If you’ve browsed an antique shop, you’ve most likely noticed the old photos in boxes, stacked in corners. You’ve also most likely been drawn to one or two, wondering where the place is or who are those people. You may have even commented on their attire or the sternness in their expression. The article connected to the following quote is a very easy and interesting read.
The People Who Collect Strangers’ Memories
In gathering old photographs of daily life, family scenes, and illness, hobbyists get an intimate view into past lives.
There are many reasons old photographs are collected. Some folks are looking for certain locations while others may be collecting a category, say, a particular advertising, old motorcycles, vintage farm photos, portraits. You name it, someone’s collecting it.
But we’re most assuredly pulled into wondering about the story behind the photo.
Farrell Auto Co. photo advertising BUICK
Vintage photos – don’t you wonder about who they are?
What To Do With The Found Vintage Photos You Love
Feeling crafty? This article gives some great ways to incorporate those vintage photos into your decor. CLICK HERE for the article from salvagedliving.com
TINTYPES
Tintypes
We also have a few tintypes in our store. Do you know what “tintypes” are?
A tintype, also known as a melainotype or ferrotype, is a photograph made by creating a direct positive on a thin sheet of metal coated with a dark lacquer or enamel and used as the support for the photographic emulsion. Tintypes enjoyed their widest use during the 1860s and 1870s, but lesser use of the medium persisted into the early 20th century and it has been revived as a novelty and fine art form in the 21st.
It might also be of interest to you to learn why tintypes are so special.
Tintypes are a very early type of antique photograph dating back to the late 19th century.
… There is no negative in the tintype process, making each one a rare, one-of-a-kind photograph. Tintypes are valuable capsules of history and should only be directly worked on by an archival specialist. Today virtually all tintype images needing restoration are restored digitally on the computer.
CLICK HERE for an intriguing article that explains much more about the markings on a tintype and also how to get some clues from the photo. It’s a really interesting piece.
So there you have it. We have vintage photos and a few tintypes. Stop in and see if something catches your fancy or adds to a particular collection you may have. In the meantime, be assured. We’ll be 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!
A letterpress drawer is a thin wooden tray with compartments. These drawers were part of a larger printing cabinet that were common between the 15th and 19th centuries. The small sections store letter stamps or “sorts” that were used in a printing press for relief printing. Letterpress drawers are also referred to as type cases, type drawers, printer block drawers, and printer’s trays.
Old metal type can easily be used to add a bit of pizzazz to a craft. You can ink it with a stamp pad and using it to make your own gift wrap, to decorate a lunch or gift bag, to create a card, or to just give the kids a little knowledge about using type.
Visit us and we’ll show you what we have in our printer collection. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
In 2020, thanks to a covid pandemic, delivery to our door has become commonplace for just about everyone! But if you’re familiar with Jewel Tea Co., you may not realize they started their door-to-door business in 1899.
Although many remember the Jewel Tea Co. which closed in 1981, few are probably aware of just how unique and entrepreneurial this company was. The following quote is a great example of how nimble and quick-thinking they were:
There were many tea companies at that time, and they all sold door-to-door, giving premium coupons with grocery purchases. When enough coupons had been saved, the customer had a choice of premium items offered. One day Mr. Ross knocked on the kitchen door of a prospective customer and had hardly stated his business when she grabbed a broom. He returned later that same day and learned that the lady had saved coupons for six months buying coffee and tea from a “wagon man” and had expected to get a rug with her coupons. However, the wagon man stopped coming around. Mr. Ross quickly offered her a premium to be left with her first order, to be paid out with a later trade.
This story varies from a broom to hot water, but the fast-thinking Mr. Ross with his idea of advancing the premium set the Jewel Tea Company apart from all other existing tea companies of the day.
Jewel Tea Co. “Autumn Leaves” dishware by Hall Co.
Many of the baby boomers today will recall these dishes from having had them in their homes growing up. They were premiums offered by Jewel Tea Co. and made by Hall China Company.
In the mid-1920s, the directors of Hall China made a decision to associate with the Jewel Tea Company to produce an exclusive line of dinnerware for them. Jewel started using Hall teapots as premiums, and then expanded the promotion to include its own line of distinctive dinnerware and kitchenware. New pieces were introduced by Hall China for Jewel until 1980.
