Scrub-a-dub-dub

Marble steps became more than just a decorative fixture to Baltimore’s unique architecture design, they were a vital piece that endorsed neighborhood involvement. Before fenced in back yards became the norm, marble steps were a central gathering spot for neighbors to come together, relax, converse, and most importantly, get to know each other. Knowing who lived on your block promoted these residents to be involved in their community.

People got to know each other sitting on their front stoops. Some became friends. As a result of marble steps, people communicated with their fellow neighbors. They were more likely to look out for each other’s homes, consequently reducing crimes such as vandalism, theft, and property destruction. Similarly, the neighborhood children viewed their neighbors as disciplinary figures, just as they would their parents and teachers. They were aware of the possibility that someone was watching and could report their deeds to mom and dad later.



(Picture courtesy of Google Images)

On any given day (usually Saturdays) you could find housewives scrubbing the previous week's grime off their marble steps. Everyone had their own concoction for getting their steps the whitest, but the most famous cleaner was Bon Ami. Mixing Bon Ami powder with a bucket of warm water, one would scrub the marble either with a pumice stone or a metal bristle brush until they glowed!

Homeowners took pride in their clean steps and it was often a competition to see who could get and keep theirs the whitest. Some went as far as to put signs up to “Please Keep Off Steps” while others would throw blankets over them during the winter months, almost as if to shelter them from the cold.

Today you may purchase a marble cleaning kit at the Hometown Girl store in Baltimore, which contains a bag of Bon Ami powder, a piece of pumice, and a list of instructions. Unfortunately, they do not have a website, but are located at 1001 W. 36th St., Hampden, Baltimore, MD, 21211.

Below is a great video I found on You Tube about a girl named Megan Hildebrandt who is trying to revive the tradition of marble step scrubbing in Baltimore city.

(Video courtesy of www.youtube.com)


Schmidt, J. (1963, Feburary 24). Our Famous White Steps:Status Symbols. Baltimore Sunday Sun Magazine. Baltimore, Maryland, USA: A.S. Abell Co.