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Sometimes an item catches your eye and you wonder, “What is THAT?”
Each month, we show an item that evokes this question, give a brief description and ask you to send us your best guess. The answers appear two months later (ie. the February item will appear in April). While space is limited within the publication, we can include far more answers here.
To view items we have previously featured and their answers, go to our Digital Archive. Simply click View Current Issue in the top left corner of this page, and then click the Archive link on the top left navigation. You can search by Contents for each What is THAT? story. Remember, the answers are two months later.
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Check back for the answers to this item in 2 months.
Send your best guess by email to info@mdarrive.com, along with your name, your town, where you pick us up and your favorite things about Mason-Dixon ARRIVE.
AUGUST 2008 >>pictures to come>>
This item would have been found on every lady’s vanity table from the 1800s through the 1940s and was made from celluloid, porcelain, glass or sometimes even sterling silver. What is it?
ANSWER: We found that many of our readers were familiar with this item, sending photos and stories of grandsmothers' and aunties' uses for the hair receiver. Our photo in August featured a celluloid style. This photo, taken at Serendipity Antiques in Shrewsbury, illustrates two other styles.
My great aunt once told me that this was a hair box. She explained how, when she was young with long hair, she would take the hair that would stick in her brush or comb, and put it in the hole. When she had enough, she made little puffs of hair that she stuck underneath her other hair to give it volume, so as not to have a flat head. I'm really enjoying everything in ARRIVE!! ~ Diane Harlow, Forest Hill
We believe it is for keeping hair after it was cleaned out of a hair brush or comb. Some people thought that to throw away pieces of yourself (hair, nail clippings etc.) would cause problems with evil sprits or ghosts. I am lucky enough to own one of these pieces, as part of a dresser or vanity set, handed down from my grandmother. ~ Margie Wise, Jarrettsville
I LOVE this monthly feature, as well as your magazine.I pick it up any place that I see it - Heidi's Hair Connection, Lombardo's, Belle Patri, McLaughlin Physical Theray, Greenspring Nursery - just to name a few, and always look forward to it. This month, it came in the mail. ~ Mary B. Kemberling, Jarrettsville
We heard lots of praise, similar responses, and some incorrect ones, from many more readers, illustrating the broad reach of our readership and distribution:
~ Bill Wilson, Hydes; Linda Chesla, Jarrettsville; Elyse Wagner, Linda Peper, and Mary Baker of Forest Hill; Dina Cavallaro (“there isn't much about your magazine that I don't like”), received us in the mail in August.
~ Joyce Meyers, Bel Air found at Tea by Two
~ Ginny Weigman, Towson, found at Crown & Thistle
~ Cheryl Bishop, Newark and Sara Armstrong, New Castle, found us in a shop in Havre de Grace
~ Michele McWilliams, Timonium, found at Zoll Studios, Blanks and her mom's house
~ Doris Friedel, Towson, found at Cornerstone Antiques
~ Deborah Matthews, found at Heavenly Ham, Timonium
~ Joyce Blatchley, Freeland, found at the Filling Station, Sparks
~ Maureen Deck, Baltimore, Betty's Gardens
~ Shawnee Twardzik, BagelMeister in Jacksonsville (I love your recipes and Events calendar)
~ Linda Barr, Havre de Grace, in my office building, C T Signature Homes
JULY 2008
Antiques writer Linda Sarubin submitted this item that was once found in all of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ sewing baskets. What is it?
ANSWER: This one really struck a familiar chord with readers! We broke all previous records with nearly 250 answers to the darning egg.
Back in the old days they had radical ideas-instead of throwing out socks with holes, they were mended! The egg was placed inside the sock while it was being darned by hand. This was done by weaving a patch with a needle and thread. I have several darning eggs that belonged to my grandmother. Talbot's Outlet, where I am employed, is my usual source for ARRIVE, however, I received one in the mail today! ~ Priscilla DiGalbo, Jacksonville
I remember my Mother using the sock darner that I now have in my sewing basket. I always look for your latest issue when visiting the stores advertised in the book. I look for an interesting store or place that I didn't know about until seeing it in Arrive and then plan a visit, usually with friends as it makes a fun "day outing." ~ Jean Alimo, Timonium
It's a darning egg. I always pick up ARRIVE, at the Bel Air visitor's center or anywhere in town that I find it. Love searching through it for things to do and places to see and visit. We just moved to Bel Air in July of 2005 and have use your magazine quite often to find places, things to do in the area.
