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Contributing Institution:
Society of California Pioneers
Title: George H. Baker Diary, Vol. 4
Identifier/Call Number: C058750
Physical Description:
1 folder
1 Bound journal
Date (inclusive): 1848
Abstract: This file contains the hard bound, and hand written in ink journal of George H. Baker. This diary, Vol. 4, holds his memories
from March to August of 1848 prior to his arrival in California. The journal is in good condition with the spine intact and
the hand writing is clear and legible throughout.
Language of Material:
English
.
This item is the hardbound, and hand written in ink journal of George H. Baker. This diary, Vol. 4, holds his memories from
March to August of 1848 prior to his arrival in California. The journal is in good condition with the spine intact and the
hand writing is clear and legible throughout. In this diary he talks about his time living in New York, before traveling to
California to search for gold, and he mentions his time with the New England Pioneers. He also describes his hopes for a strong
Anti-slavery presidential nominee and states he will most likely support Zachary Taylor.
GH Baker joined the Gold Rush to California, arriving at San Francisco in May, 1849. His sketch Port of San Francisco, 1849"
was lithographed and published in the NY Tribune in August, 1849. From 1852 to 1862 Baker worked in Sacramento running several
merchandising businesses; he also edited and published two periodicals, continued to sketch (mostly mining scenes), and made
a series of woodcuts of California views. He drew and published a large and detailed lithograph of Sacramento as it looked
in 1857 (his account book listing subscribers and advertising costs is housed at the Soc. of Cal. Pioneers). He moved back
permanently to SF in 1862, establishing a lithography and publishing firm. He specialized in broadsides, advertising cards,
views of buildings, stock certificates,and maps. He did produce several letter sheets.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mrs George Lilly (daughter) and Charles H. Baker (son), 1931
Existence and Location of Originals
The Society of California Pioneers, 101 Montgomery St., Suite 150 The Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco CA, 94129
Collection open for research
There are no restrictions on access
George H. Baker Diary, Vol. 4, The Society of California Pioneers
The Society has 3 of George H. Baker's Diaries: C058749,describes his journey to California and his search for gold; C058751,
discusses his business creating lithographs in San Francisco ; C058750 discusses his time in New England and New York before
going to California. The Society also has the Subscription Book for his Birds Eye view of Sacramento, C058752. Finally. we
also have the George Holbrook Papers, C057707.
George H. Baker was a member of The Society of California Pioneers. The Society has the following institutional records for
him: Archives Record, vol.1, p.29 and Mortuary Record, 1892-1906, p. 200. He joined the Society on March 2, 1863.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
New York Society of California Pioneers
Slavery - Massachusetts - History - 19th century
New York - History - 19th century