This vintage 1940s oak school desk-chair is probably still remembered by your grandparents, and maybe, your parents. Not particularly comfortable, but they sure did stand the test of time.
I’m wondering, did they have left-handed ones? Anybody know? Hmmm….
Check out the air-conditioned seat!!! And there was a shelf below to store books you weren’t using.
Speaking of books, take a peek at these. They include a 1959 Dick and Jane series titled, “Come With Us.” “The New A B C Book” is a motivated Silent Reader and Workbook from 1932! Plus a 1962 “Sally Dick and Jane” from the New Basic Readers. We’ve noticed that many homeschool teachers/parents stop in looking for these and the old classics of children’s books.
And we’ve added a variety of ‘school accessories.’ Of course, we recognize the stapler and tape dispenser. The Boston Pencil Sharpener Model L is from 1939! More recent Elmers Glue items sit next to an old bottle of Le Page’s Grip Spreader Mucilage. Le Page has been in business for well over 130 years. Here’s a quote from their website:
Our company’s story begins in 1879, when William Nelson LePage invented an industrial glue that was strong, ready-to-use and had a long shelf life. Shortly after, LePage developed a consumer version and expanded his line into other products, including mucilage, an adhesive that’s still widely used today.
Stop by today, whether you’re looking for something special or just want to browse “Nostalgia Lane.” Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
We walked around the shop this week to find school-related items. We have a couple of fun posts for you.
Just the tin (top photo) that these watercolors are in is beautiful. Below you’ll see the actual watercolors and most are still complete. What a fun way to say, “Happy Back to School!”
Below is a group of very unique school collectibles.
On the right is an individual slate board from the 1920s-1930s. In front is a plastic recorder from Creative Playthings (R) from the 1970s. On the left is an 1883 vintage item: From Blackboard to Books – Calkins’s Reading Cards. There’s a sample reading card in the middle.
Going back to school may have a bit of trepidation to the youngest, while some returning students look forward to it and others feel like it’s a punishment to be endured. But no matter, we send best wishes for a successful year to each and every student!
Drop by Bahoukas Antique Mall and check these items and more. Yes, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
The above photo is an example of some of the vintage collectibles of Black Americana available in our shop. In front, it includes a syrup and shaker set, bobble-head, and salt & pepper shakers. In back are Little Black Sambo books, postcards, and a biscuit jar. We have a variety of other pieces.
Over the years we’ve had a number of collectors inquire about our various pieces. We believe that, while offensive to some, they are important in remembering and understanding our history. Only then can we learn and grow beyond those times. Below is one of several articles regarding this very issue of why people collect Black Memorabilia. This one is from PBS.
In response to this fascinating rhetorical question — “[Since] some items are disturbing, offensive and hard to believe, [if you collect and display them] are you creating these images yourself?” — her pamphlet answers: “No, definitely not,” since the store “contains astounding mementos reflecting true lives of people of African descent,” including all that African Americans have suffered through visual media, “depictions [that] are a testimony of life in the past,” including “the ‘good, bad, and ugly.’ ” And in response to whether “these politically incorrect depictions” are, in fact, “teaching racism,” the pamphlet answers that “displaying memorabilia as part of a home, no matter how painful it may seem, is ensuring that ‘each one teach one’ and that history must not repeat itself.” Our children, it continues, “must know where we have been to know where we are going.” In other words, the most important function of displaying and collecting this stuff is a didactic one: critique. And there is a lot here to critique. from PBS article by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The quote is in from an African-American woman, Gail Deculus-Johnson, who owned Sable Images Shop in Los Angeles.
Others have a completely opposite reaction. They want to own all types of Black Americana because those items were a reflection of their cultural heritage. A collection reflecting both difficulties and triumphs embrace important aspects of lineage and interest in our nation’s history. It’s reported that Oprah Winfrey is among the celebrity collectors interested in black memorabilia, so other collectors are in good company.
Collecting takes a different turn in these terms. It’s not just a matter of fun, frivolity, and amassing things to fill a home. It becomes a personal endeavor to make peace with the past and ensure a prosperous future free of racial barriers.
