Ninnie Baird and her great-granddaughters Sherry Whitehead and Barbara Winter in the house she built

6729 Lakewood Blvd, Dallas TX

Mrs. Baird's house was built at 6729 Lakewood Blvd, in Dallas TX is described as being a:

"Spectacular Lakewood Blvd home on oversized lot originally built by Dines & Kraft in 1932 for the Baird Bread family. Located in a prime block on the street offering 4 bedrooms, 4.1 baths,3 living areas. Features include a sweeping iron staircase, fireplace and stained glass."

This house is the end point in a true rags to riches story of a woman making the most of her skills, to provide for her family - and growing that business into a major Texas industry.

From Humble Kitchen to Texas Icon: The Story of Ninnie Baird and Her Bread

Fresh from the Oven: A Texas Legacy Begins

For over a century, Mrs. Baird's Bread has been a beloved staple in Texas kitchens. But its story starts not in a giant factory, but in a small Fort Worth home kitchen. Ninnie Baird, known for her exceptional baking skills, began selling her delicious breads to neighbors in 1908. Necessity fueled her entrepreneurial spirit – her husband's declining health meant the family needed a new source of income.

Family Business, Family Support

With her sons delivering loaves by bicycle, and her daughters managing the home, Ninnie's business was truly a family affair. Early success led to a used commercial oven in 1915, followed by a horse-drawn delivery wagon with young Hoyt at the reins. Their landlord even helped by building a dedicated bakery space next to their home, complete with a wood-fired brick oven.

Scaling Up: From Retail to Wholesale

As demand grew, the Bairds traded their horse-drawn wagon for a delivery truck emblazoned with their first catchy slogan: "Eat More Mrs. Baird's Bread!" They moved beyond retail sales to secure wholesale accounts, showcasing their commitment to growth.

Building an Empire: Expansion and Innovation

By 1919, the family knew they needed a bigger space. A new bakery with a gas-fired oven and a bread wrapping machine allowed them to meet the skyrocketing demand. The success of this bakery spurred further expansion, with new additions every year for nearly a decade.

Beyond Fort Worth: Spreading the Mrs. Baird's Love

Ninnie's sons, recognizing the potential, convinced her to expand beyond Fort Worth. New bakeries opened in Dallas, Houston, and Abilene, each managed by a Baird son. Keeping pace with industry trends, Mrs. Baird's embraced innovations like hand-twisted bread, offering customers unique and delicious options.

A Legacy That Lives On

Ninnie stepped back from daily operations in the 1920s but remained a guiding force until her passing in 1961. By then, the company she started in her kitchen had grown to 12 plants, employing over 2,500 people. It was the largest family-owned bakery in the US. While the company was sold in 1999, Ninnie's legacy lives on. The Ninnie L. Baird Foundation continues her spirit of giving, and her bread remains a beloved symbol of Texas home-cooking, carrying the warmth and flavor of a family business built on love and ingenuity.

New Delivery trucks

Mrs. Ninnie Baird

Mrs. Baird's delivery wagon

Mrs. Baird's first commercial oven