In 1911 Douglas, along with his family, moved to Geraldton where they opened a store in Marine Terrace. Douglas Harry Baker passed away in 1938 in Geraldton.
The Leon Baker Story
Back in 1886 Douglas Harry Baker began his apprenticship in Barnet, after four years becoming qualified. In 1900 he opened his own store in Norwich trading under the name of “D.H Baker Watchermaker, Jewellery and Optician” which remained there until 1911.
Douglas Harry Baker outside his Geraldton store in 1911
Douglas Harry Baker 1869 - 1938
D.H.Baker Jeweller-Watchmaker-Engraver
Douglas Hubert Baker started his apprenticeship in 1924 under his father Douglas Harry. Douglas Hubert and his wife moved to Northam where he managed a jewellery store and saw the birth of their first child, David Leon Baker.
Northam store 1959
Douglas Hubert Baker at the Freemasons hotel Geraldton 1935
Leon Baker & his father in their Northam Store in 1954
After moving to Bunbury and the birth of their daughter, Douglas Hubert and his wife moved back to Northam in 1940 where they opened their own store. Douglas Hubert Baker passed away in 1966 in Northam.
Continuing the family tradition, David Leon Baker also completed his apprenticeship under his father which saw David do a tour around Australia and finally opening a store in Merredin. After marrying his wife and exciting 12 years of opening four stores throughout Country WA and having four daughters, the early 1970’s saw David and his wife sell all four stores and have a four year break from the industry.
David Leon Baker and his parents
David Leon Baker 1964
After moving back to Geraldton, this became a base for opening yet another four stores in Country WA again.
Fast forward to 2015, Leon Baker Jewellers are now down to the one location of Geraldton. David Leon Baker sold the business to his daughter Elise ( baker ) and her husband Shain Forth in 2008 who are now continuing the tradition of a family run and operated Jewellers.