The featured image shows a photo of the Hatem Store on the corner of Franklin and Stokes in Havre de Grace. It operated from 1918 into the early 1960s.
Brief History of the Hatem Store
Thomas and Tillie Hatem operated the store from 1918 – 1930. Then they sold it to one of their sons, Joseph Hatem. He called it the ‘House of Bargains.’
Many folks recognize the Hatem name from the Hatem Bridge (click here for more details of the bridge) which crosses the Susquehanna River from Havre de Grace to Perryville following Route 40. It was named after Thomas J. Hatem.
Games Before Arcades
Our ‘casual historian’ has purchased a number of game machines that were once available to play in the Hatem Store. He is truly appreciative of the family of the late Rose Mary Hatem Bonsack for their willingness to sell these machines to him for his Havre de Grace History MuZeum.
Of course, we start with the beautiful National Cash Register of 1910.
Havre de Grace (1918-1960s)
Trade Stimulator Game Machines
Trade stimulators were countertop machines widely used to encourage shoppers to indulge in a game of chance. They became popular in American saloons during the 1880s, their use spreading to cigar, confectionery and general stores. Produced in a wide range of designs, they were developed during the same era as slot machines and were operated by inserting a coin and pulling a lever, the player standing to win prizes of cigars, cigarettes, candy and other goods if a winning combination came up. During periods when gambling was prohibited or in states where gambling was illegal, these machines could be used with little fear of prosecution.
from WIKIPEDIA
Next we have the 1930s Nickel Slot Machine. And yes, all of these machines work!
from the 1930s to early 1960s
An interesting machine is the Penny Gumball Horse Racing Machine. And yes, there are still gumballs in it!!!
located at Stokes and Franklin, Havre de Grace, MD
Similar to a pinball machine is the BaffleBall Machine. It was a nickel to play.
Havre de Grace from 1930s til 1960s
A most intriguing one is this Trade Stimulator Machine by Pinchette.
Finally, we have the Amberola, which you can see just behind the Trade Stimulator Machine. It used round wax discs.
The above video does a great job of explaining how this vintage amberola works. Fascinating!
These machines can all be seen at Bahoukas Antique Mall in the Havre de Grace History MuZeum cases.
Yes, our ‘casual historian’ is always waiting for your stories and any memorabilia you may want to share.
Remember, don’t throw the Havre de Grace ‘stuff’ out when you’re cleaning out a home, settling an estate, or just ‘downsizing,’ without checking in with George. Don’t give him cause to cry!!!
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