Needham’s Baker Estate – Gloria Greis, Executive Director – Needham Historical Society
Hardly anyone outside Needham and Wellesley remembers anymore, but 120 years ago, Ridge Hill Farms was known far and wide. Ridge Hill, also known as the Baker Estate, was the home and creation of William Emerson Baker, founder of the Grover and Baker Sewing Machine Company. After taking an early retirement at age 40, the now phenomenally rich Baker purchased nearly 800 acres in the southwest corner of Needham. In the twenty years that followed, Baker filled his summer estate with over 100 amusements, attractions and exhibits. These included a museum of industry, two bear pits for his pets, an underground crystal grotto featuring the Forty Thieves, a pleasure lake, saloons and restaurants, and a 225-room luxury hotel. Gloria Greis will be speaking on the fascinating Baker Estates and their unique place in Needham’s history. A discussion will follow.
This event is sponsored by the Trustees of the Needham Free Public Library and is the second of three programs on Needham’s Path to 300.
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