~ Harold Vance, Bel Air
Well darn, I know what that is! It's a sewing aid used for darning, mostly socks. I actually own one from my grandmother and have collected a few over the years. I love your magazine, which I usually pick up at one of merchants in Jacksonville. I really enjoy the large spectrum of topics you offer each month. ~ Shawnee Twardzik, Phoenix
We heard similar responses from many, many more, illustrating the broad reach of our readership and distribution:
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Kathleen Mikos, Havre de Grace, found us at Bulle Rock Restaurant
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Amy DiGiacinto, Norrisville, found at Preston's, Bel Air
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Margaret Butz, Parkton, received by mail
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Susan Worral-Murphy, Fawn Grove, found in Monkton
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Joyce Hampshire, Street, found at Jarrettsville Pharmacy, Jarrettsville
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Regina Rose, Bel Air, found at Pink Silhouette, Bel Air
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Cathy Monk, Fallston, found at The Mill of Bel Air
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Phyllis Sassone, Monkton, received by mail
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Meg DiPaula, Westminster, found at Carroll County Office Bldg.
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Joni Behrendt, Bel Air, found at Two Sisters!, Bel Air
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Ruth Harrison, Churchville, found at Elkridge Harford Hunt Club, Monkton
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Janet Lyons, Lutherville, found at Clearing House, Timonium
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Jeannine Napp, Eldersburg, found at Knitters Nest, Eldersburg
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Linda Marcin, Seven Valleys, found at Hereford Library, Hereford
JUNE 2008
Antiques writer Linda Sarubin spotted this sterling item with an art deco design from the 1920s. What is it?
ANSWER: Well, we stumped our readers on this one, which surprised us as we have so many knitting and needlepoint aficionados out there! It’s a knitting needle point protector used by knitters on the end of their needles while storing their work. This particular one is made from sterling and has an art deco design from the 1920s.
May 2008
This tin device would be used in the kitchen to inspect an appliance before using. What is it?
ANSWER: Sporting a whale oil burner near one end and a filler hole and cap at the other, this Baker’s Lamp was used to inspect the interior of a brick bake oven, for which a wooden extension could be inserted into the handle.
My best guess for “What is It” would be a gas detector. I picked up ARRIVE at the "Clearing House.” I read ARRIVE from cover to cover.
~ Nancy Conner, Lutherville
Is it a temperature gauge to let you know how hot stoves or ovens are? We read ARRIVE at work and all try to guess each month what it is. I work in Towson, but live in Bel Air and there are a lot of stores that advertise in ARRIVE that are located in Bel Air. ~ Patty Bukowski, Bel Air
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No, this is not a decorative dried flower arrangement. This was used especially during the cooler months. What is it?
ANSWER: This is spill vase filled with “spills,” which were either twisted paper or wood splints and were lit in the fireplace and then carried to light lamps.
I believe that your mystery item is kindling to start a fire for indoor fireplaces. ~ Chris Matthews, Bel Air
Wood kindling made with fillings from a carpenter’s lathe. My wife picked up your magazine in Timonium and loves to shop for antiques and American crafted items. We find your publication very informative, interesting and colorful. ~ Frank and Diane Torockio
I believe the item shown is probably a container of "firestarters" for fireplaces. I love Mason-Dixon ARRIVE and always make sure to pick up a copy each month from various spots in the area. My latest copy came from Greenspring Gift Shop. I enjoy everything about the publication including the fascinating articles and the interesting advertisements.
~ Dorothy O'Donnell, Jarrettsville
The picture is of rolled paper or "spills" for lighting candles and fireplace wood. Ladew Gardens has a collection of Staffordshire "spill vases" for holding these rolled papers. Harvey Ladew received some as gifts from friends and also bought some for very little money at street fairs in England during his many travels there. His spill vases have a theme of dogs, horses or foxes since he was Master of the Hunt. I always get your magazine at the Bel Air Visitor Center. I like the special articles and unique ads.
~ Beverly Pfingsten, Bel Air |
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We saw this item in the Hampton Mansion, so we thought it would be a perfect tie-in this month. This item may look outdated in today’s modern home, but chances are you’ll see an updated version of this item in most new homes today. What is it?
ANSWER: A Wine Cooler. This item was featured in our article that month on the historic Hampton House.
