baltimore hon

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The Baltimore Hon An Eccentric Exploration of an Art World by Emily Hope Dobkin S M I L E , H O N , Y O U ’ R E I N B A L T I M O R E ! S M I L E , H O N , Y O U ’ R E I N B A L T I M O R E ! About Hon Culture Today Hon: As Seen on T.V. Analysis

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A field guide exploring an eccentric subculture of women in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Page 1: Baltimore Hon

The Baltimore

HonAn Eccentric Exploration of an Art Worldby Emily Hope Dobkin

S M I L E , H O N , Y O U ’ R E I N B A L T I M O R E !S M I L E , H O N , Y O U ’ R E I N B A L T I M O R E !

About Hon Culture Today Hon: As Seen on T.V. Analysis

Page 2: Baltimore Hon

Introduction

In my six years living in Baltimore, Maryland, I found the most intriguing part of Baltimore’s culture to be the people. Though a city rich in cultural diversity, the lasting image of Baltimore seems to be that of a subculture of women, generally 40 years and older, who authentically embrace a 1950’s-1960’s style dress code with charisma and flair. Known as the Baltimore Hons, these women are most notably identifiable by their eccentric outward appearance; a typical Hon could be seen in tight spandex, gaudy jewelry, bright eye make up, red lips, a beehive to the sky (which often they claim “the higher the hair, the closer to God”), and usually a cigarette on hand; the higher, bigger, shinier, glitzier, the better.

This field guide will explore the origins of the Baltimore Hon, as well as both how and why this particular subculture remains a representation of Baltimore’s quirky sense of character and charm in society today.

"I would never want to live anywhere but "I would never want to live anywhere but BaltimoreBaltimore. You can look far . You can look far and wide, but you'll never discover a stranger city with such extreme and wide, but you'll never discover a stranger city with such extreme style. It's as if every eccentric in the South decided to move north, ran style. It's as if every eccentric in the South decided to move north, ran out of gas in Baltimore, and decided to stay." out of gas in Baltimore, and decided to stay." —John Waters, filmmaker—John Waters, filmmaker

About

Introduction Key Terms Origins Setting

Page 3: Baltimore Hon

Key Terms Hon [huhn;-noun]: 1.) A subculture of woman established between the 1950s and 1960s

representative of the the working class local woman dressing in brightly printed attire on the daily. Once scattered among Baltimore neighborhoods of Highlandtown, Canton, Locust Point, Hampden and Pigtown, today the Hons are most prominent in the Hampden neighborhood. 2.) [-adj.] A term of endearment.

Baltimorese [Bawl-tuh-mohr-ees; -noun]: The language or lingo of Baltimoreans; can be characterized as a combination of a dialect between Tidewater American English, a southern American English, and a Delaware Valley American English, i.e. “Bawlmore, Merlin,” for Baltimore, Maryland.

Hampden [Ham-duhn;-noun]: Neighborhood of Baltimore that reigns as Hon capitol of the world. Natty Boh [nat-ee bo;-noun]: Abbreviation for “National Bohemian;” the locally brewed beer of

Baltimore; a Hon’s drink of choice.

Berger Cookies [bur-ger coo-kees; -noun]: Traditional cookie of Baltimore distributed by DeBaufre Bakeries; consists of a vanilla wafer topped with a thick layer of ganache; derived from a German recipe.

About

Introduction Key Terms Origins Setting

Page 4: Baltimore Hon

Origins The name of this subculture of women originates

from the often parodied Baltimore accent and slang, “Hon,” an abbreviation of “Honey;” also a term of endearment.

The Hon culture overall represents the emergence of the working class woman, which began with the hard-working women of World War II. Even when their husbands returned from War, these women continued to work hard to help support their families during the baby boomer age.

After dedicating long hours to work during week

in addition to maintaining the home life, these women had a reason to celebrate during their weekends. To them, that meant dressing up, and dressing up meant gaud and glitz galore. Between the 1950s and 1970s, it was quite common to see the working class local women dressing in brightly printed attire on the daily. 

About

Introduction Key Terms Origins Setting

Page 5: Baltimore Hon

HON Capitol: Hampden History of the Hampden Neighborhood: 1800s:1800s: Hampden first came into being in 1802 as a cluster of houses built for workers who

manned the newly built flour and cotton mills along the Jones Falls Stream Valley. By these cotton mills, Hampden grew economically; at the turn of the 20th century, the workers of Hampden-Woodberry made up one of the largest workforces in the nation.

1900s:1900s: Several labor strikes for improved wages and working conditions turned out to be unsuccessful; mill owners began to move operations to the rural South in search of lower labor costs. The mills in Hampden-Woodberry were able to proceed even with this setback as production at the mills increased to fuel the war effort during World War II.

1960s and 1970s:1960s and 1970s: Many factories and mills either closed or relocated.