This image is from a tching.compost and shows both the Autumn Leaves and Cameo Rose designs.
Do you collect the Cameo Rose pattern?
There’s much to be learned from earlier successful companies. And it’s always fun to start a collection where you can share a bit of the ‘story’ that comes with them.
Drop by and chat with us, browse our 9,000 sq. ft. of collections. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Are you serious about reusing items to keep them out of landfills? Many items in antique stores, besides adding to a collection or being a wonderful decorating item, are also quite useful.
Kitchen Utensils to Repurpose!
Look at this photo of one wall of kitchen items that could easily enjoy another few years of purpose.
Just one wall of great kitchen utensils that could be used today!
We also have
… rolling pins, cake dishes, pie tins, and cast iron pans to name just a few easily repurposed.
So many great ideas…
Cast iron pans
It’s well worth a visit to Bahoukas Antique Mall to see if we might have ‘just the item you need.’ If you need a link for other ideas, CLICK HERE. You’ll find dozens of items you probably never would think to look for at Bahoukas. Of course, we’re always watchin’ for ya!
We absolutely love this collection. If, per chance, you don’t remember what Depression Glass is, here’s a bit of background:
Glassmakers couldn’t sustain through the Great Depression by providing the popular labor-intensive cut crystal glass of the 1920s to the upper class. Much like we’ve seen distilleries pivot to hand sanitizer and designers pivot to mask production during the COVID-19 pandemic, glass companies that once made luxury crystal were forced to reconsider their products. In an attempt to keep people employed, glass factories in the Ohio River Valley pivoted to mass-producing significantly cheaper molded, patterned glassware thanks to an innovative machine that could produce upwards of 1,000 pieces a day.
Lovely Pink Depression Glass bowls and parfait dishes, goblets and pitchers.
What’s really exciting is that, according to this Architectural Digest article, the interest in collecting Pink Depression Glass (and others) could be gaining new interest.
This is just one “Collection of our many Collections! Stop in soon and browse Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum. Yes, we’re watchin’ for ya!
Or maybe you just like to have unique items, we call ‘conversation pieces,’ on your table or shelf. The Red Cross invalid feeder is from WWI.
… an “invalid feeder” which was often found in many homes late in the 19th into the 20th century. They were used to facilitate the feeding of invalids. A liquid or semi-soft food was placed in the feeder and the spout was then placed in the person’s mouth. In the movie “The English Patient” the use of a feeder was shown in a brief flashback.
Also known as Pap Boats, Invalid Feeders were used throughout the 19th century and well into the 20th century to aid in the feeding of patients that were too weak to feed themselves and in feeding infants. The use of invalid and infant feeders was much more popular in Europe than in the United States. A mixture called Pap, consisting of flour, bread, and water was mixed together to creat a gruel that was fed to the patient. Typically, the feeders were made of ceramic and colorfully decorated, with some shaped like animals for feeding children. Some early Invalid Feeders were made out of sterling silver or clear glass.
Next time you’re watching a movie from Victorian Era through WWI, keep an eye out for a nurse using an invalid feeder. It adds a little fun to your movie night.
Bahoukas received a beautiful collection of invalid feeders. Some are very plain, others are quite exquisite. One or two of them look like they were especially made for children.
Stop in and take a peek. Yep, we’ll be watching for ya!
The word “pickle” comes from a Dutch word ‘pekel’ or northern German ‘pókel’ meaning “salt” or “brine,” two components that are essential in the pickling process. Pickling in America is largely synonymous with the act of submerging cucumbers (or other fruits or vegetables) into a salty brine or acidic solution along with various spices to create an environment where no unhealthy bacteria can survive and your vegetable is preserved.
Stoneware crocks were used for pickling and fermenting foods for centuries! The process also gives you an easy and effortless way to make probiotic-rich fermented foods a part of your life. And if you remember pickles or sauerkraut from your grandmother’s pantry, you probably remember the flavor being much more complex and tasty than those you buy in a jar today.
Historically, the process of pickling was a necessity and an invaluable way to preserve foods for sailors and travelers. It provided families with food through the colder months.
