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

Kern County Hall of Records

Photographed by Denise Boose, March 16, 2018

1. Kern County Hall of Records Marker

Inscription. Completed in January of 1909, the Hall of Records is the oldest government building in continous operation in Kern County. The structure was originally designed and constructed by Los Angeles architects Robert Train (1869-1951) and Robert Williams (1874-1960) in the Beaux Arts architectural style. The structure had large windows and a rotunda that trapped heat inside the building. In 1939, local architect Frank Wyncoop (1902-1976) redesigned the Hall of Records in the PWA Moderne architectural style. The rotunda was remodeled, the statues on the roof were removed, and most of the intricate exterior design features were covered. In 1988 the building was modernized by Bakersfield architect William R. Tuculet and reconstructed by the Klassen Corporation. The building was repainted in the original multi-color design, and storm doors were added to the front of the structure.

Erected by Kern County Historical Society. (Marker Number 2015.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1909.

Location. 35° 22.421′ N, 119° 1.153′ W. Marker is in

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Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. It is on Chester Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1655 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the 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,

on 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: Colonel Thomas Baker (within shouting distance of this marker); Kern County Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kern County Vietnam War Memorial (about 300 feet away); Haberfelde Building (about 400 feet away); Bakersfield Californian (about 400 feet away); Alphonse Weill Residence (about 600 feet away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Livermore and Chester Store

Kern County Hall of Records and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, March 16, 2018

2. Kern County Hall of Records and Marker

(approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.

Kern County Hall of Records image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, March 11, 2018

3. Kern County Hall of Records

Photographed by Denise Boose, March 16, 2018

4. Kern County Hall of Records Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2018, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 935 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 16, 2018, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 4. submitted on October 18, 2025, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.