Baltimore and its Scary Old Town Mall | Charm City: Sacred and Profane | ExLog 68

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  • Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
  • Catch up on the full Expedition Log Series!
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    Hey guys, thanks for watching! This video is super dear to my heart, as Baltimore is my home. I moved here from New Jersey back in the early 00's to study Violin at the Baltimore School for the Arts, and I associate Baltimore with my upbringing. In this episode, we are seeing a few different sides of Baltimore from its Sacred heavenly view of the Inner Harbor atop Federal Hill, down through Harbor Point and Fell's Point to peer through the clouds at an incredibly lush neighborhood including the Sagamore Pendry Hotel (which is my eternal happy place, and I love staying there)...we then hit the ground on the West Side near Lexington Market, which was sadly closed when I arrived (but new video coming soon on it...)...then we descend into depravity at the Old Town Mall...this place is just full of abandoned and blown out buildings, and even a shop that I got into with the owner's permission (Brian, the owner, was there and let me in)...but I ventured a bit too far back to see what I think was a possible crime scene. This place is nuts, but Baltimore is amazing.
    #salguido #dmodfam #baltimore

КОМЕНТАРІ • 428

  • @bdr5518
    @bdr5518 4 роки тому +31

    My hometown bmore will always be in my heart. I’ve lived through good, bad, and ok times, but its home

  • @timothys2666
    @timothys2666 4 роки тому +7

    I remember my mother taking me school shopping at Old Town Mall as a kid. It's crazy to me how it looks now. I remember as a kid how how it was so many people there and so many stores and good food. I was young when she took me but I do remember what it used to be.

  • @starsourcer
    @starsourcer 4 роки тому +3

    My grandfather worked at B&O Railroad for 48 years. I would go with him to the inner harbor area when it was just a bunch of docks and vendors along the water. I would go with my grandmother to all of the shops along Monument Street and the market to pick items for dinner. I lived with them until I went to high school in the county. I felt so lucky to have worked in downtown Baltimore for a few years and experiences I gained. The old Baltimore Can Company turned into office spaces and was beautiful, such a cool place to work! Fells Point and Canton will always be some of my favorite spots. As a new subscriber, I want to thank you for doing such a great video!

  • @ext93
    @ext93 3 роки тому +3

    The fact that this place isn't absolutely plastered in graffiti... typically I'd expect much more considering how much open space there is for painting. To me, that means even people who are used to going into the city late at night for thrills are frightened to go there. Unusual

  • @m0here239
    @m0here239 4 роки тому +21

    That “super kids “ sign...wow a throwback 🤯. The weirdest part of this is that it could and may one day be renovated and invested in to become a hipsters paradise.

    • @ran_d_d
      @ran_d_d 4 роки тому +1

      It definitely should. The buildings are beautiful. Why keep trying to get people to move out of other areas to build.. when they have so many promising areas to start with that aren’t being used or lived in.. I mean.. my grandparents are from Estonia.. they moved over here to MD after WW2 as kids.. after the soviets left in the 90s.. they cleaned up all the old concrete buildings and turned them into malls, coffee shops, museums. They have some pretty graffiti walls going on. It can be done.. people just gotta want to do it. 🤘

    • @donaldschell1435
      @donaldschell1435 4 роки тому

      I'm almost 60 and I remember how "sketchy" wildwood NJ was my last visit ! I also remember the inner city of my youth the city fair used to be held where the inner harbor is now. I also remember going to fells before the redo they sold those houses for one dollar ! I used to go with my graqndmom to help her with the "shopping cart" on Saturday's going to the different markets like Lexington and monument street market . Nany would get all of her perishables there. meats, ,veggies, fruit, candy , and many other delic. things I can still remember the wonderfull smells and getting fresh roasted peanuts and many good things . The people were always friendly "smalltomore" you know , it seemed like she knew so many of the venders by 1st name and run into many neighbors as well. The good ole' days I do like watching your vids documenting the many different neighborhoods for the future.

  • @wilburmcbride8096
    @wilburmcbride8096 4 роки тому +4

    I grew up in Baltimore in the early 80s. What great memories and fascinating people I grew up with surely don't reflect the Baltimore we hear about today on the news.

  • @nickdee9949
    @nickdee9949 4 роки тому +14

    My stomach churned with concern for your safety at times. Another beautiful piece of work. Fascinating and absorbing. I eagerly await your next adventure. Thank you.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +4

      Thank you so much for the support and for watching, Nick! Make sure to join the Discord so we can chat!

  • @michaeld.williamsiii9026
    @michaeld.williamsiii9026 4 роки тому +5

    As someone who lives near downtown Baltimore this, was pretty awesome Sal.👏🏽🏙🙃 Great footage you’re like a cool historian!

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +2

      Thanks, neighbor!

    • @michaeld.williamsiii9026
      @michaeld.williamsiii9026 4 роки тому

      Sal You’re so welcome!! Please also keep safe!! 🙂🙏🏾🤍

  • @thevintagerecipeblog
    @thevintagerecipeblog 4 роки тому +18

    I was born in 74 and grew up in Catonsville. I remember my parents getting caltec cable. By the early 2000's we would be paying a fortune for Comcast and their crappy service. Baltimore still has my heart but I'm glad I live elsewhere now.

