This continues a series adapted from the book, “A Port Oneida Collection,” Volume 1 of the twopart set, “Oral History, Photographs, and Maps from the Sleeping Bear Region,” produced by Tom Van Zoeren in partnership with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. Here we continue with the Baker Farm, at the north end of Port Oneida Road, next to Camp Kohahna.
The Baker Farm began as a traditional general farm operation, similar to others in the area. Within a few years, though, the Bakers formed a close relationship with Camp Kohahna, the Christian Science camp for girls. The camp actually got its Port Oneida start on the Baker Farm. The Bakers would move into their garage for the summer, and rent their house to the camp for staff housing and kitchen facilities. The camp girls stayed in these tents set up by the present garden area on the farm. A nearby “Long House” was used for camp activities.
The camp bought all the potatoes the Baker Farm could produce, as well as dairy products and other produce. In 1927 Fred Baker started keeping horses for the girls to ride for $1/hour.
