Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Kern Valley Bank
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
1. Kern Valley Bank Marker
The Kern Valley Bank, established on February 24, 1874, was the first bank incorporated in Kern County.
Established soon after the economic depression known as the Panic of 1873, the Kern Valley Bank managed to weather the nationwide economic turmoil and survive for 37 years - an admirable record for a small community bank.
Solomon Jewett cofounded the bank, which opened on the corner of 18th Street and Chester Avenue in downtown Bakersfield. Jewett served as the president of the bank from 1874 until 1905. The bank closed amidst financial trouble six years later.
Built by Ronald McDonald around 1892, the County of Kern donated this former residence once located on Beale Avenue in East Bakersfield in 1959.
Erected by Kern County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1492.
Location. 35° 23.576′ N, 119° 1.25′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. Marker can be reached from Chester Avenue. Marker is located at the west end of the Log Cabin Green section of Pioneer Village at the Kern County Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3801 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8
this page online
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
2. Kern Valley Bank Building and Marker
3. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
Solomon Jewett, circa 1880
Lower Photo:
The Kern Valley Bank on the southwest corner of Chester Avenue and 18th Street in 1889.
Solomon Jewett, circa 1880
Lower Photo:
The Kern Valley Bank on the southwest corner of Chester Avenue and 18th Street in 1889.
4. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
The first Kern Valley Bank building on the corner of Chester Avenue and 18th Street, circa 1875
Lower Photo:
The interior of the Kern Valley Bank, circa 1890
The first Kern Valley Bank building on the corner of Chester Avenue and 18th Street, circa 1875
Lower Photo:
The interior of the Kern Valley Bank, circa 1890
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 885 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 28, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
