Bird’s Eye View of Baker, MT, ca. 1917

Here’s a vintage photo, about 1917, of Baker, MT.  The little pioneer town had gown by this time as more people moved there to ranch, farm and work on the newly found gas resources.  It was still unpaved, but the houses reflected those found all over the U.S. at this time, because many newcomers to Baker came from Iowa, The Dakotas, Wisconsin and Minnesota.  Many of its residents still spoke Norwegian, German, Russian, Swedish and Chinese.  The town was a real American melting pot.  But the streets were muddy and mostly unpaved.  Electricity was still a novel thing in Irene’s day; it’s a wonder how she was able to see to sew all those clothes that she wore to school.  But her mom, Karlyn’s greatgrandmother, Maude, was a very strong person, and insisted that Irene learn sewing as well as piano playing from her.

Baker, MT., View of the Brand New Houses & Muddy Streets