Philomena Baker is well known throughout Maine and New England for her long career as a professional portrait photographer. However, before she shared her personal history with journalist Kathryn Olmstead, few of her many acquaintances knew of her dramatic year as a German refugee during World War II.
“[It] is a story of love, courage, triumph over adversity in a time of great danger, and testimony to the ingenuity and adaptability of Baker and her family,” noted Ardeana Hamlin, novelist and Bangor Daily News columnist of a book now out about Baker.
Now the story, which enthralled readers of a seven-part series in the Bangor Daily News in 2010, has been expanded into a book: “Flight to Freedom: World War II through the Eyes of a Child, The Story of Philomena Keller Baker” (Maine Authors Publishing). Philomena was 9 when she and her mother boarded a boxcar attached to a hospital train of wounded German soldiers, among the last civilians evacuated from Odessa, Ukraine, before the city was reclaimed by the Soviet Army. This detailed memoir traces Philomena’s perilous journey, mostly on foot, through war-torn Europe. She and her mother crossed the Elbe River into American-occupied Germany with German soldiers who were surrendering to the Allies. But their journey was far from over.
“Philomena Baker’s story is as uplifting as it is compelling,” stated Robert Klose, author and contributor of essays to The Christian Science Monitor.
The story that begins in Russia ends in Maine where Baker settles initially in Fort Kent, as the bride of a Fort Kent man, and eventually in Hampden, where she becomes well-known throughout New England for fine portrait photography.
“Flight to Freedom” is available at Works of Heart in Caribou, Paradis in Fort Kent, Merchants on the Corner in Presque Isle, York’s Bookstore in Houlton, from www.maineauthorspublishing.com and at the signings (cash and checks only).
Kathryn Olmstead and Philomena Baker hosted a book launch at the Bangor Public Library Lecture Hall on June 18. A book-signing event took place in Caribou on June 25. Additional signings will occur on June 26, 3-5 p.m. at the Swamp Buck Restaurant in Fort Kent; June 27, 4-6 p.m. at the Whole Potato Café in Presque Isle; and June 28, 11-1 p.m. at York’s Bookstore in Houlton.
