OTTO BAAK

Sacramento County

Biographies

OTTO BAAK

OTTO BAAK.--The interesting traditions of the past, when art and industry joined hands, are pleasantly recalled by the workmanship and unique treasures of Otto Baak, the very efficient and popular jeweler of 2926 Thirty-fifth Street, Sacramento. He came from the state of Iowa, having been born near Crawford, on a farm, on April 21, 1878; and his parents were August and Elizabeth (Linsted) Baak, worthy farmer folk in Iowa. Mr. Baak died in his Iowa home; but Mrs. Baak breathed her last in Chicago, to which center the family had removed when Otto was a boy.

Otto Baak attended both public and private schools, getting a very good educational foundation which has always helped him in his high-grade and difficult work, and in his dealings with a more exacting, because more knowing body of patrons; and then he was apprenticed to learn the jeweler’s trade, and worked for Marshall Field & Company in their jewelry department. And then, for six years, he was associated with the Western Electrical Company in their experimental department.

In 1914, Mr. Baak came out to Elk Grove and tried ranching for six months; but finding the experience somewhat different in setting out potatoes and setting diamonds, he sold his ranch at the end of the year, and came on to Sacramento. He located at Oak Park, and established his jewelry business, which has become one of the commercial as well as art-industrial attractions of the choice neighborhood. He was a sick man when he came here; and now he is strong and robust. He carries a full line of jewelry, often offering novelties not to be found down town, and he makes the most expert repairs to jewelry needing his attention, charging only what an article or a service is worth. He belongs to the Merchants’ Club of Oak Park, and is a welcome member there.

When Mr. Baak married, in 1899, he chose for his life companion Miss Clara Schwartz, of Chicago; and they have two children. Herbert graduated from Concordia College at Oakland, in January, 1922; and Esther is a stenographer. Mr. Baak is president of Trinity Lutheran Church; and is a stanch Republican.

Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Pages 956-957. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.