Oral history interview with Fred C. Baker

Collection

Identifier: SR 9317

Staff Only

Oral history interview with Fred C. Baker

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Scope and Contents

This oral history interview with Fred C. Baker was conducted by Sheila Ann Finch on July 5, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library’s oral history program. In addition to the audio recording of the interview, a transcript is available.

In this interview, Baker discusses his career in lighting design. He talks about architects he worked with, including Frederick Fritsch, Carl Linde, and Herman Brookman; discusses some of the buildings he designed lighting for, particularly the Pittock Mansion; and describes how he got his start in the lighting design business. He looks at photographs of his designs and talks about them. He closes the interview by briefly sharing his experience working on Timberline Lodge.

Dates

Creation: 1978 July 5

Creator

Baker, Fred C. (Frederick Charles), 1887-1981 (Interviewee, Person)
Finch, Sheila Ann, 1941- (Interviewee, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright for this interview is held by the estate of Fred C. Baker. Use is allowed according to the following statement: In Copyright - https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Biographical note

Frederick Charles Baker was born in Bay City, Michigan, in 1887. In 1892, his family relocated to Oregon. He studied architecture at the University of Oregon. He became one of the few lighting designers to draw designs in full detail, rather than beginning with a model. In 1912, Baker opened his first shop, the Fred C. Baker Lighting Company, in Portland, and the next year was hired to design the lighting in the Pittock Mansion. In 1929, he and Inez Allan were married. Baker designed the lighting in many buildings, including the Oregon State Capitol and Timberline Lodge. He was still actively involved with the business when he died in 1981.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (2 audiocassettes (1 hr., 19 min., 24 sec.) + transcript (31 pages))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Oral history interview with Fred C. Baker conducted by Sheila Ann Finch on July 5, 1978. Baker was a designer of light fixtures for Oregon architects and interior designers.