Do you have a player piano? We have the music rolls!
Well… not exactly!
Looking for unusual, and often forgotten, items, we found these up on a shelf. We have quite a selection of old Player Piano Music Rolls.
First, let me explain what a player piano is. According to Wikipedia:
A player piano (also known as pianola) is a self-playing piano, containing a pneumatic or electro-mechanical mechanism that operates the piano action via pre-programmed music recorded on perforated paper, or in rare instances, metallic rolls, with more modern implementations using MIDI. The rise of the player piano grew with the rise of the mass-produced piano for the home in the late 19th and early 20th century.[1] Sales peaked in 1924, then declined as the improvement in phonograph recordings due to electrical recording methods developed in the mid-1920s. The advent of electrical amplification in home music reproduction via radio in the same period helped cause their eventual decline in popularity, and the stock market crash of 1929 virtually wiped out production.
Now we’ll add a video to actually show you how it works. The first minute or so shows it before it’s fully repaired. About half-way through, you can see and hear it working. Pretty cool, huh?
So, what DO we do with these piano rolls?
Well, if you don’t have a player piano, you might want to consider a craft or two where these would be amazing. If you search Pinterest, you’ll find hundreds of ways to incorporate these rolls.
On the other hand, are you an artist who loves working with paper? Then you may already see a dozen uses. I’m wondering if those folks who sculpt using old books might find these of interest. Hmmmm….
CLICK HERE for just one blog post I found that’s pretty interesting. There are lots more.
If you’re still trying to picture using these rolls in a craft, view this blog post we found.
Of course, now that you realize how beautiful these piano player rolls really are, you might want to stop in and grab a couple for yourself. Want a dozen or more, or even all of them, talk to George for a deal. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Above are a set of baseballs for Cal Ripkin. Come check them out! While you’re here, check out the sports books we have available!
A unique gift set for the inaugural season of the Washington Nationals.
Baseball Player Bobbleheads
Of course, what’s a sports collectible without a bobblehead or figurine? Stop by and browse our collections! You might just find the one you’re looking for! Yes, we’ll be here and we’re watchin’ for ya!
These cookbooks just arrived last week. They are beautiful, in excellent condition, and would make a most wonderful gift for the mom in your life who loves food and loves cooking. (Who doesn’t!?!?)
There are others in the store, too. So stop by soon. We think these beautiful choices will go fast.
From Benjamin Franklin’s spectacles to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s sunglasses, eyewear plays an important role in our perceptions of history and culture. While the first eyewear emerged in the 13th century Italy, it didn’t mesh with fashion until much later. In 1730, an English optician developed a pair of glasses with two attached rods that rested on the wearer’s ears. From that point, corrective lenses became wearable accessories.
Did you ever make the connection between the invention of the Gutenberg Press and the popularity centuries later of printing for the masses would create the need, and popularity, of eyeglasses! Before then, few average people owned books. But once available, people then needed eyeglasses to improve their eyesight for reading.
It wasn’t until the 15th century, soon after the advent of the movable-type printing press, that concave lenses were developed in Florence. Florentine spectacle makers were so advanced, they had lenses graded for every five years of eye-sight loss for the age 30 and onward, plus two different strengths of lenses for the near-sighted.
Today, eyeglasses are common. Of course, we also have contact lenses and corrective eye surgery to improve our eyesight. But collecting eyeglasses has gained popularity among history re-enactors who look for period eyewear to complete their costumes. The theater has always been a great place for using vintage eyewear.
Even more fascinating are those who love collecting styles that were worn by celebrities and famous individuals. Nearly everyone can remember the styles worn by Jackie-O (wife of the late President John F. Kennedy).
Jackie-O in her famous sunglasses
Check out this post that shares some great examples of famous people and their eyewear.
This iconic vintage glasses guide will take you through the lives of 10 of the most stylish and famous ladies from Hollywood and beyond. We’ve even matched the eyepieces of our favorite iconic glasses wearers with our own frames, which are updated for today’s trends, so you can steal the look!
Okay, now you know a little more about eyeglasses. Stop in to Bahoukas and pick a pair for your historical costume, a theater costume, or to add a bit of pizzazz the next time you go out! Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Comics encourage reading, imagination, and give us encouragement!
How many times have you looked at someone enjoying a comic book and wondering “why?” Well, according to Scribendi, there are a number of good things to come from enjoying a comic book including the one below:
#2: Comic Books Help Us Think Differently According to University of Windsor English professor Dale Jacobs (2007), comic books require readers to create meaning using “multiple modalities.” Readers of comic books must process all the different components—visual, spatial, and textual—of what they are reading and integrate these components into one solid understanding of the story. This means that, even though comic books may appeal to readers for the same reason these individuals are drawn to other forms of entertainment, such as television and video games, reading these books actually involves much more complex processing. More research remains to be done regarding the neurological benefits of reading comic books, but it is evident that there is far more to this genre than simply “looking at pictures,” as some critics of comic books believe.
I’ll bet you never thought about that. So possibly for you, or even for a young person who seems to not care about reading, maybe it’s time to start your own collection of comics. The article above has 5 great points to encourage enjoying a few comic books!
We have comics that include: Golden Age, Silver Age, Modern Age, Disney, Super Heroes, Villains, Adventure, and War. Well, those are just for starters.
By the one, did you know that this #1 Collectible Comic is SUPERMAN #1 Action Comic! Sorry, we don’t have one of those!! But we’ll help you browse our selection if you stop by and say ‘hi!’ It’s such a fine day! We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Bahoukas Antique Mall has a beautiful 1912-1914 Edison Gramophone with a selection of wax cylinders. It’s a beautiful piece. Edison had a wonderful view of the many uses that would benefit society that included dictation, recorded books for the blind, music boxes, and others.
