He took classes at Community College of Allegheny County, then later worked at Country Belle Dairy, before opening his first Baker’s Dairy store in 1968 on Brushton Avenue in Homewood.

In this modern-day era where the big-box stores do all they can to force the “little guys” out of business, the bond that Baker’s Dairy had created with Homewood residents kept the lights on and the cash register rolling.

FEATURED IMAGE: ROSE PRICE, niece of William “Willie” Baker, places a balloon and flowers on the entrance to Baker’s Dairy in Homewood.

(Photo by J.L. Martello)

REMEMBERING WILLIAM BAKER—Granddaughter January Johnson, niece Rose Price, and granddaughters Deirdre Baker and Tamara Freeman, after the May 8 balloon release celebration for the iconic owner of Baker’s Dairy.

REMEMBERING A HOMEWOOD LEGEND, WILLIAM “WILLIE” BAKER, the iconic owner of Baker’s Dairy.