BIRCHES

This collection of poems, verses and rhymes contains remembrances, portraits, stories, and humorous observations composed by the author over the last few years. They reflect his nearly 80 years of experiences growing up, living and working in the vibrant Yakima Valley of central Washington state. The collection includes poignant tributes to various members of his family, including a section of twelve poems dedicated to the memory of his older brother, who was lost at sea during World War II.

Fred T. Baker was born in 1928 in Yakima, Washington, just months before the start of The Great Depression. As the fourth of six children raised through those hard times, Fred learned to create and pursue his own entertainment and interests. He was enco