February 7, 1955

Nathan H. Baker, Veteran Local Showman, Dead
Featured "Buck and Wing" Dance, Story Teller in Minstrel Shows

Nathan H. Baker, well-known veteran showman around Lancaster County, died at 8 a.m. yesterday at his home, 549 Rockland St., after an illness of three years. He was seventy-two.
A native of Middletown, Baker first started in local show business in 1904. According to a newspaper story of March 25 of that year published in the Intelligencer Journal, Baker appeared as "Pambo", an end man in a minstrel show presented by the Glee Club of Franklin and Marshall College.
"Buck and Wing" Star
For many years he appeared as an end man in minstrel shows throughout the country. He was featured as a "buck and wing" man and story teller. Each summer, a camping group called the Earon Association, which he belonged, would put on such shows in the area.
He also worked as a bartender in many hotels in the area. At one such establishment, the old Opera House Hotel, next to the Fulton Opera House, he was both bartender and entertainer.
To everyone he met, he made it plain he wanted to be called "Nate".
Steward at TBA
Ten years ago he became steward at the Theatrical Brotherhood Association, a position he held until last September when illness forced his retirement. At a special ceremony last month at the TBA where a plaque was dedicated to the memory of John Durang, Lancaster-born showman, Baker was introduced in absentia as a well-known variety showman.
He was a son of the late Nathaniel and Margaret Hipple Baker and a member of Faith Evangelical and Reformed Church. His first wife, Esther Gruel, died in 1911.
He is survived by his present wife, the former Jennie G. Steele, at home, and the following children: Mrs. Catherine C. Sener, Pontiac, Mich.; Harry N., M. Luther, Esther, wife of Arthur E. Lamparter; Mary E., wife of Russell S. Schober; Dorothy M., wife of Glenn Kurtz; Betty J., wife of William P. Heaps; Charles F., Sarah L., wife of J. Henry Thatcher; Dawn M., wife of Charles M. Herr; Nancy J., wife of Anthony D. Vital, all of Lancaster; Barbara A., wife of Charles W. Colson, at home; and Seaman John W., U.S. Navy, at home.
Also surviving are two sisters, Miss Clara M. Baker, Middletown, and Anna W., wife of Clarence Morgan, Lancaster; 22 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
The relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral without further notice from the Funeral Home of Fred F. Groff, Inc., 234 West Orange Street, on Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock. Interment in the Greenwood Cemetery. Friends may call at Groff's on Tuesday evening between 7 and 9 o'clock.
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Nathan had 17 children

Son of Nathan and Esther Gruel Baker:

James Ross Baker
b. November 4, 1909 in Lancaster, PA
d. went missing in 1928
James disappeared or ran away in 1928. He was never heard from again. Police and private investigators could not locate James. Possible foul play was suspected.