The tools pictured are ice tongs and ice saw used to cut blocks of ice from the Susquehanna River when it froze thick enough – ideally 8″ thick! It was hard work. The blocks of ice at 8″ thick would average 2.67 cubic feet and weigh about 150 lbs (considered manageable weight)! This info is included in the book: Heavy Industries of Yesteryear, Harford County’s Rural Heritage, by Jack L. Shagena, Jr. and Henry C. Peden, Jr. (available in our store).
Why did we need ice blocks?
Into the 1930s, households used large blocks of ice to keep food cold in “iceboxes.”
This photo is from the 1920s. Courtesy of the Sloane Collection.
By the end of the 1800s, many American households stored their perishable food in an insulated “icebox” that was usually made of wood and lined with tin or zinc. A large block of ice was stored inside to keep these early refrigerators chilly. By this point, cold had become the clear choice among food preservation methods, proving less labor-intensive and more effective at preventing spoilage. Other techniques, like salting, drying, and canning, erased any appearance of freshness and required more time to prepare. Iceboxes also presented a new way to save prepared foods—or leftovers—that previously might not have lasted beyond one meal.
The above photo is of Abbott Bros Ice House, located where the Havre de Grace Marine Center is on Water Street in Havre de Grace.
For the local history lover on your holiday gift list, at least one of the items featured, the book, and the Abbott Bros Ice House photo (available at Bahoukas) would make an awesome addition to their collection. Talk to George today.
In the meantime, hurry in to find YOUR favorite items for someone on your gift list. And yes, we’re definitely watchin’ for ya!
Thousands of collectible bottles, decanters, mirrors, and more – plus our Nascar Collection is upstairs. If the weather turns out a bit too wet, we’ll be here! Also, don’t forget that tomorrow evening, June 2, we have a …
Paranormal Investigation and Haunted Buildings Walking Tour
… happening from 9pm – 11pm. Let us know you’d like a space reserved for you and friends.
Yes, we’ll be watchin’ for ya. (If you need one, we even have a few umbrellas). We’re always ready to have fun at Bahoukas!
… with the addition of Haunted Buildings Walking Tour
We’re excited to be bringing back our Ghost Tours with the intriguing professional Dead of Night Paranormal Investigators! Take part in an actual investigation. Learn how they use their equipment to locate entities in our building and try to communicate with them. Also, new this year, enjoy a walking tour that encompasses approximately 6 blocks and listen to George – our casual historian – share stories and history of our haunted buildings.
The next two dates are Saturdays: April 21 and May 19 from 9pm – 11pm. Adults: $15.00 Children: $10 Call George today and reserve your spaces. 410-942-1290 Hurry – space is limited to 25 people. We will continue the event in inclement weather by showing a video of the walking tour if we can ‘walk it.’
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!
As you may already know, we’ve had the Dad of Night Paranormal Investigators at Bahoukas Antique Mall nearly once every month in 2017! It’s been fun and exciting. Many have enjoyed learning how folks such as these practice their profession. We’ve also met a few new entities! We have two Saturdays remaining for 2017 – November 18 and December 16. Reserve your spot today for these remaining ghost searches. You’ll also learn a bit of the building’s history from George!
In the meantime, peruse other articles we’ve included in our blog posts. CLICK HERE!
Agriculture, Horticulture, Rural Economy, and Mechanic Arts
Recently George received a number of these publications: The Maryland Farmer: Monthly Magazine Devoted to Agriculture, Horticulture, Rural Economy & Mechanic Arts. They are from 1865-1866! The articles offer advice and details on plantings, animal husbandry, recipes, even lifestyle! Intriguing reads with a dash of that old-fashioned wisdom that still fits today. Intriguing!
This map was published by Jennings & Herrick entirely from original surveys. It includes an inset of Havre de Grace Streets. (yep, we know it’s upside down. It is so fragile that we didn’t want it to tear,)
Posted above is a better photo from Herrick, L. W. A map of Harford Co., Maryland, 1858. [Philadelphia?, Jennings & Herrick, 1858] Map. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, website. (Accessed July 12, 2017.)