If you collect Black Memorabilia, we welcome you to come and browse our collection. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya.
Yes, it’s a long weekend and there’s sun in the forecast. But it’s also a Holiday set aside for us to remember those of our military who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We encourage you to take a moment to sit quietly, remember and honor those courageous men and women. Shake a hand, share a hug, or just say “Thank You” to a family member or friend who is honoring the loss of a military loved one on this special day.
For those who love anything ‘military,’ here at Bahoukas Antique Mall, we have some interesting collectibles.
Books, insignia, belts, manuals and more are available in our Military Collectibles. Stop in and see if there’s a special item you’d like to add to your own collection.
Just looking for an interesting item to add to a table or bookshelf in honor of our Military? Check this out! A stand of flags or the flag and AMERICA sign – either would look great on a picnic table!
Of course, as you enjoy your weekend in Havre de Grace, stop by and browse Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum. Absolutely, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
We do get some unusual items at Bahoukas Antique Mall. Above are a variety of medical collectibles. They include (l to r):
Peoples Quality Potassium Alum Lump from Peoples Drug Store
glass hypodermick syringe
a ceramic mug with Rx on it
Two varieties of mortar and pestle
a Tincture of Iodine bottle
and a Vintage BP Cuff
So if you’re a collector of medical items, you might want one or all of these for your bookshelf or shadow box. Stop in soon and choose your favorites to complete your collection. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
The Jewel Tea Company’s Home Shopping Service began to phase out their home service in 1981. So many of you still remember the home delivery service.
Autumn Leaf dinnerware often made its way into American homes through “The Jewel Man,” a door-to-door salesman employed by the Jewel Tea Company of Chicago. This is where the collector’s nickname “Jewel Tea” originated. New items were added to the collection through 1980, and the pattern has many fans today. from TheSpruce.com
Called ‘mobile stores’ at the turn of the century (1900s) Jewel Tea set themselves a step above the competition by ‘advancing the premium’ rather than the customer receiving after so many purchases. The story goes something like this:
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.
Evidently the door-to-door salesman of the early 1900’s brought products to folks who may not normally have considered their products.
“Direct Selling” was useful for introducing new types of goods or new brands and enabled manufacturers to keep their products from losing to the competition at department stores. The rise of door-to-door selling in the 1920’s helped fuel the scientific homemaking movement, which provided housewives with labor-saving devices. from Birth of a Salesman – the transformation of selling in America by Walter A. Friedman
Stop in to Bahoukas to see some of the Autumn Leaf pattern pieces that we have. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Here are some gift-ideas that you may not have considered being available at Bahoukas Antique Mall in Havre de Grace. They include top: embroidery hoops, sock darning egg, a hand held sewing maching, buttons, doilies, a 1950s walnut sewing kit, a yarn ball winder, a small weaving loom, and wonderful wooden large knitting needles.
This little sewing kit is really beautiful. It could also be used as a wonderful ornament for the seamstress on your list. Have anyone in mind?
We also have a number of craft books and magazines, and even old sewing patterns. So stop by today because, you know, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Thrill a Reader on your List with a Collectible Book!
Above we have Cherry Ames in Rest Home Nurse, Trixie Belden and the Black Jacket Mystery, and The Bobbsey Twins in The Secret at the Seashore! Below we have two in the Nancy Drew Mystery Series: The Quest of the Missing Map and the Mystery of the Moss-Covered Mansion plus Peter Potamus!
But that’s not all…. consider these:
Above we have The Three Musketeers – a Whitman Book, Little Golden Books including this one about Roy Rogers, and another Whitman Book, Wyatt Earp. Below we have The F.B.I. from Random House with a forward by J. Edgar Hoover, The Lone Star Ranger by Zane Grey, and The House on the Cliff with The Hardy Boys!
While doing a little research, we discovered a great deal more information on Zane Grey.