It is a cellarette, or wine cellar, as mentioned in the article on Hampton House. A co-worker thinks it is a box to hold ice, or an ice box, but I know it is a cellarette. We get ARRIVE, Jones Lighting Specialists in Towson, and we all look at it, sometimes we put it back, sometimes if follows us home. There is so much variety in the articles. Some folks at work love the recipes, and others the events. Thanks for a fun challenge! ~ Ann Howell
Looks like a wine cooler. Received my copy of ARRIVE at Bradley’s in Jacksonville. Love the articles and recipes and was particularly interested in the eagle story. I was fortunate enough to see my first eagle in 1985 while anchored in Stillpond. Will never forget what a thrill that was. Continued success with your magazine. ~ Dale Knapp, Phoenix
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FEBRUARY 2008
This item would be found on the dining room table in the Victorian era. What is it?
ANSWER: We received a record number of answers on this one. Our readers really nailed this one – it’s a cut glass knife rest.
While we simply don’t have room to print them all, here is a sampling:
It is a knife rest! When I was very, very young, my Dad used to take me to Georgetown to visit his Aunt. We would have lunch there, and they would be on the table. They really should still be used! It would prevent a stain on a nice white linen tablecloth, especially for a young person or child. I love the ads because I am always looking for new stores and areas to visit and have lunch! I also like the events to tell me what is coming up. Your magazine is laid out well and it is small enough to fit in my purse.
~ Janice A. Boll, Reisterstown
The item pictured is a “knife rest.” We’re relatively new to the area since I recently retired from teaching after 35 years. I’ve seen ARRIVE from time to time in antique shops and other places and have always picked up a copy for the features and recipes. I appreciate the ads and advice since we're newcomers! ~ Ray Burke, Street
I have a very similar item in my kitchen that belonged to my late grandmother who lived in Nova Scotia. I have been a reader since I moved here last January. It has been a great resource in getting to know the area and what is available in many venues! I happened to pick this one up this morning at Bagelmeister in Jacksonville/Phoenix when I stopped for coffee on my way to work. There are still many wonderful places you share in your publication that I have yet to visit. I'll get to most of them eventually.
~ Kathi Witt, Baldwin
At one point in time, I was collecting small antique items like knife rests, salts, salt spoons, etc. So whenever I go antiquing, I check out the knife rests. I picked up the February edition at the New York Deli on Main Street in Bel Air. I like the advertisements just as much as the articles. I’m always searching for new places to explore. ~ Dina Lombardi-Cavallaro
This is a knife rest. These were common on tables from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. Many Europeans still use them today. I have two that I remember always being on my grandmother's table at holidays, especially if there was meat to be carved at the table. My daughter and I do a lot of Mom-daughter type weekends in Pennsylvania, so I was particularly interested in your publication. I got some great new ideas for events and destinations. The magazine is a great resource!
~ Alison Sawyer, Catonsville
I believe the answer is a knife holder. It would be placed at each table setting on the dining room table and after each use of the knife it would be placed resting on this holder. ~ M. Jones, North East
It's a knife rest! You'd rest your dirty knife on it to keep the tablecloth tidy. I picked the magazine up at the Cockeysville Country Store; I am a first-time reader. ~ Randi Heinbuch
It is a “knife rest,” or at least that is what my grandmothers called them. I have inherited both of my grandmothers’, and I continue to use them as they did. After carving the turkey, leg of lamb, ham, etc., the tip of the knife blade is rested on the middle part so as not to soil the lace tablecloth.
~ Joan Bielefeld
We believe that the item pictured is a knife rest --- oddly enough our parents had a set – one for the carving knife and one for the fork.
~ Mike & Bill Flynn
I believe the item in question is a knife holder (they would rest the knife being used at dinner on it, by their plate.) My mother had a set of 8! Unfortunately I have no idea what happened to them; I just remember them as a child, a very, very long time ago! We used them at Christmas and Easter dinner. ~ Barbara Uglow, Westminster
The object is a knife rest, used for setting down your cutlery without soiling your Victorian era or otherwise fancy table linen. ~ Julie Harris, Baltimore |
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JANUARY 2008
OK, obviously this is a lantern, but it actually served a specific purpose. What is it?
ANSWER: Well, we really stumped our readers on this one! This is a brass skating lantern from Skaneateles, N.Y. It would have been filled with
kerosene and bears the mark "Pat'd Dec 24, 1887." The loop at the end of
the chain allows you to loop your finger through it and carry it with you
as you ice skate. |
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