16
THE DAVEY BULLETIN
|
July/August 2018
SOCIAL HOUR
CARVING A DAVEY LEGACY
Watching her father woodcarving by the fire on their
annual family camping trip is something that Joan Miller
remembers fondly.
Joan Miller is the youngest daughter of C. Baker Miller,
who worked for Davey for 41 years before his retirement
in 1975 as equipment manager. C. Baker Miller came
from an extensive line of woodcarvers, starting with his
great grandfather.
"I can remember as a little girl, Dad carving things like
whirligigs and different puzzles that you put together,"
she said.
Joan said her father carved everything from pickup sticks
to animals to celtic spoons. He also carved three wooden
carousels that functioned, complete with music and
movement. One of his carousels was featured in the Davey
Bulletin in June 1992. He also built kayaks out of beamed
wood and canvas.
She shared images of her father's carvings on social
media, which is how Miller's hobby grabbed the eye of
the Bulletin team.
Joan attributes his woodcarving ability to the fact that he
wanted to be a surgeon. He went to Kent State University
Above: C. Baker Miller went by "Bake."
Left: C. Baker Miller traveled to the
Navajo Nation, which inspired carvings
like this Native American Horse.
Below: C. Baker Miller had hundreds
of carvings, and they've all been kept in
the family.
to become a doctor but couldn't afford to complete his
education. So, he came to work for Davey at the age of 19.
"He was an amazing woodworker. His work was very
intricate and detailed," Joan said. "He had attention to
detail in everything he did and steady hands, even at 95."
C. Baker Miller taught woodcarving and was actively
involved in a woodcarving club in Florida until his death.
He died in March of 2007 and is laid to rest in Standing Rock
Cemetery across from Davey's corporate headquarters.
"He was an amazing man, so many good memories,"
she said.