Most of knew him as a highly read author of Westerns. Consider these:
His name was actually Pearl Zane Gray
He was an accomplished baseball player, earning a college scholarship
He went to the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a degree in Dentisty
His wife “Dolly” pretty much handled his affairs
His favorite sport was fishing and he held 10+ world records for big game fishing
Born Jan. 31, 1872 and died Oct. 23, 1939 in Zanesville, Ohio
He authored more than 90 books
His novels and short stories were adapted into 112, films, 2 TV episodes, and a series, Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theater
What an amazing story! You see, we have much to share when you visit us at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum. Remember, the countdown to Holiday Festivities in growing close. We’re here to help you find those unique gifts for the very special people on your list. Stop by … we’ll be watchin’ for ya.
Havre de Grace Collectibles Make Day 11 Gift Giving Special
We KNOW there are folks on your list who would truly appreciate a gift from our Havre de Grace Collectibles. We have a variety of canning labels which, by the way, make great decorating for the kitchen! Above is also a milk bottle from Westwood Farm and two commemorative plates – one from the US Bi-Centennial and the other the Havre de Grace United Methodist Church. We have a nice variety of history books for Havre de Grace and Harford County to choose from.
The collector items at the top would make great pieces to add to your holiday decorations – tucked in greens and candles for a buffet table or mantle piece. Lots more ideas await at Bahoukas. Stop in soon… the 44 Days of Gift Giving is counting down… we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
I’ll bet you haven’t thought of Bahoukas to find unique puzzles for the “enigmatologist” on your list! Well, here’s a sampling of what we have available. From JigSaw puzzles for children and adults, a Rubix Cube, and a variety of uniquely shaped puzzles in nearly every form.
enigmatologist
noun[countable]
someone who studies and writes mathematical, word or logic puzzles
enigmatology also enigmatography
noun[uncountable]
‘The annual war with words was spawned a quarter-century ago by enigmatologist Will Shortz, current puzzle editor of The New York Times.’
We have a few books around our shop. But we also found this interesting websitefor the ‘cruciverbalist on you list.
Maybe you follow Will Shortz as the Puzzle Master on his Weekend Edition Sunday Morning NPR program!
Will also edits the NY Times Crossword Puzzle.
If you love these, just do a search for Will Shortz and NPR Puzzle Master or the New York Times for plenty of information about Will and also plenty about solving puzzles.
Have fun! But don’t forget to stop by our shop to find that intriguing puzzle that may stump one of those puzzle-lovers on your gift list. Well, at least for an hour or two!
‘Tis the Season to fill your home with warmth by sharing a wee bit of your personality! Do you love flowers? Flowers and Candles?
You will love our Day 4 of 44 Days of Gifts. These wonderful floral frogs allow you to add a bit of color and flair by arranging your favorite flowers with ease. Some even include a candle holder. Other pieces offer great sculptures to accent the flowers.
Add your favorite holiday flowers and create a beautiful table centerpiece, possibly use one of the sculptures to add a bright accent to your fireplace mantle or bookshelf. Large and small, these floral frogs make it easy to add the splash of color and a warm welcome to your upcoming holiday entertaining. Using the floral frogs allows you to easily create a Hostess Gift that can be easily transported and will surely be appreciated!
Here’s a great video that shows you how to use a ‘floral frog’ … with just the sweetest touch of Southern Hospitality!
You know my now that “we’ll be watchin’ for ya” at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum!
The above photo is a small history of bottles all in one photo and available at Bahoukas Antique Mall. They include a beautiful torpedo soda bottle with a blob top from Greene King & Sons Limited of Bury, St. Edmonds. There are two ink bottles: igloo shaped and cone shaped, a Kiehl & Kiefer blog top soda bottle, a Wagner Ginger Ale bottle, a clay bottle for Weiss Beer Brewery (Baltimore), and a Chas. Zech glass soda bottle.
This link to history of bottles, from the Society for Historical Archaeology Inc. website, gives an outstanding amount of information regarding the bottles we’ve displayed. It shares the details on the many styles of ink bottles that were made.
