Cover Story The Great Outdoors Changing desires are the catalyst for a brand's evolution By Alia Akkam * Photography by Oscar Einzig (headshot) and courtesy of Tropitone I n the aftermath of chaos in the 20th century, Americans craved a little escape. World War II had just ended, and many families found the appealing idyll they so desperately needed in the suburbs. Thanks to generous VA loans, they were gifted cozy homes, where summer days revolved around backyard barbecues, kids splashing around in the pool, and long talks over lemonade on the front porch. The 1950s represented a hushed, peaceful contrast to the strife that dominated a decade before, and it was during this era of pristine domesticity that Burt M. Baker saw a golden 52 www.newh.orghttp://www.newh.org