Oral history interview with Fred C. Baker

Collection

Identifier: SR 9316

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This oral history interview with Fred C. Baker was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on January 19, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library. In addition to the audio recording, a transcript of the interview is available.

In this interview, Baker discusses his career as a lighting designer in Portland, Oregon. He talks about his association with architect A.E. Doyle, discusses his work for the Pittock Mansion, and describes his design and manufacturing process. He speaks at length about how lighting designs changed as electricity became widespread and as light bulbs became more powerful.

Dates

1977 January 19

Creator

Baker, Fred C. (Frederick Charles), 1887-1981 (Interviewee, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Joint copyright for this interview is held by the Oregon Historical Society and the estate of Fred C. Baker. Use is allowed according to the following statement: In Copyright – Non-Commercial Use Permitted, https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-NC/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 (1 audiocassette (50 min., 26 sec.) + transcript (19 pages))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Oral history interview with Fred C. Baker conducted by Charles Digregorio on January 19, 1977. Baker was a designer of light fixtures for Oregon architects and interior designers.