The ink bottle to the left is called an ‘igloo style’ by J & IEM. Here’s an interesting quote about the use of ink before the late 1800s from the Society for Historical Archaeology Inc. website.
In Europe, glass inkwells dating from the early 18th century have been noted and advertisements for ink bottles date at least as early as the 1770s (Van den Bossche 2001; Faulkner 2009). Historically, it was not until the late 18th to early 19th century that ink was commonly available commercially in liquid form. Up until that time the most common commercial forms were as wafers, cakes, sticks, or as a powder from which the purchaser/user would add water to make ink. Druggists as well as printers, stationary and bookshop keepers often prepared, bottled, and sold ink during the 19th century and before in the New World (McKearin & Wilson 1978).
This Chas. Zech vintage soda bottle from Lancaster, PA is a crown top soda bottle.
The left photo shows a blob top bottle. The one below shows the crown top. This page from Aqua Explorersgives a wonderful history of bottle tops throughout history.
Another very interesting early glass bottle is the Torpedo Bottle, shown below. Here’s a link to a bit more information regarding the torpedo style vintage bottle – “The idea was that the soda kept in contact with the cork and stopped the cork from shrinking.”
This vintage bottle of Kiehl & Kiefer is a blob top soda bottle. What’s really beautiful is the “K” on the back side of the bottle,
Appropriately we happen to have a Christian Wagner Ginger Ale vintage bottle with crown top, (Oh, you didn’t know that George ‘Bahoukas’ is really George Wagner!)
The final vintage piece is a clay bottle by Sandkuhler’s for Weiss Beer Brewery of Baltimore.
Stop in to Bahoukas in Havre de Grace and discover great buys and learn a little history in the most leisurely way!
Children’s books continue to be one of our most loved items in the store. We have had books from the Dick and Jane Series, Weekly Readers, and many others. Some are very used, others in decent condition. Somehow … the ‘very used’ seem to feel special when you hold them. After all, some very loving, little hands enjoyed them over the years.
CLICK HERE to read an interesting article on banned (mostly) children’s books. Regardless of your personal choices, we have some beautiful classics for children. Stop in and browse. The weblady is partial to the Bobbsey Twins Seris and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.
Did you ever wonder about ‘challenged and banned books?’ Here’s an interesting link from the American Library Association. Intriguing …
In Stanley M. Barrett and Elias W. Kidwiler’s book, History of Havre de Grace – “The Town We Live In”, we learn of Palmer’s Island, later known as Watson’s Island, and now know as Garrett’s Island. … Then we read of Harmers Town, sold to Stockett, “after 1700 it was known officially as “The Susquehanna Lower Ferry.” In 1714 it again changed hands (ownership) to John Stokes. According to Kidwiler’s writings, In 1785 the Susquehanna Lower Ferry was incorporated as a town with a commission form of government and was officially given its present name (Havre de Grace).
Havre de Grace, from the date of its incorporation as a town, continued to grow steadily in population and wealth. Fishing was the source of income for many of its citizens. The inns and hotels required the services of a considerable number of people. During the long, hard winters when the river froze to a depth of eighteen inches or more, many men were engaged in cutting, storing and shipping ice. There were services necessary for the farmers who made Havre de Grace their shopping center – blacksmith shops, wagon factories and repair shops, feed stores, general stores and hardware stores. Canneries were built in the city and provided an outlet for more corn and tomatoes than the farmers had been formerly disposing of, and took a considerable portion of the local fishermen’s catch. The coming of the railroad meant employment for both skilled and unskilled labor.
Again – apologies for the blur… We have duplicates of some of the historic items in the store; many we do not. Stop in and see these for yourself. Interesting perspectives of our community over the years.
The ‘foreword’ inside the Historic Havre de Grace booklet, published by the Havre de Grace Public Library in 1926 reads as follows:
This brief history of the city of Havre de Grace has been compiled by the ladies of the Library Committee, and is offered to the public on the occasion of the second anniversary of the opening of the Havre de Grace Public Library. For assistance in this work we acknowledge indebtedness to the Records of the Maryland Historical Society, Walter W. Preston’s “History of Harford County,” L. B. Browne’s “Historical Sketch of St. John’s Church” and many friends who have come forward with newspaper clippings of bygone days. We feel we have merely scratched the surface of a fascinating theme and hope our efforts may inspire some abler historian to do full justice to this subject.