    • @armyfallatthediscotwentyon5019
      @armyfallatthediscotwentyon5019 4 роки тому +2

      Catonsville! 💜

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +2

      Catonsville rocks!!!

    • @robinwatkins1153
      @robinwatkins1153 4 роки тому

      Ahhhhhh 1974; excellent year. The year I graduated Walbrook Senior High School located in Walbrook Junction.

    • @tauntdragoon
      @tauntdragoon 3 роки тому

      i was born in 85 Catonsville is pretty cool but gotta throw so hate your way cause im from you rival town next door woodlawn not sure if the rivalry was always around but by mid 90 the middle and high schools where always talking about how Catonsville and johnnycake rivalry but grew up in Woodlawn and spent alot of time between woodlawn cantonsvile and westport for most of my youth now im out in WV i miss home i do go back down every so often

  • @tnice8282
    @tnice8282 4 роки тому +3

    My family members lived in Latrobe Housing Projects back in the 70's.I remember my mom(God rest her soul) telling me when the blizzard of 79 hit around Presidents Day.The Oldtown mall took a black eye when looting occured.

  • @Karmy.
    @Karmy. 4 роки тому +42

    "You got more because you got cable" sure didn't feel that way by 2008 when Comcast would be taking away channels without warning every couple months lol

    • @jima9356
      @jima9356 4 роки тому +7

      You got that right, and Comcast would also do, in addition to taking away channels without warning, would be to increase the monthly rate. They still do this today.

    • @Karmy.
      @Karmy. 4 роки тому +1

      @@jima9356 yup

    • @CommodoreFan64
      @CommodoreFan64 4 роки тому +3

      @@Karmy. It's not just Comcast, Atlantic Broadband just did the same BS this week in my area of SC sighting a rise in cost per cable channel from the operators, and even passing it on to their customers like me who don't even subscribe for TV, just the internet package, and don't rent their BS modem/WiFi router combo that's pure junk. pure BS!! by all the cable companies, and ISP's in this country, and they know they can get away with it in most markets because they have no competition, or competition like Frontier Communications that's so piss poor it calls their up to 24Mbps/1Mbps DSL "Business Class" at almost $80 a month. 🤦

    • @animeshock2006
      @animeshock2006 4 роки тому +3

      @@CommodoreFan64 well this what happens when politicians and big buisness get together to create market monoplies in areas. Basically a While back the big cable companies got together and divided America states up into zones in which the other companies promised not to do service to those zones another company was occupying and hence u get monoplies

    • @ww2067
      @ww2067 4 роки тому

      Internet mafias we should have taken our internet over ourselves a long time ago we the people could do that they've done it in a few cities one was in Tennessee they got tired of the horrible service horrible internet and they're terrible excuses and did it built their Internet run by the people and a few other places around the country I have done it also that I know of and they now have better cheaper very reliable internet..... and they don't get excuses all the time I hate Comcast

  • @Coopdog-dp5eq
    @Coopdog-dp5eq 4 роки тому +30

    That was awesome. I love the content but the execution and voiceover really make it.
    It's like if PBS was one guy and he cut out all the fat.
    Keep up the good work.

  • @jamesmoucheron4799
    @jamesmoucheron4799 4 роки тому +5

    LIving in baltimore and seeing all of the places you mentioned, its eeire to see it. Stay safe man

  • @kevinmalarkey7261
    @kevinmalarkey7261 4 роки тому +10

    You're the best of the guys doing dead mall videos. Well done and keep it up.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому

      Thanks!!!

  • @WilliFlow117
    @WilliFlow117 4 роки тому +2

    Old Town Mall was the chiz'nik back in the day.After the 79' snow storm looting,businesses started packing up,I remember The Diplomat shop had the going out of business sales around the mid 90's.My ex brought me several outfits she caught on sale.A friend of mine name Gill was still working there at the time.

  • @petermorton301
    @petermorton301 4 роки тому +43

    People in the comment keep talking about being safe there is no where in America to be safe I don't care where you at

  • @StormyRiver8970
    @StormyRiver8970 4 роки тому +35

    Just watching this i was concerned for your safety. Take care of yourself, Sal

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +9

      Thank you for the concern, and thanks for watching! I learned a lot on this explore, and I’m being much safer now!

    • @cliffordwise-el8704
      @cliffordwise-el8704 4 роки тому +2

      It aint nothing going too happen too him

    • @scottkerfoot8307
      @scottkerfoot8307 4 роки тому +4

      He was in absolutely no danger. If he was in an actual "sketchy" part of town he wouldn't have actually done this video.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +4

      If you had actually listened to what I said in the video, Scott, you wouldn’t be projecting what I feel are your own racial blind spots. A guy literally told me off there, and another purposefully knocked into me and stared me down until I walked away. You’re just stoking racism here when I provided nothing in my narrative to support your claims.

    • @traceyadams257
      @traceyadams257 4 роки тому

      Nobody wants him😂😂😂

  • @JoseHernandez-iq3fs
    @JoseHernandez-iq3fs 4 роки тому +16

    You have a unique way of story telling!!! Amazing!!! You should be doing documentaries on Netflix or prime.

