Harry Elmo Baker Collection, Circa 1910 - 1959
Collection context
Summary
- Extent:
- 1 Half Hollinger Box
- .2083 Linear Feet (1 container)
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
Harry Elmo Baker Collection, Broward County Historical Archives, Broward County Library.
Background
- Scope and content:
The Harry Elmo Baker Collection contains photographs, certificates, adn other printed materials documenting the lives of Baker family members, the early days of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and the aftermath of the 1926 hurricane.
- Biographical / historical:
Harry Baker Elmo (1904-1988) was the son of a Florida pioneer family that settled in Broward County in 1908. Mr. Baker's family moved to Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach to raise pineapples. In 1910, the Bakers opened a machine shop; then started Fort Lauderdale's first cab service (Baker Taxi). Mattie Baker, Harry's mother, started the old Prospect School in 1909 and the Whidby Shool in 1915. After a varied career path, Harry Elmo Baker worked as the information desk clerk in the Broward County Courthouse. He was also a charter member of the Pompano Beach Rotary Club.
On September 15, 1926, the National Weather Bureau issued warnings of three large tropical storms in the Caribbean. Before hurricanes were named, the storm that made landfall in Florida became known as the "Big Blow". As of 2023, this Category 4 storm still ranks among 20th century U.S. hurricanes as the 12th strongest and the 12th deadliest. According to the Red Cross, the 1926 "Big Blow" resulted in 372 deaths, over 6,000 injuries, and damages estimated at $105 million dollars.
- Processing information:
This collection received file level processing. This finding aid may be updated to reflect new descriptions as well as acquisitions to the collection.
- Arrangement:
The Harry Elmo Baker Collection is organized into three series: Series I. Photographs, Series II. Personal Certificates, and Series III. Printed Materials.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
The Harry Elmo Baker Collection is open for research.
- Preferred citation:
Harry Elmo Baker Collection, Broward County Historical Archives, Broward County Library.
- Location of this collection:
-
Broward County Historical Archives, Broward County Library100 S. Andrews AvenueFort LauderdaleFL33301USA