If you’re interested in an easy-to-read introduction to pickling/fermenting,CLICK HERE for a great blog post and answers to the many questions you might have. And one more site that may be of interest in choosing and caring for a crock, CLICK HERE.
More stoneware crocks and jugs available at Bahoukas Antique Mall
But maybe you just love, love, love these old crocks and jugs. Visit this pagefor photos of great ways to decorate with crock pots – 36 ways, in fact.
Maybe you’ve found a container that you’d like to make it ‘look’ like an old crock. Here’s a great do-it-yourself solution.
So, as you can see, we have the crocks and jugs. You can decide which ones you like and how you might use them. Stop in soon and choose your favorites. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Doesn’t this window just make you feel warm and cozy?
What an inviting window display to encourage you to step inside Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum! Although we’ve just had an amazingly warm January weekend, we know it won’t last. Stop in and see what we might have to keep you busy on a colder January day!
A wonderful collection of spiced tins, vegetable cans, scales, iron, pottery, blackboard, and more all waiting for you to visit Bahoukas!
The entire window reminds you of the cozy warmth of days of yore. Here we see a variety of spice tins and vegetable cans, scales, irons, old shoes, pottery, a blackboard and so much more.
Stop by and take a look. See how inviting it is. Then pop in and tell Norma you love her window designs! And, of course, everyone at Bahoukas is watchin’ for ya!
A selection of cast iron skillets and more at Bahoukas
The History of Cast Iron Cookware
The first known use of cast iron cookware was during the Han Dynasty in China, around 220 A.D. Casting techniques became widespread in Europe by the 16th century, and since then, this versatile equipment has been a staple in households all over the world. In 1707, Abraham Darby patented the sand casting method, which is similar to the way we make cast iron today. Because of Darby’s contribution, the 18th and 19th centuries saw a boom in cast iron cookware. Cast iron pots and pans were so important to daily life that in his book, The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith says they were worth more than gold. Cast iron cookware saw a decline in the 20th century as other cooking materials like aluminum grew in popularity.
Many pieces that seem too difficult to clean-up may be handled with several soakings in vinegar. That and other suggestions are in the following video.
A very informative video re cast iron pans
We have several cast iron cooking/baking pieces that will be great in your home, at the hunting lodge, or to use on your campfire!
Cast iron cookware has been around forever, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. If you want to get in on this trend, follow these tips and you’ll be whipping up pan-seared steaks and skillet cornbread in no time.
Did you know there was a time when picking up your soup bowl and sipping was proper? That’s right!
If it looks like a teacup with two handles and it fits nicely into a matching saucer, then this item is a soup bowl. It was once considered polite to gently sip one’s soup. Quietly using a spoon came later and now soups are considered one of the “naturally” messier foods out there.
As winter temps settle in, we all look forward to savoring a wonderful warm bowl of soup. What’s more wonderful than enjoying that soup from a bowl designed to pick up and sip!
Beautiful Vintage Double-Handled Soup Bowls
Stop into Bahoukas Antique Mall soon and choose a couple for your home! MMMMmmmmmmmm… I can spell that soup now! Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Looking for a beautiful piece to add a bit of class to your holiday table?
We have a wonderful selection of serving pieces. Oh, you say they don’t match what you have? Well, put on your creative decorating hat and use them as ‘accent pieces’ rather than ‘matching pieces.’
Platters and Tureen
Upcycling is not only practical but can truly be beautiful.
When you find a perfect serving piece to accent your table and to show off that favorite side dish, you’ll have the perfect match!
Chips and Dip? Or maybe a beautiful salad bowl!
This lovely glass serving dish will add a bit of color to your buffet table and has just a touch of holiday hue!
Butter Dishes and Small Tureen
Beautiful covered butter dishes are so much nicer than a plastic tub.
From simple lines to beautiful cut glass, we have a wonderful selection. Did you notice the beautiful small tureen? It’s a gorgeous piece for serving that yummy side dish.
These are just a few of the beautiful pieces we have that will add a touch of color, class, and even conversation to your holiday meals. Stop in soon and pick out one or two for YOUR decorating.
In the meantime, you can be sure that we’ll be here and we’re watchin’ for ya!
As you head into the holidays, plans are being made for “what should we take with us to dinner!” Here at Bahoukas, we can offer a bit of help by sharing a number of collectibles to give that dish extra special attention. In this post, we’re sharing cake trays and carriers.
