Stephen and Cheryl Baker have been avid antique collectors for the past 50 years. As their collection of amazing and unique items grew, many of the items were displayed in the Historic Niles Hotel in Alturas, CA, which they restored in the early 1980s.   In the 1990s, when they sold the Niles, their antiques were removed and stored on their property near Alturas.  

In 1999 the Bakers purchased the Argo Gold Mine 18″ gauge railroad which had been operating as a tourist attraction at the Argo Gold Mine National Park in Idaho Springs, CO.  Following five years of Stephen driving spikes, the Golden Spike ceremony was held in 2004 with 55 members of Stephen and Cheryl’s family present for the inaugural run of the train.  

Stephen then spent 10 years building the mining town of High Grade along the railroad tracks, which meander through their ten acres of gardens and ponds. The 20 ghost town buildings now display their extensive collection of antiques. Stephen, a retired teacher, and Cheryl, the Modoc County Librarian, have hosted Stephen’s students for field trips, providing young people an opportunity to ride a replica steam train, explore the historic buildings, and learn about the history of the late 1800s. The Bakers also hosted the annual fundraiser for the Friends of the Modoc County Library called the June Jamboree. The June Jamboree was the only time during the year that the property was open to the general public.

To go on a picture tour of the buildings, gardens, railroad, and events, just choose from the drop down menus at the top of the page.  Stephen and Cheryl want to thank their son Will for taking thousands of photos over the years of the home all of us love.