will add love to your efforts. This also makes a wonderful gift of ‘local’ to someone special on your list. We might mention that you’ll want to hurry, it’s selling fast!!!
Entertain with Style
Lenox serving pieces
From beautiful serving pieces to highlight the delicious foods you’ll be offering this season, to a variety of trays, cake plates, and more to add the perfect style to your table or buffet.
This is just a sampling of what you might find as you meander through the shop. The perfect decoration, serving dish, or holiday gift is waiting for you to discover. And yes, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya.
Star Wars action figuresStar Trek action figuresX-men and Fantastic Four action figuressports figures and memorabilia
Have you ever wondered how action figures are created?
From the art work to the 3-d prototype and seeing the final figure!
Of course, we have many more categories for you to choose a great stocking stuffer or holiday gift for the kids or the collector! We’re hear and we’re watchin’ for ya! Stop by today!
Afternoon tea is usually associated with the great tv series we’ve enjoyed, such as Bridgerton and Downton Abbey
A fancy tea (photo courtesy of Unsplash)
… or fun!
But also, you can have fun just as Alice did at the Madhatter’s Tea Party.
(photo courtesy of Unsplash)
We Have Tea Sets
Whether you’re looking for beautiful teacups and saucers, teapots, or beautiful settings, Bahoukas Antiques can add pizzazz to your tea party. Just look at 4 patterns from the very latest teacups and saucers we’ve acquired:
Teacups in blues
Teacups in Lavendar
Teacups in shades of green
Tecups in yellows
Tea Party Etiquette
Of course, you can be very traditional or casual. But a little extra decorum can make a tea party a special event while still being plenty of fun. You might experiment with different tea flavors. Or you could ask each to bring a small dessert to share.
If you have a matching tea set, a traditional tea party is definitely a good excuse to pull it out and show it off. If not, mismatching cups bring fun and color to your table.
The whole point of a tea party is to get together and enjoy tea. Pick your favorite teas to pour and share with your friends.
A beautiful display of our many teacups and saucers
So choose your theme. Then stop by Bahoukas if you need to add a few teacups and saucers, serving trays, or a teapot. Make it fun. Mix and match. Invite friends that will enjoy the tea and share stories and laughter. A tea party just might be what you need.
Don’t forget… we’re here… and we’re watchin’ for ya.
The Musical Jolly Chimp played a role as a security guard in Toy Story 3. We received one in excellent shape just this week. Ours is from the 70s and uses batteries. It works! Check out more details on the colorful, celebrity life of the Musical Jolly Chimp!
https://youtu.be/Ow8FuMvNT-E
We have a wonderful Musical Jolly Chimp – just like the crazy one in Toy Story 3
Did You Know?
This crazy monkey toy has been included in movies, books, and songs. Can you guess all of them before you read the following quote?
The cymbal banging monkey toy has appeared in the opening scene of Rebel Without a Cause in 1955, the 1977 Steven Spielberg film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the 1988 horror film Monkey Shines, the 1996 film Merlin’s Shop of Mystical Wonders, the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 film), the 2004 film Eurotrip, the 2007 film The Simpsons Movie, the 2010 Disney/Pixar animated film Toy Story 3 and the 2019 horror film Annabelle Comes Home.
It is also widely seen in the games Fallout 4 and Fallout 76, and features in horror writer Stephen King’s 1980 story The Monkey.
One also appears in the Wallace and Gromit 2008 short A Matter of Loaf and Death. A monkey with a bomb attached to its back features prominently in the Call of Duty franchise’s “Zombies” gamemode.
The 2006 Hot Chip song Over and Over references “a monkey with a miniature cymbal”.
The character Jinx from League of Legends has a big emotional connection to cymbal-banging monkeys. Other than explosions which give her happiness, cymbal-banging monkeys give her peace to her mentally ill mind. This connection can be seen in her starring 2021 animated series Arcane: League of legends.
We have a very collectible Musical Jolly Chimp available at Bahoukas!
