Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Kress Building

Photographed by Denise Boose, March 16, 2018

1. Kress Building Marker

Inscription. S.H. Kress & Co. was the trading name of a national chain of "five and dime" retail department stores operating from 1896 to 1981. Opening in 1931, this three-story reinforced steel and masonry building was designed by New York City-based architect Edward F. Sibbert (1899-1982), who was the architect for all Kress department stores. The oranges and abstract blossoms above the windows and on the trim are reference to Kern Country's citrus industry. The building is among the finest examples of the Art Deco architectural style in Bakersfield. The Kress department store closed in 1974 and reopened as office space in 1984.

Erected 2015 by Kern County Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 35° 22.559′ N, 119° 1.073′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. It is on 19th Street, on the right when traveling west. Located across the street from the Old Woolworth's Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1401 19th Street, Bakersfield CA 93301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley,

specifically in the Central Valley,

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Weill's Department Store (within shouting distance of this marker); F.W. Woolworth Company Store

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); Arlington House (within shouting distance of this marker); Vest Drug Store and Market (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Livermore and Chester Store (about 300 feet away); Brock's Department Store (about 400 feet away); Southern Hotel (about 500 feet away); Bank of Bakersfield (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.

Photographed by Denise Boose, March 16, 2018

2. Kress Building Marker

Kress Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, March 16, 2018

3. Kress Building

Photographed by Denise Boose, March 16, 2018

4. Kress Building

Photographed by Garry ware, May 2, 2019

5. Kress Building Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2018, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 2,098 times since then and 163 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 16, 2018, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 5. submitted on October 29, 2022, by Garry ware of Bakersfield, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.