A. Baker & Sons

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A. Baker & Sons, established in 1894, is known to be one of the oldest surviving businesses in The Bahamas, and may be the oldest store still remaining in its original location on Bay Street. A. Baker and Sons was founded by Mr. Anthony Baker, born Thannous Michael Saddi, of Hasroun, Syria (then Lebanon). Some historical accounts tell us that Mr. Baker was a member of the Ouwade family, who were among the first Lebanese migrants to come to The Bahamas in an effort to escape religious persecution in Syria. Mr. Baker is said to have loved travel, and he arrived in The Bahamas when he was twenty-one by way of Egypt, the United States, and Bermuda, before settling in the Family Islands, where he sold wares that he accumulated during his travels. He later transferred his business to Nassau, and in 1894 he opened his popular dry goods emporium, where he sold textiles and ready-to-wear clothing imported from England. Together, he and his wife, Kaurab Baker (born Ageeb, and also from Lebanon), raised their fourteen children, who would help them in the store. Today, A. Baker & Sons is still owned by several of Anthony Baker’s surviving children. Some of his grandchildren assist in the store to this day. Those who visit the shop say that it is like taking a journey back through time, and a trip down memory lane.