A little creepy and very funny, stop by soon to see our Musical Jolly Chimp. Another great idea for a special Easter gift or to add toy our own Toy Collectibles! It’s a beautiful day to stop in. And you bet, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
It may not be politically correct, but this go-go girl will certainly generate a few giggles and a lot of conversation this New Year’s Eve as she mixes a drink or two. Created in 1969 by Poynter Products.
Welcome 2022 – Happy New Year!
Stop in today if you’d like to have her mix a drink or two on your bar to bring in the New Year! We’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya.
Dads carried metal tins with lunch to their jobs in the coal mines and factories. Of course, it wasn’t long before their children wanted to copy their dads.
… the first commercial lunch boxes, which resembled metal picnic baskets decorated with scenes of playing children, came out in 1902.
The first lunch box decorated with a famous licensed character was introduced in 1935. Produced by Geuder, Paeschke & Frey, it featured Mickey Mouse, and was a four-color lithographed oval tin, with a pull-out tray inside. It had no vacuum bottle, but did have a handle.
In 1950, Aladdin Industries created the first children’s lunch box based on a television show, Hopalong Cassidy. The Hopalong Cassidy lunch kit, or “Hoppy”, quickly became Aladdin’s cash cow. Debuting in time for back-to-school 1950, it would go on to sell 600,000 units in its first year alone, each at US$2.39. In 1953, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were featured on models introduced by American Thermos.
Huge collection of decorated lunchboxes in plastic and metal
Many of the latest additions are complete with thermoses as well. Do stop in and check it out. They are a great last-minute gift for a child in your life – or your favorite collector. Remember, not just great for lunch, but fun for picnics, playing, keeping treasures, and more.
School Desks
Beautiful wooden and cast iron school desk.
The above desk is in beautiful condition. We also have another as pictured below:
Another beautiful wood school desk.
Another choice is this wood desk:
The front of the desk had the bench for the desk that sat in front of it
1881: The Fashion School Desk
The First Model
The first school desk was made in 1880 by John D. Loughlin in Sidney, Ohio. The desk, known as “The Fashion Desk,” proved to be extremely popular across the country. The practicality of the desks allowed for many to be put together in a one room schoolhouse, and the fashion aspect of it was aesthetically pleasing to those in the education industry. Loughlin’s marketing campaign also helped to sell these desks, which would eventually sweep the nation. The “Fashion Desks” were desks attached to one another and were big enough to seat two or three children. Usually, there was an inkwell so that the student could replenish his pen’s supply.
The Sidney School Furniture Company, located in Sidney, Ohio, began manufacturing the popular “Fashion” school desk in 1881. Advertising for the desk claimed, “No desk in the market is made with more care, nor of better materials than the ‘Fashion,’ and none has met with a more popular reception, or gives better satisfaction.” The desk featured a Patent T-head, which eliminated screws and bolts by joining the wood of the top, back, and seat to the legs, which were made of cast iron.
… with writing pad. These are solid and have a shelf on the bottom to place books and bags.
So whether it’s a lunchbox or a school desk, we can add a last-minute ‘surprise’ to your holiday gift-giving. Hurry in. We’re watchin’ for ya so that we can help you with your last-minute searches. Don’t forget, we DO CLOSE for Christmas Day and New Years Day. (Give us a call to be sure we didn’t leave early on the eve of both!) Happy Holidays!
What is it about the smell of coffee that can take us back to grandma’s or mom’s house in our memories? Even those who don’t drink coffee share similar memories. (Sorry, can’t help but remember this sound from the Maxwell House Coffee commercial!)
Of course, we know the aroma most often brings warm and cozy feelings to mind. Sitting around a kitchen table, fingers wrapped around a hot cup of coffee, conversation lively and fun.
We have some beautiful chrome electric percolators available at Bahoukas. Various shapes and sizes and yes, they do work!
An electric percolator – great for entertaining.
May Your Holiday Offer the Warm Feelings of Years Gone By
This ad seems to be perfect for the season. Enjoy! And don’t forget, we’re here except for Christmas Day and New Years Day. Give us a call on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve just in case we leave early to enjoy our holiday with our loved ones and friends.