1970-1980s:1970-1980s: During this time, many residents experienced a long-term economic downturn. Hampden became defined by negativity; crime and drug usage increased. Like other areas of Baltimore, school dropout rates increased along with rising illiteracy rates while illegal drugs and prostitution became prevalent.

1990s-Today:1990s-Today: Hampden has experienced a revival. Since the early 1990s, an increase of new residents and business owners have been the driving force to the neighborhood's current thriving renewal. Artists and bohemians have rediscovered this section of Baltimore, transforming it from the mill section of town to a section of the city full of Mom and Pop businesses, funky boutiques, second-hand stores, art galleries, book stores, and several one-of-a-kind restaurants. Many tourists and visitors now travel to 36th Street, also known as the “Avenue” to dine, shop, visit art galleries, and experience a neighborhood offering traditional Baltimore character.

About

Introduction Key Terms Origins Setting

Page 6: Baltimore Hon

Café HON…J’eet yet?Among the unique restaurants and independent stores along theAvenue, Café Hon represents everything and anything particular and peculiar to the Hon culture. Considered the jewel on Hampden, this Caféwas founded by the Hon mistress herself, Denise Whiting, in 1992. Theestablishment of Café Hon has greatly assisted in bringing a sense ofpride back to the Baltimore community in need.

Café Hon features Baltimore’s best delicacies and comfort food, including: “Bawlmore” fries smothered in chili, onions, and cheese; hot crab dip, various sandwiches served with Utz potato chips and a pickle, “Bawlmar’s” best burgers, pork chops, oysters served every Friday, homemade pies, bread pudding and more. Not to mention, you simply cannot miss the Cafe with a 30 foot flamingo hanging on the front of the building, and of course, genuine Hons are at your service.(for a more extensive menu, visitCafé Hon’s website)

Hon Culture Today Café Hon HonFest

Page 7: Baltimore Hon

Celebrating HonFest In addition to founding Café Hon, Denise

Whiting also created a celebration celebrating all things Baltimore; the annual HonFest. The Hons without a doubt take center stage every year at this annual festival held in the Hampden neighborhood. During this three day celebration,  “Miss Hon” of the year is crowned, live local music is played throughout, as well as a live lottery drawing, trivia games, dance performances, all amongst a street fair of vendors selling everything from Hon sunglasses to kettle corn and grilled cheese (see what it’s all about here: HonFest).

Hon Culture Today Café Hon HonFest

Page 8: Baltimore Hon

The Hon As Seen on T.V. Several examples of the Baltimore Hon, as well as

Baltimore itself, can be seen throughout a

series of John Waters films, as the Baltimore

native has parodied the Hon culture

substantially throughout his movies.

Examples:

1972:1972: Waters directed the ever so controversial Pink Flamingos, where one can look at  character Babs Johnson (played by Divine) as a representation of a Baltimore Hon; though, a rather scandalous one. See for yourself on following clip from Pink Flamingos

1988:1988: Waters wrote and directed Hairspray, an American comedy film featuring Ricki Lake, Sonny Bono, Debbie Harry, and Divine. Watch the trailer for the original Hairspray here

2002:2002: Hairspray was adapted into a Broadway musical

2007:2007: The remake of Hairspray was released featuring a star packed cast including John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jerry Stiller; take a look at the trailer of the remake of Hairspray

Hon: As Seen on T.V.

Page 9: Baltimore Hon

Critical Analysis A key concept that resonates throughout my research of the Baltimore Hon

is that the development of this subculture continues to hold the ability tohonor, preserve, and celebrate the emergence of the working class woman inBaltimore and beyond. Moreover, today’s existence of this subculture helpsmaintain Baltimore’s authentic edge of kitsch, quirkiness, and eccentricity,as well as providing an overall sense of pride and identity to Baltimoreans.

A significant factor that has helped sustain the Hon culture is theestablishment and ongoing expansions of Café Hon. Café Hon represents everything and anything pertaining to the Hon culture. From the 30 foot flamingo standing outside, to the Elvis statue dressed in a feathered boa, to leopard print booths, it significantly embodies the Hon culture and thedistinguishing peculiar spirit of Baltimore.It has become a trademark ofBaltimore; ask any Baltimorean a restaurant to dine at that represents Baltimore and Café Hon will most likely arise. Thus,it has become a sight for culturaltourism.

Cultural TourismCultural TourismCultural tourism differs from standard tourism in that it focuses on

communities who have unique customs, forms of art, social practices which distinguishes it from other types or forms of culture (Gunlu 2). Café Hon,as well as the annual HonFest, indeed offer visitors unique experiences that are authentic of Baltimore culture.

Analysis

Page 10: Baltimore Hon

Critical Analysis (continued)In Dr. Ebru Gunlu’s writings on preserving cultural heritage and the

possible impact on region development, Gunlu remarks “preserving culturalheritage appears a key factor in economic policies supporting tourismdevelopment” (Gunlu 2). Café Hon has certainly impacted Hampden’s turn around from it’s economic decline, and continues to attract both tourists and local Baltimoreans. Café Hon has proven a restaurant provides more than just food for nourishment;it has proven the capabilities of sustaining aculture, as well as culminating a community together.

