Martha Baker is one of those rare individuals who finds joy in serving others -- literally. She has an award-winning smile that has been greeting patrons at Jim's Steak and Spaghetti for over half a century. Well past the age when most of her peers have transformed into the laid back years of retirement, Baker continues working because she just isn't ready for the sedentary life style.

The oldest of 7 children born into a coal mining family in Logan, she lost her father in 1954 in a coal mining accident while he was working an extra shift. After her father's death, her mother believed that life would be better without coal mining script and company housing. That very same year, the family packed up their belongings and moved to Proctorville.

In 1956, she graduated from Fairland High School. It was also the only year of her entire life that she would ever inquire about a help wanted ad, because she still works for the same family that hired her.

"I had no idea who placed that ad in the paper, I just wanted to start earning a pay check," said Baker. "Even when they told me their names, it didn't register with me. All I knew is that they were both very friendly, polite, and easy to work for. Even though I knew little about some of the things they expected me to do, like ironing all of those white dress shirts - they still hired me."

The couple who had hired this teenager right out of high school was Jim and Sally Tweel, owners of Jim's on 920 fifth Avenue. Sally Tweel told her husband the young lady would be a natural fit for the restaurant. Martha Baker is now 72 years young and for the last 52 years she has proved Sally Tweel to be absolutely correct.

"I've stayed here for so many reasons," said Baker. "We are a family serving families. I've served over 4 generations of families while working with people who care about each other. I've walked a thousand miles in here serving customers who just keep coming back, it's really a place like no other. And I'm not the only employee who enjoys working here, many have been here for well over ten years."

Indeed, Baker is correct. It seems that there are more than just a few contented employees who work there. Patricia Theiss, has been responsible for preparing that great tasting spaghetti sauce for 32 years. Eddie Handley has been busing tables for 27 years. Marty Kimer has been employed for 15 years, and Michelle Medley has been on the payroll for 20. That's five individuals with nearly 150 of experience. In fact, there are 29 paid employees at Jim's who together combine 424 years of restaurant experience.

Baker says that even though her feet are tired at the end of a shift, she feels a great sense of accomplishment just being a part of it all.

"As long as I'm able to do the work, I'm staying. There are so many great memories from being here."

Memories like the time Sen. John Kennedy stopped by while campaigning against Richard Nixon in 1960. Baker even remembers that Kennedy had poached eggs. She also remembers the tradition that Jim Tweel had when a celebrity would come to eat.

"Every time someone special would enter the restaurant, Jim would stand on top a chair up by the front door and announce their presence," she said.

Like the time Muhammad Ali came in and remarked, "Are you going to feed me?"

In fact, the walls in Jim's Steak and Spaghetti house are adorned with pictures of celebrities that Baker has had the privilege to serve. She remembers Liberachi, Ray Stevens, Dustin Hoffman and so many others during her 52-year career.

Baker says she could write a book about Jim Tweel, who she believes was one the most kind and considerate individuals she has ever known.

"One time I fell at work, and sprained my ankle. Jim wanted to drive me home and I refused, when I finally did leave, he followed me all the way home just to be sure I made it safely. When Jim was in this restaurant, his presence just lit up the place. I honestly believe he only came to work because he loved being here."

Little has changed at Jim's Restaurant during Baker's watch. Additional eating space was added on the west side in 1962. The menu has been streamlined a little, and they no longer work six days a week. But the ambiance that has been greeting generations is as rock solid as the day the doors opened in 1938.

Martha Baker sums her fifty plus years at Jim's in this way: "I haven't traveled to very many places, but if I had, I don't believe there is another place in the world that I would enjoy as much as being right here."

Next time you come to Jim's, if you're lucky enough to have Martha as your server, ask her about her grandchildren, and watch that award winning smile of hers go into action.

Clyde Beal is a freelance writer who can often be found eating at Jim's. If you know of an interesting individual with a story to share, write him at: Archie350@verizon.net

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From left, Martha Baker, Manty Kimler, Michelle Medley and Patricia Theiss

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