  • @milankooo1978
    @milankooo1978 4 роки тому +12

    You're one of the most talented creators of the original content on YT. best wishes from the central Europe Sal.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому

      Hey thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words!

  • @ChiefCoralcola
    @ChiefCoralcola 4 роки тому +3

    Regularly going to Hopkins, I pass by Old Towne Mall and always shake my head. There’s such a need for affordable housing, and they’re continuing to build more housing around it, so they might as well knock it down and put it there too. It’s the biggest eyesore in the area they’re really trying to spruce back up. Thanks for the tour and for reminding me why I just wanna drive by it. 😝

  • @MissTraeHarris
    @MissTraeHarris 4 роки тому +85

    It’s funny that you didn’t consider that folks didn’t wanna talk to you because you’re a random white man walking around predominantly black neighborhoods with a camera asking question, we aren’t too keen on that considering it often has a negative effect on us and our communities historically... as a Baltimore native I just had to throw in that two cent... i do however think it’s cool that you are documenting some of these places in Baltimore because the history is fascinating

    • @natoriobarbie8193
      @natoriobarbie8193 4 роки тому +16

      I was looking for a comment like this. I went to Morgan State and Baltimore people are very nice, but get that camera out their face! Lol. They had every right to tell a strange white man with a camera to “fuck ***” 🙄🥴😂

    • @diamondlife33_222
      @diamondlife33_222 4 роки тому +18

      I was thinking the same 🙄
      Imagine how "Sketchy" he looked to them 😂

    • @traceyadams257
      @traceyadams257 4 роки тому +8

      And he keep talking about safe. Lol they think he not safe🤣🤣

    • @swift7169
      @swift7169 4 роки тому +1

      fascinating and there are new people that are determined to change it to suit themselves. those people care nothing about the history of the area they only seek to use it to create another food hall like r house.

    • @swift7169
      @swift7169 4 роки тому +2

      @@natoriobarbie8193 Agreed. When white people randomly show up and ask random questions its quite off putting. it's also insulting to keep calling areas sketchy. i absolutely don't mean to be a jerk and I get that it may not be intentional but white people can be so freaking condescending. think about why that area is as it is now. it's like that because people left these communities for the suburbs instead of staying to maintain them

  • @antoniooverton49
    @antoniooverton49 4 роки тому +32

    Baltimore has a lot of great history and good neighborhoods, with historic houses built in the early 1900s . One of the biggest problems is corruption by the people we trusted and voted for who don't have our best interest in mind. To many years under democratic control who cares more about filling there pockets and letting the city fall apart. The school system is in very bad shape and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. A lot of people are leaving Baltimore .I understand why.

    • @tauntdragoon
      @tauntdragoon 3 роки тому

      yeah i lived in the county but year the city officials liked to screw thing up like they had something that would have brought more revenue into the city with the grand prix but they screwed over people its sad that they keep let the corrupt official in office i miss baltimore and it is a good place and like you said has some history and is beautiful place

  • @slycad
    @slycad 4 роки тому +24

    I knew this area well in the 50’s. My grandfather had a outdoor produce stall right next to Reads Drugstore on the corner of Gay Street and Belair Market. Gay Street was open to traffic than and it was a bustling shopping district. My mother would take me there on the 15 streetcar from Belair Road to shop at the market. I loved going and looked forward to eating at a lunch counter in market. It was owned by a Greek man who made the best hamburgers I ever ate. Fond memories from over 60 years ago.

    • @michaeld.williamsiii9026
      @michaeld.williamsiii9026 4 роки тому

      Wow as someone living near downtown in the Bolton Hill area, thank you for sharing your memories...

    • @donnadbrown5
      @donnadbrown5 4 роки тому +1

      Laughing that you use the term, street car. Forget we actually had those!

  • @kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126
    @kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126 4 роки тому +4

    I hate seeing beautiful old architecture like this wasting away abandoned and pock marked with graffiti!! They were built so well that more than 100 years later they still stand in relatively ok condition!!! I assure you my last home built in 2009 won’t be standing at all come 2109 especially if it is left abandoned for years!!!! Thanks so much for sharing this amazing interesting place!
    Cheers

  • @FJB2016
    @FJB2016 4 роки тому +2

    Nice video. I was born and raised in Baltimore. I used to love my city, but it’s hard to now with the way it’s being ran and what goes on. It’s difficult to think it will ever turn around; only get worse.

  • @JB-hl1qx
    @JB-hl1qx 4 роки тому +5

    410 Baltimore born and raised. I wouldn't be shocked if "Brian " had some dog fights going on in there... great video tho ! That would be an awesome urban paintball place.

  • @misterhot9163
    @misterhot9163 4 роки тому +8

    Great video Sal, I felt like I was walking alongside you!!

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому

      You’re the best!! Make sure to share it out and leave a like!

  • @JR-rv3re
    @JR-rv3re 3 роки тому +1

    I went to UMAB and had to navigate scary areas to get there and home. My friend was offered a fellowship at Hopkins but he declined because of how scary the surrounding neighborhood was. Baltimore harbor used to be a great place to hangout around 20 years ago.

