REMEMBERING NORMAN BAKER

The review by Tom Miller of “Border Radio” (Book Review, April 10) was great, especially the slight mention of Norman Baker, who claimed to have a cancer cure and set up an “across the Border” radio station to broadcast his message. But Baker also had the first 50,000-watt radio station in Muscatine, Iowa, his home town and site of the Baker (Cancer) Clinic. Baker, (The “Man in Purple”--that’s what he wore--a purple suit!) based his cancer cure on carrots and spinach.

It is rumored that Baker helped elect fellow Iowan Herbert Hoover as President (who, in fact, pressed a telegraph key to start the operation of K.T.R.T., the 50,000-watt radio station in Muscatine. He also invented the compressed-air calliope. (Till that time only wealthy circuses could afford the steam powered variety!)

The reason I know so much about Baker is that my mother (nee Flossie Anthony) used to date him! And she hates carrots! It was her job to squeeze the carrot juice every day at Baker’s Clinic.

Too bad that the colorful radio adventures of the past have been silenced by a combination of new Mexican laws, cable TV, etc. At least the “Border Broadcasters” gave the other side of what is today called “holistic” health.

EDSON ANDRE JOHNSON

LA CANADA, CALIF.