Vintage cake carriers and keepers, also known as cake savers, are once-common items that bring a nostalgic or vintage feel to the kitchen.
Tins have been used for saving and transporting food since the 19th Century. There were also covered metal “pails” for carrying lunches and multi-compartment ones for taking pies, cakes, and other dishes one from place to another.
Cake carriers have a wire, metal or plastic, to hold the pieces together (plate and cover) so that you can transport it. Cake servers usually have a cover that fits over the plate of cake. It often is designed to sit on a kitchen counter and match the kitchen’s decor.
Cake Plates and Stands
beautiful glass cake plates
A cake stand is a structural, stool like object on which cake and other pastries are decorated and served. Cake stands are generally a single plate connected to a pedestal or multiple plates in a tower like hosting object. Cake stands are a form of tableware, they come in different materials like wood, pottery, metal, etc.
… The cake stand came into use in the late Victorian times when afternoon tea came into fashion. Presenting the cake at a higher level above the table gave the cake more attention. Therefore the cake stand usually has multiple tiers and hooped handle for the purpose of carrying.
To offer a beautiful way to display your Holiday Cakes, stop by and see our selection of plates, stands, servers, and carriers. Don’t forget that muffins, cupcakes, and other delicious pastries can be displayed and transported with these items.
It’s a wonderful way to share a message of ‘welcome.’ Just like we do at Bahoukas Antiques when we keep reminding you that “yep, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya!”
We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy all that you have – share when you can. Savor friends and family. Don’t forget – we are CLOSED Thanksgiving Day. Then back to our regular hours – 7 days/week – Til Christmas Day!
from George at Bahoukas Antique Mall
This unique piece recently arrived at our shop. The label on this 16mm film says “National Beer Sports Film” and also “Orioles in Action” with the number “Harco 603.” Also on the label is: “from Chesapeake Bay … Land of Pleasant Living.” It was created by WLVA radio station and is dated Sept. 29, 1961!
National Beer Sports Film – Orioles in Action
We are not sure if it’s an entire game or a series of highlights. If someone doesn’t grab this very unique piece, George may try to find a working 16mm film projector to check it out.
For those who love old films, National Beer, and/or the Orioles of 1961 – it’s a great piece! Don’t forget that we’re less than 5 weeks from Christmas. This would make a beer collector drool!
RC Cola Collectible Cans
RC Cola Cans – 1970s – baseball players
It seems that since Covid-19 decided to impose itself on our lives, folks have turned to collecting again. Baseball cards have definitely been one of those items that have gained new fans.
Very collectible 1970s RC Cola Cans with baseball player photos and stats
This collection 1970s RC Cola cans feature baseball players with their photos and stats on the can. We thought that those who might have renewed their interest in baseball memorabilia would enjoy checking out this collection of RC Cola cans!
Large collection of 1970s RC Cola cans featuring baseball players
We have a large collection of these cans. Are you ready to start a new collection – or maybe complete one you already have started? Well, don’t hesitate. Stop in today and we’ll point you in the right direction!
Stop in today and chat with George. And you bet, they’re watchin’ for ya!
It is estimated that over the years, more than 300 million miniature Wade figures have been distributed with Red Rose Teas. Does someone you know collect them? And Red Rose Tea is still very popular as are their Wade miniatures!
Miniature Wade figures of farm animals and more
Another Tiny Collection
These miniature Wade Figures offer another ‘tiny collection’ that can be fun to collect. Maybe you have a child that would enjoy creating a collection. Originally called Wade Whimsies, there are several series created through the years.
The American Series #1, (1983 to 1985) consisted of 15 figurines, with one Whimsies packaged in each box of Red Rose tea.
The first animal series included a chimp, lion, bison, bush baby, owl, bear cub, rabbit, squirrel, bird, otter, hippo, turtle, seal, wild boar, and elephant.