  • @donnafromnyc
    @donnafromnyc 4 роки тому +5

    Fells Point in the 1970s was really rundown (the home of Divine and the bohos) and now it looks quite gentrified. Was down in Charm City a lot back in college with a Pikesville Prince who is now a judge. Returned for meetings a few years back, came down by train, area by Oriole Park ok but would not be walking through at night even with large guys in our group. BTW best burgers, nicest folks ever at the Penn Station cafe.

  • @PositionLight
    @PositionLight 4 роки тому +4

    Let me know if you ever need an escort for a Baltimore trip. Was in the city for 13 years and recently moved a bit to the south.
    Interesting thing is that a half mile to the east of Old Towne Mall is the JHU Medical campus with a ton of lux apartments and other development. The JHU student shuttle even used to drive by the north end.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +2

      I live in southwest Baltimore. This shit is my element. :)

    • @PositionLight
      @PositionLight 4 роки тому

      @@sal My bad, I was confused by something you recently said in your Whitehall video xD
      I've never had too much trouble in the Red zones, but I usually try to keep moving. Stay safe.

  • @sillylittleboy7791
    @sillylittleboy7791 4 роки тому +13

    Even in the "good" area of town, bad things can happen.

    • @usedbyjesus
      @usedbyjesus 4 роки тому +2

      That's everywhere...But mostly not in the rich areas..if u don't belong the John hopkins security will escort you out

  • @100Sudsy
    @100Sudsy 4 роки тому +2

    Fabulous, Sal. Sketchy is right . . . but you have to see these things because they're part of the urban landscape. As long as you stay safe in the process, we'd love to see more like this. Kudos . . . again!

  • @lazicraft6503
    @lazicraft6503 4 роки тому +24

    It's crazy, I've been in Baltimore City for awhile now, I've never heard anyone be shot, I've never seen a real gun, I've never seen a fight where someone got stabbed, the only person I've ever seen die is my mother, and she had cancer and I was 4. I'm 21 now and I've yet to see anything crazy in Baltimore. I think that no matter where you live, it all depends on the people you hang out with. If you surround yourself with that stuff, you're gonna witness it more often. But I surround myself with good people and I don't bother people who aren't bothering me. People aren't out here just wanting to shoot at people randomly. People aren't out here just wanting to kill you for no damn reason. Have some more sense, honestly. I saw more craziness in Loveland, Ohio visiting my uncle and cousins than in Baltimore, MD and I was only there for 4 months. I did see someone attempt suicide off the school roof behind the house, I did see a fight break out and one thing lead to another and someone ended up dead, I've seen more often than not drunk or drugged up people fighting. Not to say that doesn't happen in Baltimore, but it's not JUST Baltimore. You're not safe anywhere. You are in charge of keeping yourself as safe and as smart as possible. And that's that.

    • @traceyadams257
      @traceyadams257 4 роки тому

      Love this Granny taught me live by sword die by sword. I live in Candy Land Baltimore

    • @katinawitherspoon2888
      @katinawitherspoon2888 4 роки тому +3

      Well said! Born and raised in all corners of this City, I have nothing but love for my city!!

    • @MochaMaknMoney
      @MochaMaknMoney 4 роки тому +1

      Girl you better knock on some wood

    • @nadineg9128
      @nadineg9128 4 роки тому +4

      Also its sheer luck. I'm not into any nonsense and by the second month in Baltimore while casually hanging, I saw a murder right in front my face. In a part of town it usually doesn't happen. So...yeah...

    • @ryoboss
      @ryoboss 2 роки тому +1

      Maryland got bad in 2015 it been bad for 8 years almost 9

  • @TheMactearz
    @TheMactearz 4 роки тому +3

    That’s my old neighborhood. I lived in forest street apartments in the 80s. It didn’t always look like that

    • @swift7169
      @swift7169 4 роки тому

      Can you tell us more about how it was to live there back then and how it got to where it is now?

  • @tookitogo
    @tookitogo 4 роки тому +2

    I lived in the Baltimore area from 2000-2009. I still remember it fondly, and I usually come to visit twice a year (from overseas), coronavirus notwithstanding. I loved living in a place with so much history. It’s sad that Baltimore doesn’t have the opulence it once had, but I’m glad it’s on the rebound, even if slowly.

  • @Cristini8
    @Cristini8 4 роки тому +6

    Great video Sal! Loved the architecture! You’re brave for going inside that store! Glad your okay!!

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому

      Thank you!!!

  • @kareydwyer9088
    @kareydwyer9088 4 роки тому +1

    I'm a Baltimore native, lived here for most of my life except for my school years. I actually went to the Nevermore Haunt in 2018. I didn't even realize that this was an old mall. There are so many forgotten areas to this city, I've explored some but I usually stick to well lit areas as I'm not as safe alone.