George also has an 1803 map regarding “Harmers Town as established by the concerned parties in the year 1796”
Made from tracings from the original maps in the clerks office at Bel Air, Nov. 1803. Below are some great snapshots of the map
Stop by Bahoukas Antique Mall to view many historic pieces related to Havre de Grace history. Many are not for sale, but George has plenty of stories to make it worth your while. Of course, we have 9,000 sq ft of antiques and collectibles plus another 2,200 sq ft of browsing in the Beer MuZeum (and yes, most of this IS for sale). We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Having just enjoyed our 2017 Havre de Grace Independence Celebration, it seems like the perfect time to share some volunteer community activities of years past. Check out these programs from entertaining events!
This 1930s brochure is delightful. Lots of local talent… and the layout is very interesting. On each page is an ‘act’ along with advertising. You won’t miss anyone – advertising support, sponsors, or participants in the ‘follies!’ This would be so much fun today!
This 1953 program benefiting the Elks’ Club and their charity programs took place at the Havre de Grace High School auditorium. Another interesting program for a great cause! Here’s the actual program in the booklet:
Look at the participation! We love these examples of community involvement and the great talent available. Stop by to check out these intriguing pamphlets and the many other historical pieces that can be seen at Bahoukas Antique Mall.
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!
As the school year comes to a close, we wanted to share this interesting booklet from the 1950s. It’s a handbook for Havre de Grace Jr.-Sr. High School. It explains “If you wish to be well-liked… “, information regarding the Parent-Teacher Association (membership of 600!), and the rules regarding behavior, tardiness, etc. along with the results of breaking these rules.
Do you remember these rules? Were they enforced?
Stop in and take a peek. George has it at the counter! He’d love to hear your stories!
Join us for another intriguing evening with the Dead of Night Paranormal Investigators as they use all their high tech to interact with the entities that move about our shop.
At Bahoukas we’ve had friendly spirits that have been noticed by many visitors, long before the investigators came in. Since the folks from Dead of Night have visited many of the stories have been confirmed. You’ll also learn a bit of Havre de Grace history during the evening.
This Saturday there are still a few spots left to join us. Call George ASAP and have a great evening in Havre de Grace. The entire weekend offers First Friday event from 5-10pm (June 2), shopping, eateries, and all the museums open over the weekend, and our exciting Dead of Night Paranormal Investigating at Bahoukas on Saturday evening, June 3 from 9-midnight!
So far it’s been a friendly exchange. Come check it out for yourself. Call George and reserve your spot!
As the nation celebrated her bicentennial 1776-1976, the above plate highlights historical architecture of Havre de Grace including: Concord Point Lighthouse, the old hospital, city park (Tydings Park),
Decoy Carvers, Bayou Hotel (now condominiums), Burns Carriage Shop, the American Legion Post 47, the Draw Bridge (Amtrak), old railroad station, the railroad cut (would have been St. Clair – now Pennington Ave), and the Old Bank Building (now the beautiful La Banque de Fleuve event venue at 321 St. John St)
Apologies for the blurry photo above…
The above plate highlights our Concord Point Lighthouse, The Lafayette Statue, Rodgers House, the bell at our First High School, The Lockhouse (Susquehanna Museum), and St. John’s Church (presently being restored).
This popular plate showcases the Lighthouses of the Chesapeake, Maryland.
Visit BAHOUKAS Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum Soon! There’s always something interesting!
Commemorative Plates Offer Bits of Havre de Grace History
This wonderful plate commemorates the Havre de Grace Double Decker Bridge!
The back of this plate offers interesting facts that also
give us a glimpse of the economics of earlier times.
Does anyone know who the 7 citizens were that purchased the bridge for $700 in 1908? Fascinating!
Another interesting commemorative plate features the Havre de Grace Methodist Church.
Even more interesting, are the details on the back of this plate offering
more information about the Methodist Church.
Where was the church located before this building went up?
Was it on the same corner? Or somewhere else?
When you’re looking for collectibles, be sure to check out the back, underside, inside the lid, etc. for interesting details that can often be found regarding the item. Be sure to stop in and chat with George at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum. There’s always something interesting happening there!
Our little boy entity in the shop loves this boat.
We’ve shared this story before, but with the Paranormal Investigators returning this Saturday, May 20, 2017, we thought we’d share it again. This entity has been residing in our store for a long time. He’s mischievous and fun, but gets quite upset when we move this boat. Listen to George’s story:
Join Us This Saturday, May 20th
for an intriguing evening
opening a dialogue with those entities
in our store and the
Dead of Night Paranormal Investigators.
The Intriguing Dead of Night Paranormal Investigators will return …
We’ve had several great evenings of investigations already with the Dead of Nightparanormal investigators. We’re excited that they’ll be returning on May 20, June 3 and July 15, 2017. Plus they’re working on a documentary that will include Bahoukas. Stay tuned. We’ll share news as the project develops.
