Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

As a college student at Troy State University in the late 1970’s, I vividly remember Harry Baker the Jeweler.  I often admired the beautiful jewelry, watches, clocks and other items displayed in the window.  Of course, on a college students budget, I was never able to purchase anything but window shopping was always free!  After moving back to Troy in 1979 and attending Frist Baptist Church, I got to know Mr. and Mrs. Baker.  They were such fine people and I’m happy to report that I was finally able to shop at their store.  In 1980, the Troy Messenger featured articles on many of the businesses in their Progress feature.  I hope this one brings back fond memories for you.

Harry Baker the Jeweler has been at the same location at 112 N. Three Notch St. since 1962.

Baker began his career in the jewelry business with his aunt, Mrs. M. E. Golucke in Bainbridge, Ga., in 1946 and was graduated from the Southern Watchmaking School in Birmingham.

At Baker’s place of business on Three Notch all kinds of jewelry are available.  Baker said that diamonds “were God given even through diamonds carry the distributors name.”  At Baker’s, diamonds carrying the Magnolia, Rosenthal, Kaspar and Esh, and J. Solomon names are the showcases.

Harry Baker has an almost infinite variety of merchandise in his store.  Class rings are sold here, Speidel watch bands, silver plate by Gorham, International and Onedia, sterling flatware in all the major brands such as Reed and Barton, Gorham, Towle, International and Lunt.  Quality shaving kits, Cross pen and desk sets and Seth Thomas clocks may also be purchased.

For college fraternities and sororities, jewelry of 14 karat gold, gold filled plated, sterling or wood is in stock.

At Baker’s the buyer will find china by Royal Doulton, Minton or Haviland; in casual china, the Poppy Trail and Vernon Ware lines are carried.  Baker’s also sells Fostoria and Imperial crystal and cut glass.

In jewelry boxes, Baker has them either plain or in the music box type.  Samsonite luggage is also available.  Baker’s also carries charm holders and the popular 14 karat gold chains.  The gold chains are in three types:  serpentine, cobra and zebra and 14 karat gold balls may be purchased and attached to them.

Baker is married to the former Elizabeth Gilchrist who works at the jewelry store.  The Bakers have three sons, Ronnie, employed at the store and now taking jewelry courses; Joe, a 1976 graduate of TSU and Jerry.

Also employed at Harry Baker the Jeweler are Sheila Jones, Susan Blake and Arlene Lindsay.

Baker was with the 8th Air Force in England during WWII.  He had three years military service.

All of these articles can be found in previous editions of The Troy Messenger.  Stay tuned for more.  Dianne Smith is the President of the Pike County Historical, Genealogical and Preservation Society.