NEW PORTLAND – The private road into the western side of the Gilman Pond community has a new name, Baker’s Way, in honor of 84-year-old Earle Baker.
Baker was honored last weekend with the unveiling of the official street sign and a community potluck supper.
“It’s the first time I’ve had my own way!” Baker said with a twinkle in his eye.
“The (Gilman Pond) association voted to name the road after Earle two years ago,” explained neighbor Cathy Haines during the unveiling. “It’s appropriate we named it for him. He’s been here over 40 years and owns the first camp ever built on this side of the pond. All of the other camps were modeled after his.”
A humble but pleased Baker admitted that was so. He bought the camp, which was built on spec to see if camps could sell along the shoreline of Gilman Pond, in 1964. He and his family spent every summer there, and Baker still does. His summer activities often involve a rowboat, kayak or canoe.
“I use them all,” he said. “I like the natural life around here, the solitude and nature. And, you can’t beat the fantastic view.”
The front room of his small red camp has windows on three sides, providing Baker with a well-rounded view of his beloved pond. Even on a cloudy, misty day, the water is like glass and reflects the sky above and the colorful fall leaves of the trees that hug the shoreline.
“Earle’s the overseer of the pond, really,” Haines said. “Everyone knows him and he knows them. If you want to know anything about the people here or the animals, Earle’s the guy to talk to. If you need something, he has it.”
The pond community now consists of 13 camps, including Baker’s. Although community members have changed over the years, Baker said he has always enjoyed his neighbors.
“I just really enjoy the people that make up this community,” he said. “It’s an extended family, we’re all neighbors and we all love this place.”
The road name, Baker’s Way, has been officially accepted by the town of New Portland and Lexington Township. Baker himself was surprised, especially at never having learned of the secret that his neighbors were holding onto until the unveiling.
Baker admitted he knows every kayak and canoe on the pond and who’s in it. He keeps an eye out for his neighbors and the pond itself each day he is there.
“He’s a wonderful friend to all of the camp owners,” Haines said.
Baker replied, “That works both ways.”
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