Beautiful glass Cake Trays and unique ceramic spoon holder
Bahoukas has beautiful glass trays and plates for presenting your beautiful cake in all its splendor. We also have metal carriers to help you get it to the party all in one piece!
Glass Cake Trays and metal cake carriers
So whether you’re presenting in a beautiful covered glass dish in your own home or you need a carrier to take it to a dinner party, we just might have what you need.
A beautiful glass Cake Tray with Cover
Recycling and Upcycling make shopping at Bahoukas the best ‘first stop’ on your agenda. You may just find the perfect item and unique while adding a bit of color and story to your gift and/or presentation. All while saving a perfectly sound item from our landfill. Seems like a perfect match for the upcoming “THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!”
Well, that’s not exactly how it works. While George visited family in Montana, Barbara put her ‘shoulder to the wheel’ and began to clean and organize. The following photos don’t do the items justice (glassware is a bit challenging):
pink depression glass
Betty (one of our steady ‘volunteers’) wanted a bit of ‘pink’ near the counter. The above pink depression glass is much more beautiful when you stop by the shop to see it. We also had a great suggestion from one of our ‘regulars’ – the pink depression glass is stunning on a navy blue tablecloth!
beautiful leaded and art glass
These wonderful shades of green are absolutely stunning. There are some amazing pieces that are waiting for you! Just one could add a dash of class to your holiday decor.
glass serving trays and more
These glass plates can be used to serve nearly everything from delectable chocolates to a vegetable and dip. Wonderful macarons from Les Petits Bisous would be perfect!
Covered serving dishes and other items for your holiday decor plus some mixers to help in the preparation.
The white covered serving dishes above would make a great dish for those yummy and much anticipated holiday dishes – mashed potatoes or a green bean casserole. YUM! There are many fine items throughout the shop to add a bit of eye appeal to your holiday festivities. Add your favorite recipes to fill the dishes and you’ll have some very happy family and visitors.
Stop by and see how many items have been brought to life with the elbow grease and determination of Barbara. She loves showing off the great collections at Bahoukas Antique Mall. of course, there’s no end to this task. So we encourage you to stop in frequently as more items are cleaned, shined, organized and readied for your holidays!
Be sure to stop by and say “hi” to George. Of course, we’ll be watchin’ for ya.
We have a wonderful collection of salt cellars and small bottles that are absolutely perfect for creating a little ‘life’ in your fall and holiday decor.
Small Bottles…
Consider adding a wee bit of soil or moss to the bottom of an exquisite cut glass salt cellar, then adding a tiny plant. There are even small bulbs that can root in one of these.
Just a small grouping of our collection of old bottles
In the bottles, add a bit of water and a sprig of ivy to create a bit of ‘life’ on a shelf or table.
beautiful containers with simple dried additions make for a simple statement
Here at Bahoukas Antique Mall we have a variety of salt cellars, tiny dishes, tea cups, bottles (large and small) and even planters to help you bring a bit of the outdoors in. And yes, We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Automobile, Motorcycle, and Bicycle License Plates!
Do you have a barn, garage, or man cave overflowing with your old license plate collection? Or maybe you would LOVE to start your own collection!
At Bahoukas, we can help.
First, did you know that there is a club ALPCA – Automobile License Plate Collectors Association – that has been active since 1954. Check this out from their website:
Since 1954, our organization has been dedicated to the promotion of license plate collecting and research, the exchange of information and plates, and the fraternal benefits of sharing a common interest with others throughout the world.
We are the largest license plate collectors organization in the world. ALPCA currently has 2,957 members from 50 states and 19 countries.
Our annual international conventions are typically attended by nearly 500 collectors
Have you heard about the man with a collection of 7,000+ license plates? READ THIS ARTICLE and imagine a garage with that many license plates!
If someone you love has created a license plate collection that threatens your home, maybe you would just love to find a way to decorate with some of them. We have a video to share. Just think, you could have your amazing collection and any duplicates could be used by someone “living with them” to create a great craft project. (Hey, we’re trying to help here!)
No matter how you enjoy old license plates. We encourage you to stop in and see what we have that might fit your collection (or that new craft idea)! You can be sure, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
