Baltimore Traditions: The Baltimore Hon

Baltimoreans can conduct formal business meetings and hold their own with the best of them. Catch them during their off, leisure time, and you are very likely to hear them drop the “H” word: Hon.

Baltimore is much more about the people and the way the people keep traditions alive, than it is about particular tourist sites. When you visit Baltimore, spot the local Hons, and drink it in. You won’t find them anywhere else.

While the Hon tradition took hold in areas such as Highlandtown, Canton, Locust Point and Pigtown, between 1950 and 1970, you couldn’t go through Baltimore City or a Baltimore ‘burb without running into a Hon. Their husbands worked the docks or on the lines at Bethehem Steel (Seversal) and Martin Marietta (Lockheed Martin).

While a Baltimore Hon is a woman who is defined by the attire and accessories, the real giveaway is the hair. In fact, the credo of the Baltimore Hon Club (and, yes, there is one) is “The higher the hair, the closer to God.”

Think of the movie Hairspray, developed by Baltimore native John Waters, who has always taken great pains to highlight Baltimore traditions. The kids in that movie had hair whole families could hide in. The dress was short, gaudy to some, boots or stilettos, and pointy eyeglasses that most would shun. For a visual on the Baltimore Hon, take a peek at photos by The Blonde Photographer at the 2009 HonFest .

The term Baltimore Hon certainly took its name from the Baltimore culture of finishing sentences with “hon.” If you’re at a Baltimore diner, and refer to a woman as “hon,” few will be offended. It’s not a sexual harassment thing; but rather, a cultural thing. Locals can tell the difference. For locals, it’s a term of endearment, as long as it’s said in the right way.

As part of the homage to the Baltimore Hon, you’ll find a business, Cafe Hon, and a festival dedicated to the ideals: HonFest. The 2010 Baltimore HonFest will be held the weekend of June 14th and 15th of 2010. You’ll find lots of cold beer, or as legendary sportscaster Chuck Thompson would have said “Ain’t the beer cold”. Food will be provided by the Hamden Recreation Center, and there will be a free show on Friday night at Roosevelt Park.

Diane Whiting created the HonFest, the first one held in 1994. It started out as a local beauty pageant, almost a spoof, but now it’s a recognized nationally and over four city blocks on Hampden's 36th Street.

According to the HonFest Web site, Whiting was asked if the Baltimore Hon is a dying breed. She didn’t hesistate: "No! Absolutely not. Hon will live on forever in our hearts, and HonFest gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate and embrace their heritage." She added that the HonFest is all about fun and celebrating the hard-working women of Baltimore.