Bennington, VT Killed by Falling Door, May 1955

George H. Baker Fatally Injured By Falling Door

The funeral of George Henry Baker, 58, of 313 Silver St., will be held with a prayer Friday at 2 p.m. from Gibney, Haynes & Kane Funeral Home, followed by services at 2:30 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. The Rev. Canon Norman B. Godfrey, rector, will officiate and interment will be in Park Lawn Cemetery.

Mr. Baker was fatally injured in an accident at the H. T. Cushman Mfg. Co. in North Bennington about 2 p.m. Tuesday.

The victim was standing on a cement abutment with several other men when the accident occurred, according to Yard Foreman Frank Signori of 202 Ben-Mont Ave.

Signori told State Police he saw something flash by his eyes and yelled to Mr. Baker to look out. He said the victim tried to get out of the way but stumbled off the three-foot high abutment and fell to the ground below, striking his forehead on the end of a steel trolley rig frame use to haul lumber into the dry kiln area.

The 500-pound, six-by-twelve foot door fell on top of Mr. Baker, further injuring him. Signori said the door had been removed from its hinges to permit airing of the kiln room while it was being painted.

Dr. J. C. Armstrong of North Bennington was immediately called to the scene. He said the victim was dying of severe head injuries when he arrived.

Assistant State Medical Examiner Dr. William A. Flood of North Bennington termed the death accidental. Also investigating on the scene were State Police John Poljacik and Richard Davis State's Attorney Miss Margaret Lillie was notified of the accident.

Mr. Baker had been a resident of Bennington for the past 50 years and had always lived in this locale. Born in North Petersburg, N. Y., April 15, 1897, he was the son of the late George Henry and Hilma Hancen Baker. He had attended Pownal schools and during his early years had been engaged in farming. However, for the past 21 years he had been employed at the Cushman plant, where he was a carpenter with the maintenance crew.

A great sportsman, he was fond of the outdoor life and was known to many as an expert philosopher on nature. His garden, cultivation of flowers, was his favorite hobby and he had taken special pride in its development every year. He was a kindly person and the younger generation held him in affection as he always expressed his love for the children. He was ever ready to lend a helping hand to his fellow man and possessed an understanding and sympathy in time of trouble.

He was held in high regard by many friends and neighbors as well as by his working associates. His affiliations had included Bennington Grange; the local aerie, F. O. Eagles; UIU at Cushman Company. He had been a long time member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

Survivors are his wife, the former Myrtle Sweet, whom he married in Bennington, March 11, 1916; six sisters, Mrs. Mary Smith, Mrs. Earl (Florence) Denio, Mrs. Veronica Geannelis, Mrs. Wm. (Helen) Small of Albany, Mrs. Raymond (Katherine) Black, and Miss Alice Baker, all of Bennington. A brother, Fred Baker, died a few years ago. Several nieces and nephews are also left.

Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience.

Bennington Evening Banner, Bennington, VT 11 May 1955
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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!