Another view of the beautiful Edison Gramophone available at Bahoukas.
One use was to have music available for soldiers, that gave them a taste of home through familiar music. Though not considered by Edison, he welcomed the opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifice of American and Allied Nation’s soldiers in WWI. You can listen to Edison here:
Edison speaking public on a phonograph – 1917
Edison Invents the Phonograph
Many of the uses Edison suggested for the phonograph have become a reality, but there were others he hadn’t imagined. For example, the phonograph allowed soldiers to take music off to war with them. In 1917, when the U.S. became involved in World War I, the Edison Company created a special model of the phonograph for the U.S. Army. This basic machine sold for $60. Many Army units purchased these phonographs because it meant a lot to the soldiers to have music to cheer them and remind them of home. This is an audio clip of Edison himself in which he expresses his pride in the soldiers and reminds Americans of the enormous sacrifice and contribution made by the other allied nations.
Stop in soon and see this beautiful Edison Gramophone. We have others as well as newer model phonographs/record players. You do know the records are coming back – right? Well, we’ll be watchin’ for you!
Glass Paper Weights can add a bit of color to a drab day.
We decided that with the crazy weather patterns that in the past week or two have included 50 degree days and sunny, ice-sleet-snow days dropping to single digits, and just about everything in between, we’d add just a splash of color.
Abstract or simple, the paperweight adds a hint of sunshine.
Glass paperweights are just that hint of color, sunshine and spring that you might need. Add one to your desk, kitchen counter, bookshelf, or bedroom nightstand.
These paperweights look almost like they have coral inside of them.
Choose one for its coloring, the flower hidden inside, or the abstract ones that tickle the imagination when you find your gaze fixed on them. But give them an opportunity to inspire thoughts of spring and remind you that it won’t be long!
Glass and pottery ‘frogs’ for the flowers that remind you Spring isn’t far away.
These ‘frogs’ are for used to arrange flowers. Some are complete, just add water and flowers. Others are placed at the bottom of a vase, then add flowers. These frogs allow you to create beautiful arrangements easily.
Why did we mention these ‘frogs’ along with the glass paperweights?
We thought that while you’re thinking about spring, sun, and color, you just might want to pick up some cut flowers and bring all of those beautiful thoughts into your home and/or office. And these ‘frogs’ will just make that task easy.
So enjoy a sweet touch of color and sun by stopping in to Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum and find one or two items that will brighten a corner of your desk, counter, home or office. Don’t forget to grab a bouquet of cut flowers on your way. In the meantime, you guessed it, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
One of the things we hear people saying is how ‘commercial’ Christmas is. We can help change that if you visit us at Bahoukas Antique Mall. We have a wonderful variety of toys and gifts that add value and excitement to your gift-giving.
Above is a well made, wooden firetruck sure to please that young toddler on your list. Nothing fancy, nothing to break, just a great toy! Stop by and see it for yourself.
Create a reader with these Golden Books and more
Remember all of your favorite books of years gone by. You can bet that we have some of them in our store. Come browse our children’s book section and find a couple that you’ll definitely want to share with the young reader on your list. Remember, there’s nothing kids love more than having you read to or with them!
Lunch Boxes for nearly every tv show or movie character.
Everyone had a favorite tv or movie character, often on their favorite lunch box. We have a huge collection of character lunch boxes that you’ll surely discover the perfect one for the lunch-carrying kid on your gift list. Or maybe, they just want to hide their treasures in one. Oh, and don’t forget, there are ‘big kids’ that love carrying one of these to work! So come in and pick out a couple for those on your gift-list that carry lunches or have treasures to hide!
Puzzles and more…
This is only one shelf of a huge collection of puzzles for all ages. We have large puzzles of 6-8 pieces for the toddler, 24 pcs for the pre-school, and plenty of other puzzles of all shapes, sizes, and number of pieces to entertain any puzzle lover – toddler to adult!
So while you’re enjoying tonight’s Holly Jolly First Friday with parade at 6, the lighting of the tree, carolers and stilt walkers, Santa’s arrival, shops open late, plenty of eateries – indoors and outdoors, take a few minutes to check out all that we have to offer for those on your gift list (and yes, even for yourself)! You can always come back tomorrow when the kids aren’t with you.
In the meantime, enjoy the festivities. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
We have a set of 20 volumes of the World’s Greatest Literature in excellent condition. This beautiful set by Spencer Press is from the 1930s. Someone on your Christmas list will cherish this gift.
In doing a little research, we learned a bit about Spencer Press and the marketing of the World’s Greatest Literature series.
The World’s Greatest Literature series seems to have been sold in the late 1930s and early 1940s, as shown in the newspaper advertisement near the beginning of this entry.
As said before, these seem to be the same books. (as the Spencer Library of Immortal Masterpieces … or Literature) from SeriesOfSeries website
The history of marketing affordable books of World Literature in the early 1900s has a colorful history. We’re probably much more familiar with these tactics today. Here’s a quote from this colorful history from the SeriesOfSeries website.
Finally, the series is affiliated with the “American Home Library Foundation” which is portrayed as a charitable literary foundation, subsidizing the series to promote the reading of the classics. Together, the binding, the series name, and charitable literary foundation worked to convince potential book buyers that the Spencer Library was an opportunity they could not miss. That’s the spin: to sell copyright-free literary classics with dubious and fraudulent methods to gullible working and middle-class consumers who wanted to be at least perceived as a bit literary and intellectual.
No matter the tactics, we have this beautiful 20 volume set that is perfect for the right person! Do you know someone who would love this gift? If so, drop by Bahoukas Antique Mall today and grab it before the set gets broken up! And yes, we will be watchin’ for ya!
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!
