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Message:: [QUOTE="Paddy54, post: 2410449, member: 19250"]Arabbers  who here has ever heard of the term? Well maybe if you were born in South Baltimore  in the 50's  your mom most probably  made purchases from an Arabber.The term refers to a street merchant  who sold fruit and vegetables  from a colorful  horse drawn wagon.The term is derives  from a 19th century   slang meaning "Street Arab".This was a profession of African  Americans  after the civil war. They would hook up their horses. And then go down to Pratt Street . Years ago long before Harbor  Place Pratt st. Was nothing but wore out piers. They farmers from the Eastern shore would ferry their produce up to Pratt st. And sold their  goods to people off the boats. The fish market as well as other produce was close by. Bananas from the tropics were unloaded off of ships.The Arabber would load up his wagon and then walk the city streets selling his wares. Summertime  water melons, assorted melons, hard and soft crabs....fresh white shoe peg corn from the eastern shore.In those days super markets were a vision of what was to come. But an honest Arabber   could make a good living by yelling  out......"Holler, holler...holler, till my throat gets sore...If it wasn't  for the pretty girl ....I wouldn't  have to holler no more.....I say....watermelons , watermelon  ,I've  got'em  red to the rind......As a kid I remember  giving the pony sugar cubes. As a city boy to see a horse was a joy.... a very special  day I got to sit on its  back. That's  why I had to snag this stainless  badge to  recall the memories  of a small  South Baltimore  boy![ATTACH=full]498057[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]498060[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]498061[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]

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