Ophas Allen- One of Mildred Allen sons

Ophas Allen with his daughter Dorothy Johns

Dorothy Johns with one of her horses at the Carlton Street Stable

Our Story


 
 
 
Our history begins with my grandmother Mildred Allen. She was born in Bassett, Virginia where she learned to plow fields and drive a team of horses. She married Benjamin Allen in the early 1900’s and then moved up North with her family which included 2 sons and 1 daughter. Once she got to Baltimore, Mildred opened a storefront stand where she sold fruits and vegetables. 

After a few years, Mildred was able to buy a wagon (a horse drawn carriage and 2 horses). She then became the 1st African American Female Arabber to West Baltimore. After a few years, Mildred brought a team, also known as horse drawn carriage and a horse for her son John. As expected, as Mildred’s family grew, she expanded her business which meant more teams of horses on the streets. 

Mildred and her family arabbed until her health failed her in 1974. After her death, her sons continued to Arab and by then she had 7 sons. Some of her sons used horse drawn carriages and when the weather didn’t permit them, one of her sons,Ophas, brought a few trucks. This family continued to prosper until the nineties. With automobiles taking over as transportation, horse drawn carriages became more and more extinct. Age and health issues continued to rob the family of their arabbing business. 

In 2005, granddaughter Dorothy (me) daughter of Ophas came back to the business. She put 2 teams on the streets of Baltimore and in 2013 she purchased her own stable. I was able to keep 2 teams on the street for 6 years. Covid robbed the city that was known for its arabbing abilities and the culture. Today my husband and I are still running my stable on Bruce Street. We are doing whatever we can to keep my grandmother’s legacy alive. We offer equine therapy, and I am always available to tell the amazing story of my family and how we got to this amazing part of life!

-Dorothy Johns

Mission

Our mission is to honor the enduring legacy of Mildred Allen, the pioneering spirit who, against all odds, became the first African American Female Arabber in West Baltimore. We are committed to preserving the rich heritage of horse-drawn carriages and the cultural significance they hold in our community. Through equine therapy and educational programs, we aim to empower individuals, fostering a connection between generations and ensuring Mildred's legacy lives on.

Vision

Our vision is to create a vibrant community hub where the past, present, and future converge. We envision a space where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate the cultural heritage embedded in the art of Arabbing. By offering equine therapy and educational experiences, we aspire to bridge generations, fostering understanding, appreciation, and a sense of pride in our shared history.

Values

  • Legacy: We are dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Mildred Allen, recognizing her as a trailblazer in our community and a symbol of determination and resilience.
  • Community: We believe in the power of community, fostering connections between individuals and generations through shared experiences, education, and a passion for equestrian traditions.
  • Empowerment: Our commitment is to empower lives through equine therapy, providing a unique and therapeutic experience that promotes physical, emotional, and mental well-being.