The Dave Baker Saga
The story of the Dave Baker family continues to unfold. The pioneer family's story crops up in a most unpredictably amazing sequence.
Harry, Katie and baby Ella Hathaway. Ella was born in 1909.
Harry Warner Hathaway and Katie Rutherford were married October 5, 1906. Harry Warner Hathaway was the son of Abner Hathaway and Ella Warner. Shortly after Harry was born his Mother Ella died. Following her death very little was recorded.
Ella Baker taking little Catherine Baker her daughter for a joy ride on the Baker ranch in circa 1935.
Here is one of the most beautiful settings you will ever have the pleasure to see. This piece of property was homesteaded by a Scandinavian whose name is etched on the inside of the door of this barn that he himself built. Times were so difficult and when their house burned to the ground, discouragement drove them to leave. Dave and Ella Baker bought the entire farm and acreage for paying the $800.00 est. tax lien. Located a few miles west of Clayton at the very steps of a small mountain range where they made a living and more than a few babies, Catherine & Carol being the initial two. Sharon was born much later on a farm not a far away but much more accessible. Now this farm is owned and inhabited by Taffy Calicoat Long and her Husband Randy Long. The Longs have vowed to never let this barn go the way of most settlers’ buildings. New windows have been installed and the key element, the roof is maintained.
Living in a snow belt is not for the faint of heart. The Baker family was not faint at heart.
Although there is no photo of Carol’s 8th Grade gradation we have the 5th & 6th grade class photo with Carol in the top row far left, 1944 - 1945.
Catherine "Katie" (Rutherford) Hathaway & Harry Warner Hathaway. They are Grand Parents to the 5 kids of Dave & Ella Baker. Harry and Katie lived at Loon Lake, WA. Here is one of the prettiest photos ever of Loon Lake.
Now here is a picture of good old Dave. Looking mighty smug & proud. Let's see what's causing this.
The road to the end of the road.
So they raised some cattle, got a bull for openers.
The pride of every farmer is a handsome team of horses. Here held in check by an extraordinary handsome gentleman, Mr. David Baker.
Along with the other various chores Ella and Dave had other goals in mind.
Soon little cutie Carol came toddling along behind big sister Catherine.
Carol was followed by 2 boys, Wendell and Vernon. And much later who should appear on the horizon but little sweetheart herself, Sharon. The older boy on the right is a cousin Archie Newell.
This was a fun page for your Webmaster. The story of life on a farm tucked away in the mountain foot hills. No nearby neighbor for the first 6 years. We went to school on the same bus together. Catherine Webmast Bob Clouse were Classmates. As Bill Sebright, the President of our Society put it, "The Bakers did a lot for Clayton, especially for the Church." AMEN.
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While residing in the Colfax, WA, area Mr. Harry Hathaway sold Rauleigh’s Remedies circa 1915. This picture is compliments of the Spokesman Review and Carol Baker Betz, Granddaughter of Harry W. Hathaway.
When Ella Hathaway and David Baker took their wedding vows in October of 1930, times were tough. Thus they had no wedding photographer. There has never been a photo taken of the two together they could call their wedding picture. Till maybe now. Here, Dave's picture taken in 1928.
Catherine, first born to Ella and Dave Baker in the year 1931.
Fast forward to the 2007 Old Settlers day when this family converged on our CDPHS booth. By chance the name Baker was heard. Lo & behold Sharon on the right is the youngest child of Ella & Dave Baker.
Dave Baker, like so many farmers helped support the family by working at the Clayton Brick yard.
Tiny Carol is cuddled by her caring Grandmother Carrie Baker, mother of Dave.
Then there is the 8th Grade Graduating Class including Catherine Baker front row far right, the class of 1944-1945. We were a happy group. Mrs. Sweeney announced the death of President Roosevelt and very soon thereafter the surrender of Nazi Germany. These were the worst of times and with the surrender of Japan, the best of times. Our local heroes came streaming home in what seemed like droves. Some are still with us. Those were good days when parents’ prayers were answered and they could throw their arms around their precious boys and hold on to them for dear life.
At Graduation in the Spring of 1949 there were 42 Graduates. At our 60th Class Reunion there were 19 remaining.
Catherine and Cliff joined her 49ers classmates at their 60th Class Reunion. They were a sight to behold! Her eyes were gleaming the entire day. This couple has been very blessed over the years. Not many people have done more for their fellow man than these two. Far right, Catherine Baker Truman and her husband Cliff.
n this great picture, Dad just finished roaching old Beauty. He got the camera when Ella walked by carrying a pie tin. Beauty nickered at her, so she got a pan of oats.
This is most likely a photo by Mr. Baker. It’s the first time our Society has seen the picture. Dave worked at the Brickyard for many years.
These are baby pictures of little Ella Hathaway born in 1909.
The hearts of Dave and Ella Bakers' kids will melt, the second they see this angelic face. May God bless this family because they lived for Him.
Sharon, Carol, Catherine, and Vernon & Wendell appear in this 1990 photo.
This is the very first photo of the Clayton all Class reunion exhibited by our Society. It was held in July 1974. One special guest was Mae Huffman Fischbach. She was 75 then and nearing her 98th birthday in 2010. She Graduated from Clayton High School in 1932.
This Bride and Groom deserve at least two wedding pictures. Here is # 2.
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