  • @jasonb8569
    @jasonb8569 4 роки тому +16

    Another great Exlog. I was last in Baltimore about 8 years ago for a friends batchelor party. The night of debauchery had led us throughout the city. Things can drastically change in just one block

  • @armyfallatthediscotwentyon5019
    @armyfallatthediscotwentyon5019 4 роки тому +1

    I'm going to binge watch all of these videos. I love learning more about my state. Like I get that we have a lot of crime and things but to me Maryland is such a lovely state.

  • @ruliak
    @ruliak 3 роки тому +1

    I love Baltimore! Thank you, Sal.

  • @rodmalone133
    @rodmalone133 3 роки тому

    I remember going Easter shopping here when I was a kid. Good memories, it breaks my heart to see it now.

  • @Parliament9502
    @Parliament9502 4 роки тому +5

    Born and raised in Columbia, MD and we took relatives on the Inner Harbor Duck Boat Tour and when we turned into the ‘less desirable’ 🙄 parts of the city, the driver played “Thriller” over the sound system. The “look how scary these people are”-ness of it feels strikingly similar. I’m kinda not surprised you got the reception you did.
    I can’t believe that the Natives ever like being called “scary” in the “Explorer Goes Down To Darkest Africa” tales either 🤔🤷🏾‍♂️

  • @cassandrawelch7653
    @cassandrawelch7653 2 роки тому +1

    This was called Gay Street before old Town mall. As a child I would cry to go shopping with my mother her first stop was Belair Market and she would get me a bag of cookies for 5 cent.

  • @johnroot4886
    @johnroot4886 4 роки тому +1

    I just discovered your videos and the ones I have watched so far have been awesome, I love hearing and seeing history of places. Went to a Browns/Ravens game a few years ago and stayed at the Hampton Inn behind Camden Yards, pickles Pub, literally steps away was a great bar to hang out and grab some great food and cheap beer. Walked all around the inner harbor area and definitely remember our visit to Lexington Market 😲. Thanks for showing the history of Baltimore.

  • @Ben12670
    @Ben12670 4 роки тому +4

    My mom grew up in Baltimore. I would go to Lexington Market with her and her sister in the 70s. It wasn't nearly as blown out and trashed around there then as it is now. Full on Mad Max level dystopia now. Looks really really bad and dangerous now. And I live in Philly, so that means a lot coming from me.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +1

      I love philly. I’m coming through when it’s safe.

    • @Ben12670
      @Ben12670 4 роки тому

      Then you're probably going to want to take a swing through Fashion District Philadelphia. AKA The Gallery Mall. Just underwent a huge renovation and rebranding only to be kneecapped by the pandemic. Should be interesting to see how they're coping

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому

      I was so bummed to learn that the fashion district was renovated.

  • @adh1224
    @adh1224 4 роки тому +2

    Great video dude. I remember going to the Old Town Mall as a child. There were lots of stores. I remember Mr Ernie's Shoe Shine store in particular and Super Kids.

  • @tonyjones1560
    @tonyjones1560 4 роки тому +2

    Anyone remember The Diplomat Shop? Everybody who was anybody bought their suits there back in the Seventies, LOL. Sad to see Old Town Mall in the condition it's in, I have fond memories of the area (even though I didn't care for wearing suits then, and don't now).

    • @robinwatkins1153
      @robinwatkins1153 4 роки тому +2

      At the Diplomat Shop is where u wanna stop. More men's & boy's clothes that'll keep u on your toes. Don't delay go 2 562 N. Gay. Diplomat, Diplomat that's where it's at, Dip low mat. The commercial they used 2 play on WWIN radio station.

    • @robinwatkins1153
      @robinwatkins1153 4 роки тому +1

      Actually it was 572 N. Gay; my type error.

  • @christinalillbellspark8284
    @christinalillbellspark8284 4 роки тому +6

    I have Comcast right now that’s so cool to be seeing this old commercial

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +2

      Right? So much cooler back then.

  • @SharkoonBln
    @SharkoonBln 4 роки тому +5

    Those abandoned streets, those vandalized, destroyed buildings. My mother told me stories ( and I have seen pictures ) about germany just after WWII... It looks and feels just the same.

  • @BlizzAz
    @BlizzAz 4 роки тому +2

    I've seen you trek through some sketchy places, but this one takes the cake. I think I caught your livestream through there last year too. BTW, I loved Homicide: LOTS; probably the best police procedural ever.

  • @ssflagg
    @ssflagg 4 роки тому +4

    I lived in Baltimore for years. Old Town mall was a great shopping center to find cheap clothes and uniforms in the 90s but as the years went on it became a dead mall and a place where drugs ran rampant. Sal be careful in the old Town mall area. Even locals avoid that area unless they are coming for something in particular.

    • @donnafromnyc
      @donnafromnyc 4 роки тому +1

      Is there even anything there?

    • @joycedawson3415
      @joycedawson3415 4 роки тому +2

      Old Towne Mall was the downtown back in the day for black people. If you wanted inexpensive, but the most stylish clothes, shoes, etc. this was the place to be. It was vibrant and there were quite a few stores to cater to us. There was Belair market where you could go to get fresh produce, meats and various prepared foods. Also a furniture company, i think it was called Kaufmans, that gave credit and layaway so that furniture, clothes, etc could be purchased easily. Over the years stores started moving, derelicts and drug addicts invaded the area. Rats started moving in wuth crime increasing also a fire and the Mall essentially closed up. It is hard to imagine the once popular outdoor mall now.

