Baker Mansion facts for kids
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Baker Mansion
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Baker Mansion, April 2012
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3500 Baker Blvd., Altoona, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1844-1849 |
| Architect | Robert Cary Long, Jr. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001619 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 5, 1975 |
The Baker Mansion is an old, important house in Altoona, Pennsylvania. It was built a long time ago, between 1844 and 1849. This big, stone house looks like ancient Greek buildings, with tall columns at the front. Today, it's home to the Blair County Historical Society, which means it's a museum where you can learn about the area's history.
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Who Lived in Baker Mansion?
The Baker Mansion was first home to Elias Baker and his family. Elias Baker was an ironmaster, a person who owned and managed an iron furnace. In 1836, he bought the nearby Allegheny Furnace with his cousin.
Elias, his wife Hetty, and their two sons, David Woods and Sylvester, moved to the area. They lived in a house near the furnace. Later, two daughters, Anna and Margaretta, were born. Sadly, Margaretta died young at age two.
Building a Dream Home
In 1844, Elias Baker bought out his cousin's share of the furnace. That same year, he hired an architect named Robert Cary Long, Jr. to design a new home. Work on the mansion began in 1845.
Building the house took a long time, with many problems and delays. It was finally finished in 1849. The mansion cost about $15,000, which was a lot of money back then! Elias Baker faced money troubles because of the cost and falling iron prices. But he kept going and finished his dream house.
Elias Baker enjoyed his new home for 15 years until he passed away in 1864. His wife, Hetty, lived in the mansion until she died in 1900.
The Baker Children
Elias and Hetty's son, David Woods Baker, married Sarah Tuthill in 1851. They had a daughter named Louise in 1852. Sadly, David died just two and a half weeks after Louise was born. Louise later moved to Sweden with her husband.
Sylvester and Anna, Elias's other children, never married. They both lived in the mansion until they passed away. After Anna died in 1914, the mansion was closed for a few years.
Baker Mansion as a Museum
In 1922, the Blair County Historical Society leased the mansion. They opened it as a museum, sharing the history of the area. With help from the community, the Society was able to buy the house in 1941.
Since then, the Baker Mansion has been the Society's main office. It has become a much-loved landmark in the community. People visit to learn about the past and see this historic home.
Restoring the Mansion
In 2001, the outside of the mansion was fixed up. It was made to look just like it did when it was first built. Work has also started on fixing up the inside. This helps keep the old house in good condition for future visitors. In 2015, a special room called the double parlor was restored to its original look.
The Legend of Anna Baker
The Baker Mansion is famous for a sad legend about Anna Baker, Elias's daughter. Anna fell in love with a steel worker who was not wealthy. Her father, Elias, did not approve of their relationship.
Anna and the steel worker planned to get married, and Anna even bought her own wedding dress. But Elias found out and strongly disagreed with the marriage. He made sure the steel worker had to leave the city.
Anna was heartbroken. She refused to marry anyone else her father suggested. She chose to stay in her room, keeping the wedding dress she never got to wear. Anna lived in the mansion until she died in 1914.
Ghost Sightings
After Anna's death, members of the Baker family reported strange things happening. They said Anna's wedding dress would appear in different places around the house. Some people even claim to have seen the ghost of Anna Baker herself, walking around in her wedding dress. It's a spooky story that adds to the mansion's history!
National Recognition
The Baker Mansion is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it's officially recognized as a place worth protecting for its historical value.
