Celebration of Baltimore's Arabber Tradition & Reunion: The Legacy of China

This event will be a celebration of Baltimore's arabber tradition and a reunion. It will function as a day for arabbers past and present to come together and share their stories with the public.

For over a century, the arabbers of Baltimore have been more than just street vendors; they are a vital, living testament to the city’s rich cultural tapestry and a powerful symbol of independent entrepreneurship. These iconic figures, with their horse-drawn carts laden with fresh produce, have navigated Baltimore’s streets for generations, serving as essential links between farmers and urban communities, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

Donald “China” Waugh was born January 30,1935 and has been active in the arabber horse and wagon vending tradition of Baltimore for over 65 years. China worked for many years at the Carlton Street stable (built in the 1850s) near Hollins Market owned by the Kratz family. He was talented at caring for and shoeing horses as well and maintaining the stable. Waugh started training as an arabber after school when he was 12 years old.

The event will be a fundraiser for Stable Baltimore: https://www.stablebaltimore.com/

Non-profit Stable Baltimore is using the tradition to teach young people life skills and to keep the practice alive.

Sponsored by:

The Historic Preservation Committee of the Southwest Partnership

Stable Baltimore & the Arabber Preservtion Society

The Orser Center for Public Humanities @ UMBC https://www.instagram.com/umbcpublichumanities/

Maryland Folklife Network of Maryland Tradition, MSAC

Poppleton Now Community Association https://www.poppletonnow.com/

Photos provided by Donald Waugh and Dan Van Allen.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

4 N Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 4 North Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Baltimore, United States