Series II ( 1985 to 1996 )
The second series, also of animals, was issued from 1985 to 1996 and totaled 20 figurines. It was selected from a group that had also first appeared in earlier Wade series. The animals represented were the giraffe, koala bear, pine marten, langur, gorilla, kangaroo, tiger, camel, zebra, polar bear, orangutan, leopard, rhino, raccoon, leopard, puppy, rabbit, kitten, pony and cockateel.
Series III – The Circus Animal Series (1994 to 1999) was the third to appear.
Fifteen figurines made up this series, including; ringmaster, human cannonball, strongman, clown with drum, clown with pie, bear, sitting elephant, standing elephant, male monkey, female monkey, lion, poodle, seal, horse, and tiger.
SERIES IV – Endangered North American Animals ( 1999 and 2002 ), was the fourth series.
The 10 figurines were the spotted owl, bald eagle, polar bear, peregrine falcon, humpback whale, Florida panther, manatee, green sea turtle, timber wolf, and sturgeon.
SERIES V – Noah’s Ark was the fifth series.
Fourteen male and female animals, representing seven kinds of wildlife, and a single figurine of Noah and his wife made up the set of 15. They include the elephant, rhino, zebra, goose and gander, hen and rooster, ram and ewe, lion and lioness, and Noah and his wife.
SERIES VI – Pet Shop Friends ( 2006 to 2008 ) was the sixth series.
The 10 animals appearing between 2006 and 2008 were the duck, pony, rabbit, turtle, kittens, puppies, Labrador, budgie, tropical fish, and cat.
SERIES VII – The Wade Red Rose Calendar series ( 2008 to 2012 ) was the seventh series.
One figure representative of each month was included from 2008 to 2012: snowman, cupid, leprechaun, Easter bunny, Mother’s Day flowers, graduation, Uncle Sam, sandcastle, scarecrow, pumpkin kitty, turkey, and Christmas tree.
SERIES VII – the Nautical Wonderland Series, the eighth and current series, was introduced in 2012.
The series includes the compass, conch shell, mermaid, ships wheel, treasure chest, divers helmet, lighthouse, sailboat, seagull, seahorse, crab, and starfish.
They are still creating Miniature Wade Figurines for Red Rose Tea. And the Red Rose Tea website has very interesting information related to their teas as well as their Wade figures.
*In 2012, The Nautical Wonderland Series came next.
Explore our nautical heritage with these twelve figurines. This series illustrates everything to love about the ocean, from the warmth and calm of the beach, to the adventure and spirit of sailing the seas, to the mysteries and legends of the sunken depths.
*American Heritage Series (2016)
Exclusively designed by Wade Ceramics, these splendid, porcelain miniatures celebrate the illustrious history of America, from Colonial Times to the Space Age. Red Rose Tea is proud to depict landmark moments in our national history through these distinguished miniatures.
*World Monument Series (2020)
Explore the globe with these porcelain miniatures exclusively designed by Wade Ceramics! Iconic landmarks, feats of architecture and mysteries of the world are represented. Travel back to ancient times or marvel at modern achievements – the Worldwide Monument Series has it all!
*These are from the Red Rose Tea website. At this site, you can view photos of the latest miniatures.
So stop by and see our collection of Wade miniatures. Maybe you’ll want to add to your own collection or help a young person start their ‘tiny collection.’ We’re here. And yep, we’re watchin’ for ya!
These very collectible radios – and they ALL WORK – include a 1950s Baseball Player Radio, a Panapet 1970s Red Ball Radio by Panasonic, a 1970s Snoopy Radio, and a 1998 promotional Pepsi Cola Radio.
Baseball Player Radio – 1970s
The Panapet radio is a round novelty radio on a chain, first produced by Panasonic in the early 1970s to commemorate the World Expo in Osaka. Two chrome plated dials on the surface are for tuning and volume, and a tuning display is inset on the surface of the ball. The Panapet is AM band only – no FM. There is a jack for a mono earplug. The Panapet came in several colors including red, yellow, white, blue, purple and avocado green.