Denise Whiting continues to expand on Café Hon, as she is opening “846 on the Avenue,” an art gallery across the street from the Cafe on December 3, 2010. The annual HonFest further attracts people of all ages from Baltimore and surrounding areas to actively participate in the Hon culture.

Beyond Baltimore: Pop CultureBeyond Baltimore: Pop Culture The Hon culture has been promoted and exposed worldwide by means of

pop culture and mass media. Specifically, John Waters offers contributions of the Hon culture in his avant garde films. The most successful of these films, “Hairspray,” exploded on Broadway as it won eightTony awards, including Best musical in 2003.

Access PointsAccess PointsIn relating from class discussion, I believe the Hons are exercising

their modes to different points of access in order to reach a more wide range

Analysis

Page 11: Baltimore Hon

Critical Analysis (continued)of fans. In addition to their website, Café Hon can be found both onFacebook and Twitter. In 2009, Denise Whiting used the Facebook fan base asa way of gathering a group together for an important cause. A major controversy arose over the size of the 30 foot flamingo attached to the fire escape outside Café Hon. Baltimore City told Whiting she was to pay an extra fee of $800 a year to keep the flamingo up, or else she was to remove the bird.Creating a Facebook page titled “Bring Back the Bird,” she wasable to bring together a group of supporters to stage a "Flock City Hall protest.” For results from the flock, please see the flamingo’s return to Hampden.

In Bill Ivey’s “Cultural Bill of Rights,” he address the “right to explore and audition the cultural heritage of others, to observe and accept difference through the expressive lives of those unlike ourselves” (Ivey 1). The culmination of this field guide was able to do just that, as it explains the art world of the BaltimoreHon goes beyond the flashy fashion statement; with the beehive hairdo comesa distinctive accent, fixation with flamingos, feasting on crabs, drinkingNatty Boh beer, and devouring Berger cookies. No, you will not encounter a Baltimore Hon every day on the streets of Baltimore, but there certainly remains of a vital subculture that offers a vibrant sense of character to the

community often referred to as the “Charm City,” and that is Baltimore, Hon.

Analysis

Page 12: Baltimore Hon

References Cafe Hon. Cafe Hon. Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://www.cafehon.com/

Honfest 2010 | What Weekly Magazine. (2010, June 17). What Weekly Magazine | Baltimore- Online Arts and Culture Magazine . Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://whatweekly.com/2010/06/17/honfest-2010/

Günlü, E. PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE AND POSSIBLE IMPACTS ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: CASE OF İZMİR. Region Studies Association . Retrieved November 22, 2010, from http://www.regional-studies-assoc.ac.uk/research-networks/past/trdpp/apr08_papers/Gunlu.pdf

Hampden, Baltimore - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved November 5, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampden,_Baltimore

Harrington, R. (2005, July 8). Welcome to Baltimore, Hon - washingtonpost.com. Washington Post - Politics, National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - washingtonpost.com. Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/07/AR2005070700662.html

Ivey, Bill. A CULTURAL BILL OF RIGHTS. Art and Society. Retrieved October 16, 2010, from aaablogs.uoregon.edu/artsustainablesociety/files/2010/01/A-CULTURAL-BILL-OF-RIGHTS.pdf

Remesch, K. (2010, June 10). Baltimore Traditions: Cafe Hon, Food, Fun and Flamingos. All Baltimore, All the Time, Page 2 of 3 - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com. Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com . Retrieved November 20, 2010, from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5475536/baltimore_traditions_cafe_hon_food_pg2.html?cat=3 )

Taragin, C. (2008, June 18). Taking John Waters to Task for Backlash Against Honfest - John Waters - Zimbio. Zimbio - Interactive Magazine. Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://www.zimbio.com/John+Waters/articles/2/Taking+John+Waters+Task+Backlash+Against+Honfest)

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Video Resources ArtisanNewsService. YouTube - Hairspray 1988 Trailer . YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Retrieved November 16, 2010,

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdKTHL0PMGw

Benteric. YouTube - Divine - The Filthiest Person Alive . YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . Retrieved November 26, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPRKE0TKbTk&feature=related

CBS. YouTube - HAIRSPRAY Official Trailer . YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . Retrieved November 26, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkzcNF-jlWw

HonFest. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWr4fXOSLxA&NR=1

Wbal. YouTube - 98 Rock Aids In Flamingo's Return To Hampden . YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z55RGV1s_Ac&feature=channel

wbal. YouTube - Cafe Hon Flamingo Taken Down . YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs0qyXbzd64

wbal. YouTube - Baltimore's Honfest 2008 . YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . Retrieved November 16, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFhNK-FpV10