ANSWERS TO THE DATING GAME!

Remember last week’s quiz, from our indomitable director Mr. Pinkert? Well, here are the answers – let us know how you did!

Q1:  What is this?  One of 18 spittoons from the Lloyd Street Synagogue.

Follow-up:  This object belonged to the Shomrei Mishmeres Congregation the most recent religious organization to utilize the Lloyd Street Synagogue.  In what year does this congregation move into the building?  1905

Q2: In the years before Microsoft Word, people used devices like this to prepare documents.  This one is unusual in that it could print letters in two languages, what two languages?  Hebrew and English

Follow-up:  When was this manufactured?  1923

Q3:  What was this object used for? (Hint – it’s something that was once used in food preparation on Lombard Street, but you would be surprised to see it used on a public street today)  It’s a chicken flicker, used to separate the bird from its feathers

Follow-up:  Speaking of Baltimore foodways, the Museum holds several bottles and cans from the Jewish-owned beer brand, National Bohemian.  When was the Baltimore icon “Natty Boh” first introduced to the public? 1933 (right after the repeal of prohibition).

Q4:  If you type the words “tie pin” in JMM’s database, this is what will pop up.  Too big to be a pin on a tie, it’s actually a pin on a military cap.  What do the letters RF stand for? Royal Fusilers (which included the British army unit more commonly known as “the Jewish Legion”)

Follow-up:  In what year did this military unit recruit in Baltimore?  1918

Q5:  This guide book (also in our holdings) was prepared for the delegates to the last major party political convention to be held in Baltimore.  In what year was the convention held? 1912

Follow-up:  Who was nominated at this convention? Woodrow Wilson

Q6:  This object belonged to Baltimore adventurer Mendes Cohen, one of six Jewish defenders of Fort McHenry.  What is it? A traveling writing desk (the original “laptop”)

Follow-up:  Mendes Cohen attended Queen Victoria’s coronation (his costume may have been more colorful than hers).  In what year did this happen? 1837