Dorchester Atheneum
Monday, December 28, 2009
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Walter Baker Chocolate Co.
Baker Chocolate Trade Card showing Factory
Click image for more information
 Dorchester's most famous industry began in 1765, when Messrs. Wentworth and Storer put up a chocolate-mill on the site of the old powder mill in Milton for an Irish chocolate maker, John Hannan.

See the sub-sections below for more detailed information.

Readers' Comments
 Comment received Jan. 12, 2006 from Lee Sullivan

I grew up down the neponset River from the Baker chocolate factory. I could see the letters, B-A-K-E-R-S on their stacks from my bedroom window. We could smell the aroma of chocolate wafting in the air.

Comment received From: "Peg (Reed) Buckman... granddaughter of Daniel L. Cushing"

Hi,
I grew up on the banks of the Neponset River with the Baker Mill Dam in my backyard. At noon every day we would know it was time for lunch in our schools as the "whistle" would blow. At 4:30 we would know that my grandfather was on his way home from working at the mill. ANd it there was a fire, the "whistle" would blow a series of times to tell where the fire was. I sure miss it!!

From: Linda Gallo, January, 2007

In the 1960's I was in that area for a meeting at a church and I remember the smell of chocolate in the air. Not being from the area I was told of the Baker factory that was in the neighborhood. That smell is forever in my memory. What a great memory it is too.

I use Baker's unsweetened chocolate squares only for all my baking. The One Bowl Brownie recipe is my favorite. I am always asked to bake them. I've tried many recipes but none can compare. My secret is to not overbake. I remove them once I see a glaze on top and the batter is settled and flat. I also have a few collectibles.

From: Patty Paterson Feb. 2009

My parents met and fell in love while they were working for Walter Baker in the 1930's.


Anonymous: As a teenager, while working at Star Market in 1994,I often took the trolley from Ashmont to work, by the bridge. It's funny because at the time I knew nothing about the history of the mills, but I always felt a strong energy eminating from these mills. Then years later, I passed by the Chocolate Factory at Lower Mills and felt the same thing;the feeling that I felt was always a good feeling: a feeling that impressed upon me a strong heritage of pride and ingenuity--but to be honest, I also felt a lingering sadness. I have visited the building, with interest of purchasing a Condo two years ago, but the pain and sadness I felt fro the walls, was so strong I was not able to stay for the tour. Thanks

Topics
Walter Baker & Co. General HistoryAdams Street MillBaker Mill and Forbes Mill
Pierce MillWare Mill and Preston MillWebb Mill
Baker Chocolate Power HouseAdministration Building Baker ChocolateBaker Chocolate Recipe Pamphlets
Baker Chocolate ProcessingBaker Chocolate Physical PlantLower Mills Historic District
Baker Chocolate AdvertisingLa Belle ChocolatiereOld Stone Mill
Baker FamilyChoice Recipes 1913
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Created: August 17, 2003   Modified: December 27, 2009