    • @swift7169
      @swift7169 4 роки тому

      @@joycedawson3415 Do you have any pictures of what it was like back then? That would be amazing

  • @alexrediger2099
    @alexrediger2099 4 роки тому +7

    Informative. I’d like a bit less of the sketchy comments. Mondawmin isn’t sketchy and people at Lexington aren’t out to get you. Old Town Mall, though- is just that: sketchy. And creepy. But it’s good to show how the city has let a lot of the city rot. It sucks that people have to go through this.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому

      Mondawmin is sketchy and I was told that I should “get out of old town before something bad happens”.

    • @MochaMaknMoney
      @MochaMaknMoney 4 роки тому +3

      Mondawmin is faaaar from sketchy. Lol. He said that because it's a prominently Black neighborhood.

    • @swift7169
      @swift7169 4 роки тому +2

      @@sal One thing that I feel is so important to understand is that as a white man when you keep saying that a predominately black area is sketchy it comes across as though you have a problem with black people and just don't want to say it. To be clear, I am not saying that you are but you really need to read the comments from folks to help you understand how you are coming off even if it's unintentional. One of the stereotypes about white people is that they feel entitled and that everyone sucks except for them. Please be mindful of that. All in all I did really enjoy this video and hope to see more of them. I think it would help to ask the question..."how did this area get to be this way?" and "what changes would be good for the people who live there right now?" All too often poor black people are ignored and what young white folks with money are whats focused on and that;'s wrong all it does it perpetuate negativity and it just doesn't have to be that way at all.

    • @swift7169
      @swift7169 4 роки тому

      @@sal In your opinion what made Mondawmin "sketchy"? As far as Old Town I have been over there on foot and on bike and it's not somewhere I would want to be either.

    • @gutenstagl
      @gutenstagl 2 роки тому

      Old Town is like most poor non-white neighborhoods in Baltimore. If you're obviously not from there people are gonna assume you're there to stir up trouble or in some way make their already hard lives harder.

  • @nicholasrodriguez5578
    @nicholasrodriguez5578 4 роки тому +2

    Last time i fixed a gas leak in Old Town Mall, there was still a liquor store and wig shop still open.

    • @swift7169
      @swift7169 4 роки тому

      I went to a convienience store there in 2018 but I don't remember anything else being open there.

  • @Lonrafael
    @Lonrafael 4 роки тому +5

    This was excellent! My heart was racing when you went into that shop.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +1

      I promise I’m okay!! Thank you so much for watching!!

    • @Lonrafael
      @Lonrafael 4 роки тому +1

      Sal I really thought he was going to lock you in there. I’m glad you got out of there without being hurt.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому

      It wasn’t even on my mind in 2017...I guess I’ve grown since then...

    • @tonyjones1560
      @tonyjones1560 4 роки тому +1

      @@sal There's a good chance that Brian's "minions" were preparing some "street corner commodities" for sale in the back of that joint. In any case, under no circumstances should you ever "explore" these areas of Baltimore (Old Town, Lexington Market) at night. It's downright...dystopic. Judge Dredd would be nervous.

  • @dondavis5633
    @dondavis5633 4 роки тому +6

    I KNEW we had something in common, Sal; I went to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and did my residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital...!!

    • @saraha3798
      @saraha3798 3 роки тому +1

      Ahh! I go to Hopkins for undergrad! Applying to Hopkins med next year, I really want to stay in Baltimore!

  • @stanstevens4822
    @stanstevens4822 3 роки тому +1

    I really do like your content I like the way you put history into all this

  • @somerandomvertebrate9262
    @somerandomvertebrate9262 3 роки тому

    Not even being from the US, these dead mall and related videos, that in a strange way are sadly soothing and puts you in a contemplative mood, nevertheless often leave you with profound feelings of ambiguity. Videos of the Old Town Mall in Baltimore are just like that. On the one hand, there is no denying the scandal of so many derelict places just simply left to rot in rat infested neglect and carelessness all over a once great nation, a phenomenon unique in the western world. On the other hand, I cannot help but shiver at each mention of "redevelopment", since you are painfully aware that what is going to get eradicated through that process are the last remnants of the real America, the true wrought iron and "standard of the world" United States that once existed, and all that will be left will at most be a "historical" section of facade of faux authenticity; not even a memory.

  • @seabrook1976
    @seabrook1976 4 роки тому +1

    I would love to see some video footage of some "behind the scenes" moments you have as a Concert Master and Lead Violinist. I know nothing about music, but taking a look behind the curtains of that world seems like it would be fascinating.

  • @zxtenn
    @zxtenn 4 роки тому +1

    About 40 years ago my Mother worked at a McCrorys in CT on the lunch Counter

  • @jeee1074
    @jeee1074 4 роки тому +3

    Super sketchy area to say the least. Thanks for bringing us along for the experience.

  • @jillian4188
    @jillian4188 4 роки тому +1

    This is one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen! 😍😍😍 Love your content Sal! Keep it up man! 😃

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks so much Jillian!

