Don Bell's collection of articles known as Saturday Night at the Bagel Factory did more than make his reputation and give Montreal its unending association with bagels. It also provided a chucklethon for all who peered within.
When Bell died a couple of years ago many showed up at a tribute but Eddie Baker was not among them.
Nobody seems to know what became of Baker, who was said to have not much enjoyed the description Bell offered of him in this piece at the left (click on it to see it in readable size).
Baker, in essence, is described as what would now be known as a slacker. He simply had no ambition or need to do anything at any time. He'd hang round cafes, walk around and just be like a sauntering Trustafarian. If anybody knows what became of Baker, let us know. We'd imagine he could contact us but he'd probably be too unmotivated to try.
I remember that book. It was a great patchwork quilt of quirky characters...bookies etc., Jockey Fleming I think? A bit of Jimmy Breslin with a Montreal twist.
ReplyDeletePeabody
the thing i wonder about is why get up so early to be a slacker. You may as well just sleep in.
ReplyDeleteI remeber a story about a fellow who iused to hang around Alexis Neon plaza years ago who was paid $200 a month to stay away from his family and was fondly known as the man who did nothing. He bought a 5 cent cigar every day and wandered about the city while living in a rooming house down on lower Guy. Does anyone remember this fellow?
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