Baker family says thank you to customers

Brad Baker cooks hot dogs on the grill as part of Baker Lumber's customer appreciation luncheon Friday. (Democrat Photo/Mark Randall)

Brad Baker and his family always looks forward the annual drop-in at Baker Lumber and Hardware Co.

Their father, L.B. Baker, started the tradition of serving lunch about 15 years ago as a way of saying thank you to the customers and his Trumann neighbors who have supported the business over the years.

"We mark our calendars early," Baker said.

Baker made the cheese dip and kept the hot dogs coming fresh off the grill for the steady stream of customers and friends who began getting in line by 11 a.m.

Brother Brad and granddaughter Abigail Maggard were in charge of the chili.

The business sent out about 400 invitations this year.

Vicky Maggard gets the hot dog buns ready while customers help themselves to chili dogs. (Democrat Photo/Mark Randall) [Click to enlarge]

"It's a big thing for the Baker family," said secretary Beth Mitchell. "It's really nice."

The lumber shed at the corner of Hwy. 463 and Speedway Street hadsbeen a Trumann fixture since 1937 when it was owned by the Weem's family.

L.B. began working there as a general laborer in 1950 after he graduated from Trumann High School and later bought the business along with Trumann resident Charles Montgomery in 1978. The business was later renamed Baker Lumber Company in 1986 when Baker bought Montgomery's share.

L.B. continued to work there up until his death in 2006.

Brad said there was never any talk of discontinuing the drop-in after their father died.

"Our dad was always a hometown merchant," Baker said. "It just wouldn't be the same without it."

"And for me, since I live in Jonesboro, I get to see people I don't get to see but once a year," Baker said.