Lyman Baker said operating a lumber mill didn't make him rich but it has been a rewarding career.

Baker's Saw Mill in Munn's Road has been around for quite some time. It was started in 1948 by Lyman Baker and his brother and has been a family business ever since. Lyman Baker took over sole operation of the mill shortly after it began. He hired help for many years but, now that his two sons, Winston and Carl, are grown, they help their father in the business. When asked why he chose the lumber industry as his profession, Mr. Baker said, "I didn't like farming. I grew a few potatoes, but I never liked cows, so I went into the Iumber business." The Baker mill supplies the lumber to various people and businesses in eastern P.E.I. It buys logs from small contractors or cutters from the area. Then it converts the wood to lumber for fishermen, farmers, small contractors, etc. The lumber is used for boat supplies, lobster trap supplies, some houses and smaller buildings, and repairs.

Mr. Baker said the mill has had its share of ups and downs over the years. Constant repair has to be done to the mill and machinery. There have also been many changes in supply and demand. However, Mr. Baker remains satisfied with his business. "After you've been at it so many years, it becomes part of your daily routine," he said.

One of the greatest challenges the Bakers had to face came in 1974 when the original mill burned to the ground. Mr. Baker said the fire began in the mill's motor downstairs. With the engine running and the fierce wind that day, the mill quickly caught fire and was burned to the ground in just half an hour. Everything was lost. The Bakers rebuilt the mill on the exact same site and were back in business the following year. "If you start something and you like it, it gets in your blood," said Mr. Baker.

Over the years, many people have visited the mill and all have been impressed. Mr.Baker said various school bus tours have come to see the mill and were greatly impressed with seeing trees being made into lumber. "I've always been able to make a living," .said Mr . Baker. "I never got rich, but i got the bills paid and I figure if you can do that, you're not doing too bad!"

from an article published in The Beacon newspaper in the early 1990's, written by Tracy Lutz

Copyright
Waldron H. Leard