  • @turtlecatpurrz
    @turtlecatpurrz 4 роки тому +1

    So... just had watched the first half of the vid when I wrote the below. I stand by all of it... but... you reminded me of some of the spookier bits of the city as well. Especially when I was getting to know public transit out there. -- Thank you for showcasing Baltimore. I miss it. It was a great city to call home for 7 years. If you ever see it from the highway, Wave at Riverside Park, and the National Federation of the Blind for me. 200 e. wells) just south of fed hill and west of locust point. I cried when I saw your video. Thanks man.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +1

      I made this for you.

    • @turtlecatpurrz
      @turtlecatpurrz 4 роки тому +1

      Sal thank you. It’s a fitting tribute to city with more promise, opportunity, and problems, than any other I have lived in.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +1

      Hey do me a favor and leave a like and subscribe...lots of work go into these :)

    • @turtlecatpurrz
      @turtlecatpurrz 4 роки тому

      Already done!

  • @410dynamic8
    @410dynamic8 4 роки тому +8

    The City stop investing into it's infrastructure

    • @kinkiesse7736
      @kinkiesse7736 2 роки тому

      Furthermore, Baltimore is cash strapped. After white flight , manufacturing job outsourced overseas, crack epidemic and Black middle class flight , mostly poorer residents remain.. The city will need massive funding spent in the right sector just like was done for DC so Baltimore can rise again..

  • @Tony2times
    @Tony2times 4 роки тому

    I love my city Alot of memories at Old Town Mall not all good lol but I'm a east baltimore baby born at John's Hopkins raised in Layfette Projects migrated to Ashland Ave then Cedonia then baltimore County Rosedale i now live in Atlanta just went home about 2 months ago Lexington Market getting remodeled and the city was shut down. People think charm city is all bad but it is what you make it. Baltimore i forever love you.

  • @QuietJ0Y
    @QuietJ0Y 4 роки тому

    Just got to see this on a big HD screen. Fantastic introduction and shots!

  • @lscorpio9129
    @lscorpio9129 4 роки тому +1

    Love your series, especially the vintage TV ads. Keep up the great work.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому

      Thanks, Scorpio. If this is your first video of mine, make sure to catch up with the other 67 episodes....lots of this goodness :)

  • @yerabbit
    @yerabbit 4 роки тому +1

    the music in your videos keeps getting better, it's really good in this one

  • @reginaldpowerssr.2947
    @reginaldpowerssr.2947 2 роки тому +1

    Hello how you doing pal I just want to comment what's that figure standing in the window at the 1622 mark

  • @andersj.p.eskilsson3655
    @andersj.p.eskilsson3655 4 роки тому +2

    Sal, thank you for the ride. A tip, be more confident when you enter these type of neighborhoods. Head high, and talk with a slow low voice when socializing.

  • @salvadordiezcansecojr.2600
    @salvadordiezcansecojr.2600 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the tour/history lesson

  • @chevy266nova
    @chevy266nova 4 роки тому +1

    I was in Baltimore last Septenber 2019. My family is from the beautiful city. Castle street was their home. I love going back and hope I get to do it again. But at my age of 76 years, I don't teavle very much anymore. I would say take a trip to Baltimore at lease once in you life. You will not regret it.

    • @trishaaloo5281
      @trishaaloo5281 4 роки тому

      It’s a beautiful city with tons of charm. You have to spend time there to fall in love with it, I agree

  • @lignesceil
    @lignesceil 4 роки тому +2

    I just love everything you do sooooo much

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому

      You rock, Courtney :)

  • @jeffhalebopp
    @jeffhalebopp 4 роки тому +1

    Great smooth 60p 4k footage. I love the mixed color with B&W effects at the beginning along with the transitions. I don't miss the canon 80d's crummy moire. It's really bad on the bricks at 10:31 and dancing swirling on the doors at 18:22 :) I'm glad you since upgraded your camera.

  • @gutenstagl
    @gutenstagl 2 роки тому

    Shoutout to The Nevermore!!! They're trying real hard to turn Old Town Mall around to a more positive direction.

  • @Medic_naturalist
    @Medic_naturalist 4 роки тому +2

    I need to head out there whenever can travel

  • @philipchavis4868
    @philipchavis4868 4 роки тому

    I used to park my car across the street from Old Town Mall everyday for work. It's cool to get some history on it.

  • @johnnyalonso
    @johnnyalonso 4 роки тому +2

    You have great content brother. Love watching your episodes. I also knew someone who went to the School for the Arts. He was friends with Tupac at your school. Be safe in your travels.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks, Johnny! Tupac’s mom gave a speech to my class. Such a cool and strongly spoken woman.

  • @davidhayden7071
    @davidhayden7071 4 роки тому

    Use to get my school clothes from there as a kid also lived in the Latrobe projects right across the street

  • @ZombieMurdock667
    @ZombieMurdock667 4 роки тому +3

    I think that was glue on the floor. other than that great video. appreciate the history behind what you're showing us.

  • @snaappdaripper
    @snaappdaripper 4 роки тому

    Yesss our city has soooo much charm.. it's an place of survival and lessons.💯♥️....

