I. G. Baker Company

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search

The I. G. Baker Company was a mercantile and grocery company based in Fort Benton, Montana, started by Isaac Gilbert Baker and his brother, George Amos Baker, as I. G. Baker & Brother in 1866.[1] After the Conrad brothers (Charles E. & Wm. G.) were admitted as partners in 1873, the company name was changed to I. G. Baker & Co., which name was retained after the Conrads purchased George Baker’s interest in 1874.[1] In 1891, the Canadian assets of the company were purchased by its chief rival there, the Hudson's Bay Company.[2]

The company was prominent in early Western Canadian history. It operated the first store established in Calgary, Alberta in 1875.[3] There were also stores in Fort Macleod and Lethbridge, Alberta and in Fort Walsh, Saskatchewan.

The I. G. Baker Company brought a herd of cattle from Montana to southern Alberta, the first livestock imported for what is now a significant industry in Alberta.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Klassen, Henry Cornelius. Eye on the future: business people in Calgary and the Bow Valley, 1870-1900. Calgary: Univ. Alberta Press, 2002." Ch 2 is about the Conrads & I. G. Baker & Co., but ch. 1 & 3 are also pertinent.
  2. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.