The conclusion in the Public Library’s 1926 publication is a wonderful tribute to a city’s growth. It follows:
We have endeavored to picture for you the growth and development of our city from its early beginning. First, a family or two, then, a cluster of houses sheltering an intrepid band which decided to seek no further. A few survived the early hardships, and the call of kindred inspired others to come. What makes a city grow? Is it not the spirit of its people, their desire to make their surroundings safe and attractive and the measure of their neighborly kindness which influences others to join with them for mutual welfare? A man is not attracted to a town where his best efforts will bring him no reward and his friendly advances are repulsed. The spirit of enterprise and brotherly helpfulness is the great wellspring of a city’s progress, and this spirit in an increased measure is our desire for Havre de Grace.
There is much wisdom for us in the 21st century from the perspective presented in these books and pamplets of yesteryear!
Do you remember waiting for the opportunity to gather all the stamps your mom or grandmom collected
so that you could lick ’em and stick ’em in the books!
It was exciting to see how many pages or books you could fill. Oftentimes, it meant that something you really, really wanted might be possible through the S&H Green Stamps Catalog.
But do you know they first arrived on the American retail scene in 1896!!! That’s true! Their heyday was throughout the 1960s-70s. S&H Green Stamps were so popular that they were mentioned in songs, movies and tv shows. The Beatles and Pat Boone are just two of the number who mention them in song or movie. As late as 2001 they were mentioned in the moving, Riding in Cars with Boys.
During the 1970s and 1980s, the term “green stamps” was commonly used by truckers and other motorists on Citizens’ Band (CB) radios to refer to money; for instance, a radio operator advising fellow operators that “Ol’ Smokie just got some of my green stamps” was understood to be saying a highway patrolman had just stopped him and given him a traffic ticket. This usage still occurs in the CB radio community.[9]_________from Wikipedia
Even truckers used the term to replace the word ‘money’ in their chatter. Most surprisingly, you can still redeem those old S&H Green Stamps for S&H GreenPoints and get a gift certificate. Really – it’s true! Just click on the image below to go to the website.
Now that’s what I call longevity in the world of ‘loyalty programs.’ To learn plenty more details go to WIKIPEDIA! Some great trivia here. ENJOY!
Since I didn’t give you a Ghost Story… you’ll definitely want to check this out!
That’s right. Our Dead of Night Paranormal Investigators will return
Saturday, May 20th from 9-midnight
to give you the opportunity to meet some of our less visible entities.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW – CALL GEORGE!
“The Pink House” – Havre Iron Company
and The Havre Republican Newspaper
This bond was signed on January 1, 1879. The following are the signatures of A.P. McCombs, President, and the Secretary, E. Mortimer Bye.
These items can be seen at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum.
A.P. McCombs built the grand Victorian Home located at 120 S. Union Avenue in Havre de Grace. This beautiful home is well-known in the area as “The Pink House.” You won’t miss it! Click the link below to read the pdf and learn more about this building from the Maryland Historic Trust document with photos.
In addition, A.P. McCombs built the building on the east side of N. Union Ave – corner of Union and Franklin – 467 Franklin, which at one time was used for the U.S. Post Office. JoRetrois now located there! Click the link to the JoRetro site to view photos of the building! (It’s also a wonderful shop to visit while you’re in town!)
From 1868-1881, A.P. McCombs & Son published a weekly newspaper, The Havre Republican. The clip below is from Pettengill’s Newspaper Directory and Advertisers’ Hand-Book for 1878:
Needless to say, A.P. McCombs left a legacy in Havre de Grace. Stop in and chat with George, he’s a wealth of information and the most interesting tidbits about Havre de Grace!
Linking the Old with the New