  • @josephschroeder7778
    @josephschroeder7778 4 роки тому +3

    I remember when Howard Street was the place to go for shopping. My mom would take us there during the Christmas season. It was a great time back in the day.

    • @robinwatkins1153
      @robinwatkins1153 4 роки тому

      That's when Downtown was Downtown. Hecht's, Sears, Brager Gutman's (if I spelled it correctly), Stuart's, JC Penny's, Hochald Kohn's (again, the spelling). All the big department stores were downtown. At the holidays it was all lit up & decorated so pretty & in the 60's & early 70's the streetcars ran thru there. Fun when mom used to take me downtown.

  • @douglasroethlin3839
    @douglasroethlin3839 3 роки тому

    Have ridden my bicycle around though the environs of the former Old Town Mall on a few visits to Baltimore ..... looks like might have been an interesting or even worthwhile spot at one point in time. Wouldn't necessarily want to be walking through there alone after dark but during daylight hours i think it's fine for a look/see should one be curious as i was.

  • @craignunnallypurcell
    @craignunnallypurcell Рік тому

    Nice presentation and overview and knowing overview of history of the city - good to look at the present truth of the matter as document without all the hype.

  • @SupraRy
    @SupraRy 3 роки тому +1

    Such a beautiful city that has fallen so far due to no building or money flowing in. You go 30 mins south to D.C. and see 30 construction craines as soon as you see the city. There is just NO ONE building in baltimore anymore and its so sad. there are sooo many sketchy dangerous spots that are literally falling apart you have to be so careful going in those places.

  • @ayehotah3887
    @ayehotah3887 3 роки тому

    Dang I remember those cable guides!!!

  • @ls6-ss413
    @ls6-ss413 4 роки тому +6

    Missed the live stream man😔
    16:20 that was Dan Bell watching you..

  • @TJX1138
    @TJX1138 4 роки тому +2

    Amazing content, as always, Sal...Baltimore's got so much history and your Urbexes, with the detailed background exposition, are simply the best but...D@MN...be careful, man; don't get yourself hurt. Maybe you need to hire a couple of private security guys the next time you "go deep" like this...LOL. Love your stuff, tho. :)

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому

      Hahaha I’ll look into private security for my urbex outings.

  • @johnnystall9683
    @johnnystall9683 4 роки тому +1

    So well done!

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks, Johnny! Make sure to check out the inner harbor episode!

  • @soulstrong
    @soulstrong 4 роки тому +1

    Hey Sal, I'm glad you're covering the Baltimore area. I suspect folks' not responding well to your taking photos is because you don't read as "from here" and may not look friendly to people who suffer through areas like Old Town even while it's their neighborhood.

    • @sal
      @sal  4 роки тому +1

      Don’t get me wrong, many people have engaged in super friendly conversation with me. Everyone seems to think I’m talking about the entire city. It’s literally just the old town mall area that’s so sketchy.

    • @soulstrong
      @soulstrong 4 роки тому +1

      @@sal truth! I appreciate the level of dedication and familiarity you bring to seeking to find the turning points of now-blighted properties. I'm so tired of getting excited then deflated at interesting plans and proposals. Story of my life.

  • @earlenemason41
    @earlenemason41 4 роки тому +1

    I miss old town mall

  • @Justin-Hill-1987
    @Justin-Hill-1987 4 роки тому +1

    I still think losing the Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis in 1984 was the biggest blow to this city's reputation...

  • @jhngh411
    @jhngh411 3 роки тому

    Man, I love your videos, keep them up!

  • @andrewdavis8709
    @andrewdavis8709 4 роки тому

    Fascinating and scary at the same time.

  • @joycedawson3415
    @joycedawson3415 3 роки тому

    To:Swift through Shawnee:
    You asked if I had any old photo's of Old Towne Mall, back in the earler days. Unfortunately, I was a child/preteen back in those days. That was quite a long time ago. If there were pictures taken back then I would have no idea where I would have possibly put them. Wish I could help! It was nice in the early days and was considered the "black" place to shop with the most fashionable clothes, etc., since what was considered as downtown still had quite a few stores during this time that "black people," could not go into.

  • @euroschmau
    @euroschmau 4 роки тому +4

    good lord and I though Philly was depressing

  • @celiaw7125
    @celiaw7125 4 роки тому +1

    native Baltimoron here, have never heard of this. How can that be.

  • @jasoncarskadon6809
    @jasoncarskadon6809 4 роки тому +1

    This reminds me of some areas of Detroit. Super interesting sal.

  • @_Shimona
    @_Shimona 3 роки тому

    awesome job man! stay safe

    • @sal
      @sal  3 роки тому

      Thanks, Pete

  • @visionairenomek379
    @visionairenomek379 4 роки тому

    Amazing work!!

  • @tamarawalker8973
    @tamarawalker8973 4 роки тому +1

    Such a waste of history. Some of those buildings are beautiful. Thanks for taking us on a walk on the sketchy side. Entertaining indeed. Thought the day care was a bit funny. Bad area to take your babies. Stay safe & thanks for great content.