The Snoopy AM Radio, 1970s, by Determined Productions, Inc.
Connie Boucher, a pioneer in licensing cartoon characters who provided the inspiration for “Happiness Is a Warm Puppy,” a best-selling 1962 book about Snoopy, the “Peanuts” comic strip character, has died at age 72.
Ms. Boucher, who died here Dec. 20 of complications following heart surgery, was a window dresser for I. Magnin in 1959 when she grew dissatisfied with the quality of coloring books available for her two sons. With her husband, Jim Young, she created a Winnie-the-Pooh coloring book, using a character that was in the public domain. The book sold 50,000 copies.
Two years later she founded Determined Productions Inc. to develop other products based on licensing characters. One of her first efforts was a calendar using the characters in the Charlie Brown comic strip.
The Pepsi-Cola Bottle Cap Radio is vintage 1998.
1998 was also the 100th Anniversary of the Pepsi-Cola brand. CLICK HERE for a bit of history. Do you know what Pepsi was originally named before being branded in 1898: See bottom of this post
Whether you love very collectible novelty radios, early transistor radios, or truly vintage radios and phonographs, we have a wonderful collection. Stop in soon. We’re watchin’ for ya!
How often do you think of your local antique shop for great ideas for wedding decor. Does the bride and/or groom collect something special that may be used in the decorations? Maybe you’re looking for unique serving dishes or goblets.
Fun and Funny Wedding Topper Collectibles
Or consider ‘insulators’ for table decor:
A variety of insulators
Here is a tea light holder made from a green glass insulator and a rusty bed spring. The two together have a great industrial look that is really unique.
An old insulator and a rusty bed spring upcycled to a candle holder – easy wedding decor (or holidays)
Other Wedding Decor Ideas
We have oil lamps of all shapes, colors, and sizes to add to centerpieces or highlight a particular area of your wedding reception.
Don’t forget that we also have vases of all shapes and sizes.
We have an array of glass ware …
Pink Depression Glass – just a small sampling
Perfect for the bride’s table, special guests, or everyone, we have a wonderful variety of glassware you may enjoy incorporating in your wedding decor. Special cake platters, serving dishes, full sets of dishware, are available.
GIFT IDEAS
Don’t forget the our “Collection of Collections’ offers some pretty unique gift ideas for the bride and groom, or from the bride and groom. And don’t forget the children! Be creative if you have children in the wedding party.
Think out of the box for your wedding!
from bahoukas
And don’t forget, we’re here to help you find the perfect items. Yep, we’re excited for your big day and we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Are you old enough to remember where you were when you heard that Elvis Presley had died? Do you have a favorite song? To coordinate with our post, we include the ‘title song’ here for your enjoyment!
Elvis Memorabilia
Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He died aged 42 on August 16, 1977 but during his short life and since his death he has become one of the most well known cultural icons of modern times.
If you’ve not visited our shop, you may not realize that we have a great selection of Elvis collectibles.
Visit our ELVIS section!
For Elvis collectors, there is a mother lode of Elvis Vegas collectibles to be had, from menus (festooned with Elvis’ image), table cards, posters, postcards, matchboxes, dice and swizzle sticks. Krein says that ’70s memorabilia is another favorite he collects — pins, tour programs and posters, jewelry, belt buckles, lipstick cases.
You’ll definitely want to drop in and see the ELVIS collection at Bahoukas. We have figures, games, statues, pictures, recordings, and so much more. Don’t forget, if there’s an Elvis collector among your family and friends, it’s a great time to think ahead for Christmas. (Just sayin’!)
More…ELVIS!
In the meantime, you know we’re always watchin’ for ya!
The blue crab is a highly sought-after shellfish. Blue crabs live up and down the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico and are caught by both commercial and recreational fishermen. Its scientific name—Callinectes sapidus—translated from Latin means ‘beautiful savory swimmer.’
Blue crabs are the most valuable fishery in the Chesapeake Bay. They are also major predators of benthic communities and are prey for many other fish species. Blue crabs are so treasured in the region that the blue crab is the Maryland state crustacean.
