Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Kern County Chamber of Commerce
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 26, 2009
1. Kern County Chamber of Commerce Marker
The Kern County Chamber of Commerce building was completed in 1928, Chester Avenue was part of State Highway 99, the main north-south route through California.
Architect Charles H. Biggar designed this Spanish-style building on land adjacent to the Kern County Fair Grounds. Inside this building, visitors were treated to exhibits of Kern Countys produce and products.
Soon after the building opened, a letter to the editor suggested historical materials be collected at the Chamber. In 1941, the Kern County Board of Supervisors voted to establish a local museum. The Kern County Museum was granted space in the basement of the Chamber of Commerce building to collect artifacts documenting Kern Countys rich and diverse heritage.
The first museum exhibits opened to the public in a corner of the first floor of this building. When the Chamber of Commerce moved their operations downtown, the museum expanded to use the entire building for exhibits.
Erected by Kern County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 35° 23.591′ N, 119° 1.158′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County
this page online
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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Beale Memorial Clock Tower (a few steps from this marker); Bungalow (within shouting distance of this marker); Howell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Adobe House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lόpez-Hill House (within shouting distance of this marker); Standard School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Basque Sheep Camp (about 300 feet away); Undertaker's Office (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 26, 2009
2. Kern County Chamber of Commerce Building
Marker can be seen at the far left of the photo.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 26, 2009
3. Entrance to the Chamber of Commerce Building
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
4. Entrance to the Chamber of Commerce Building
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 26, 2009
5. Relief Art on Building
6. Photo Displayed on Marker
Architect Charles H. Biggar (inset) and the exterior of the Kern County Chamber of Commerce building in 1928.
7. Photo Displayed on Marker
Displays inside the Kern County Chamber of Commerce building, circa 1930.
8. Photo Displayed on Marker
Displays inside the Kern County Chamber of Commerce building, circa 1930.
9. Photo Displayed on Marker
Kern County Museum displays inside the Chamber of Commerce building in 1947.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 26, 2009
10. Plaque Located at Entrance to Pioneer Village
Richard Clayton Baily
1911 - 1983
Historian - Educator
Developer of Pioneer Village
1955 - 1981
His dream was that you would love
Kern County living history and
know that you are a part of it.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 26, 2009
11. Plaque and Display In Front of Building
Found on Line of
Southern Pacific Company
Caliente Canyon
Used by the Kawaiisu Indians
for Grinding
Acorns and Other Wild Edibles
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 8, 2012
12. Kern County Chamber of Commerce
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
13. Wayside Marker Located Inside Entrance Gate to Pioneer Village
The first Space Shuttle to orbit the Earth landed at Edwards Air Force Base in Eastern Kern County on April 14, 1981
Top Photo: Fishing in the Kern River, circa 1890.
Center Photo: Enjoying a spring day near Bakersfield, circa 1895.
Lower Photo: Moving bales of cotton, 1925.
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 8, 2012
14. Inside of the Kern County Chamber of Commerce Building
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 8, 2012
15. Inside of the Kern County Chamber of Commerce Building
The original paint on the ceiling.
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 8, 2012
16. Inside of the Kern County Chamber of Commerce Building
Taken from the top balcony.
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 8, 2012
17. Kern County Chamber of Commerce Building
They have always had country western memorabilia in one end of the building and this is just one of the cabinets, Buck Owen Music Memorabilia.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,461 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on November 30, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 12. submitted on September 10, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 13. submitted on November 30, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 14, 15, 16, 17. submitted on September 10, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California.