We had 18 guests join the Paranormal Investigators on March 25th. It was a long night, but we had several interesting interactions. Here’s the first of several audio clips. It’s important to note that some of what you hear is the equipment we use. These are unedited.
These short audio clips give you a feel of what it’s like to join in on our Paranormal Investigations. They’re a lot of fun. But it’s especially exciting when everyone has heard the response. Listen for ‘the boat’…..
Want to join us for a really fun evening?
You’ll learn a little history of the building and possibly have an opportunity to listen to some of the “residents” who’ve been here a long time!
Jimmy Vancherie Shared A Story About the Havre de Grace Switchboard
(Apologies for the blurry photo – no matter what we did, we either got blur or reflection!)
Jimmy told George years ago that his mom was a switchboard operator and the service was located on the 2nd floor of the old Post Office Building (where JoRetro is located) on the corner of Franklin and Union.
Now you knew that Bahoukas Antique Mall would certainly have a unique line of antique and collectible phones to complete this piece of history. Check these out (and they work!):
This is a beautiful phone. It’s a Western Electric “Stowaway” – it’s in a most beautiful wooden case and has a retractable cord on the phone. It’s from the 70s and talk about ‘stylish’! WOW! This piece is beautiful. You have to stop in and see it.
Then check out this unique phone. It’s almost a piece of sculpture. It’s an Ericsson, made in Sweden. The dial pad is on the bottom.
The next phones are a Bell System 1940s dial phone (on the left) and a Princess Style Phone from the 70s on the right. The color of the Princess Phone is rare.
Of course, we can’t ignore the wonderful working reproduction of the Candlestick phone with dial pad. And we encourage you to “Phone Home” just like E.T.
Did you know about the switchboard operator that worked on the 2nd floor of the old Post Office building? Anyone in cyber-land have any stories to add? Stop in one day soon at Bahoukas and share your stories with George.
Entering the 20th century, Havre de Grace’s canning industry was thriving.
CLICK HERE for a brief highlight of canning in Harford County.
EXAMPLE of labels that can be seen in our shop at Bahoukas.
Shortly after 1878, Stephen J. Seneca opened a fruit-packing factory in the S. J. Seneca Warehouse with a tin can factory next to Havre de Grace Waterfront. Seneca made improvements to canning with his patents; 1889 Can-soldering machine[12] 1891 Can-soldering machine[13] By 1899, Seneca had become a canned goods broker. Since the original railroad had run down St. Clair Street (now Pennington Ave.) to the river the location of the factory was advantageous for both water and rail shipping. Up until the Second World War many farmers in Harford County brought their produce to the Seneca Factory later run as Stockhams Cannery. S.J. Seneca lived at 200 North Union Ave. was Mayor of Havre de Grace 1893-1894 and donated the Methodist Church.[14]
The Seneca cannery, which is currently in use as an antique shop, is a very good example of a late 19th century brick industrial building. with its severally classical facade and massive stone buttresses on the rear.
from Wikipedia
Here’s another photo of area labels of the once, very profitable canning industry in Havre de Grace and surrounding areas.
Many patents followed the opening of the S. J. Seneca Cannery. 1901 The Baling-press.[15] 1905 The Cooker[16] 1905 The Tomato-scalder.[17] 1917 Improved Tomato-scalder.[18] 1917 The Can-opener.[19] 1918 The Machine for peeling tomatoes.[20]
from Wikipedia
Spencer-Silver Mansion, now a B&B, located at 200 S. Union Avenue, is an example of the wealth in Havre de Grace in the early 20th century.
The house was built to reflect the wealth and position of its original owner John Spenser, who was in the fish packing business. Along with the Seneca Mansion (HA 815) and the Van Diver Mansion (HA 1124), all on Union Ave., the house represents a small concentration of considerable wealth in the town at the turn of the century. The house was bought at auction in 1917 by Charles B. Silver, a local canning magnate. source: Maryland Historical Trust
You may also want to visit the Steppingstone Museum located within the Susquehanna State Park, at 461 Quaker Bottom Road, Havre de Grace. They have excellent exhibits of our rural history, including a great deal about our canning industry. Be sure to stop in to Bahoukas for more history of Havre de Grace and they’ll eagerly give you directions to other locations in Havre de Grace to learn more.
