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Living by the ocean naturally produces in one a distinct appreciation and love of its inhabitants. One of our first interests and hobbies was Malacology and Conchology (the study of Mollusca). We became members of the Boston Malacolgical Club which met at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. We were privileged to have the benefit of working and studying beside the most brilliant minds in the field of Malacology at the University.
Emmett became President of this club which was a distinct honor as he was the first 'lay person' to hold that position. Previous to this only those holding Doctorates had been so honored.
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Sometime later, probably in the early 1960's, we became interested in antiques.
One day, while on Cape Cod, we went into an antique shop (the Wayside Shop) owned and operated by William Covill, Jr. and his wife, Gertrude. We immediately struck up a nice friendship. Emmett mentioned that he was just beginning to dig old bottles. Bill said, "Go upstairs into my private quarters and look at my inks". That was an experience--case after case of beautiful inkwells and ink bottles. From that moment on Emmett became interested in collecting ink bottles and now has between six and seven hundred in his collection.
During the years that followed we became good friends and visited often. Bill became Emmett's mentor and guided him along in the collecting of ink bottles and inkwells. Bill had a vast knowledge regarding 'inks' and it is unfortunate that more of this knowledge did not find its way into his book.
During the period of our early friendship our daughter called Bill "Uncle Inky" because of his collection and his auto number plate being "INKS".
Just before his death he gave her one of his books with a special note to her and signed it, "Uncle Inky". She treasures this book.
After Bill's death Emmett was asked by his wife to appraise his ink collection for the estate before it went to auction at the Skinner Gallery in Bolton, MA. in April 1980. What a thrill--handling, closeup, 3500 ink bottles and inkwells. This was at that time the premier ink collection in the world.
Together we search for 'inks' at shops, shows, flea markets and where-ever else we think they may be found.
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Having once lived near Boston, MA. and while traveling to and from our home we would enjoy the wonderful odor of the chocolate emanating from the Walter Baker & Co. factory in Dorchester, MA. This, coupled with the fact that our name is Baker, induced us to begin collecting Walter Baker Company memorabilia.
As far as we know there are no records in existance listing the advertising and premium items given away or sold by this company.
Our collecting experience indicates to us that there were many, many items produced by this firm which are today eagerly sought after by hundreds of collectors. We are sure that there are more Baker chocolate advertising and premium items still left to be discovered.
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If anyone has any questions regarding ink bottles, inkwells, or the Walter Baker Chocolate Co. we will try to answer them to the best of our ability. Your comments are also welcome.
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We have listed a few of our favorite sites. You may find them interesting.
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