Oral history interview with Fred C. Baker, 1977 January 19
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Interviewee
- Baker, Fred C. (Frederick Charles), 1887-1981
- Title
- Oral history interview with Fred C. Baker
- Dates
- 1977 January 191977-01-191977-01-19
- Quantity
- 0.1 cubic feet, (1 audiocassette (50 min., 26 sec.) + transcript (19 pages))
- Collection Number
- SR 9316
- Summary
- 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.
- Repository
-
Oregon Historical Society Research Library
1200 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR
97205
Telephone: 503-306-5240
Fax: 503-219-2040
libreference@ohs.org - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open for research.
- Languages
- English
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.
Content Description
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.
Use of the Collection
Alternative Forms Available
Audio and transcript available online in OHS Digital Collections.
Preferred Citation
Oral history interview with Fred C. Baker, by Charles Digregorio, SR 9316, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.
Restrictions on 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/
Administrative Information
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