Along with a few crab mallets, we also have these beautiful oyster knives.
Oyster Knives
Finally – Maryland Skipjacks
Skipjacks in the Chesapeake and oyster drudgin’ are as much a part of Maryland culture as duck hunting and decoys. We couldn’t talk about crabs and oysters without a bit about skipjacks. And don’t forget to visit the Havre de Grace Decoy Museumand Havre de Grace Maritime Museum for local history.
SKIPJACKS
The Maryland State Boat has a colorful history. And you might find some items in our shop at Bahoukas to add to your Maryland collection.
The skipjack became the State Boat in 1985 (Chapter 788, Acts of 1985; Code General Provisions Article, sec. 7-327).At that time, the General Assembly noted that: “. . . Recent efforts to restore the environmental integrity of the Chesapeake Bay have rekindled interest and appreciation in the majestic estuary as not only an economic asset but also as the foundation for a way of life for many Marylanders; and . . . Nothing better represents the way of life of Maryland watermen than the historic Chesapeake Boat known as the Skipjack . . .”
Skipjack under sail on Chesapeake Bay. Photo by Marion E. Warren (Marion E. Warren Collection, MSA SC1890-BP7506, Maryland State Archives).
We encourage you to stop in and see these items. We may have some oyster plates as well. And check out our book selections, you just might find a cookbook with ideal recipes for crabs, oysters, or perfect side dishes. Yep, we’ll be here and waitin’ for ya!
Its design may have derived from the gun worm which was a device used by men to remove unspent charges from a musket’s barrel in a similar fashion, from at least the early 1630s
The corkscrew is possibly an English invention, due to the tradition of beer and cider, and Treatise on Cider by John Worlidge in 1676 describes “binning of tightly corked cider bottles on their sides”, although the earliest reference to a corkscrew is, “steel worm used for the drawing of Corks out of Bottles” from 1681.
In 1795, the first corkscrew patent was granted to the Reverend Samuel Henshall, in England. The clergyman affixed a simple disk, now known as the Henshall Button, between the worm and the shank. The disk prevents the worm from going too deep into the cork, forces the cork to turn with the turning of the crosspiece, and thus breaks the adhesion between the cork and the neck of the bottle. The disk is designed and manufactured slightly concave on the underside, which compresses the top of the cork and helps keep it from breaking apart.
A heritage corkscrew. When the old London Bridge was demolished in the 1831, its surviving fragment was turned into a corkscrew, which was sold at an auction in Essex, UK for £40,000 (around $62,790), about 100 times its guide price.
So there you go … more than you ever wanted to know about the familiar corkscrew. But it just might put you on the path to being a helixophile. We’re here to guide you. And you bet, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Are you aware that John Wayne was in 179 film and tv productions? And he wasn’t always a cowboy! The above photo is from The Quiet Man movie – filmed in Ireland. The link below the following quote will take you to an interesting article regarding 100 of his movies.
Have you seen them all?
The controversial film star was most famous for his roles in Westerns, but also starred in war dramas, took on the role of an American boxer in “The Quiet Man,” and put himself on the other side of the camera as a producer and director. Wayne was nominated three times for Academy Awards, winning once for lead actor in 1969 when he played U.S. Marshal Reuben “Rooster” J. Cogburn in “True Grit.” He was even posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980 by Jimmy Carter.
A lobby card (in German) for the movie “Who Shot Liberty Valence” … available in our shop
John Wayne
18″ Ensco chalk figure 1970s available in our shop!
Do you know John Wayne’s birth name? (Answer at the bottom of this post)
John Wayne American Collector Watch
John Wayne Collector Figure (both have dome covers)
… and a SINGER? Yep!
Another fun item is our selection of Collector Plates.
A collection of beautiful Collector Plates: John Wayne
So if you, or someone you know, grew up loving everything “John Wayne,” stop in and have a peek at these great collector items. Yessireeeeee…. we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
John Wayne’s given name was Marion Robert Morrison! Did you guess it?
