Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Kern City French Bakery
Photographed by Denise Boose, December 2, 2023
1. Kern City French Bakery Marker
Newer version - same wording but in a different font.
East Bakersfield, originally named Sumner, was founded by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1874. The name of the town was changed to Kern in 1893 and shortly thereafter was called Kern City.
This building, constructed in 1910, was originally the Kern City French Bakery. The bakery was located at 717 East 21st Street in Kern.
Around 1920, the Kern City French Bakery produced over 1,000 loaves of bread and rolls daily. Most of the bread was delivered to homes and hotels with a small quantity being sold in the store. During this time, a one pound loaf of bread cost eight cents.
Pierre and Juanita Laxague purchased the bakery from Joe and Lea Gueydan in 1947 and changed the name to Pyrenees Bakery. The Laxagues donated this building in 1961.
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 1874.
Location. 35° 23.551′ N, 119° 1.208′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. It can be reached from Chester Avenue. Marker is located near the Three Oaks Green section
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: Barnes Log Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Basque Sheep Camp (a few steps from this marker); Pinkney House (within shouting distance of this marker); Sheepherder's Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); The Italian Heritage Farmhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Photographers Studio (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
2. Kern City French Bakery Marker
Regarding Kern City French Bakery. This building is labeled “Dressmakers and Watchmakers Shop” on the Kern County Brochure and currently houses watchmaker and dressmaker exhibits.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
3. Kern City French Bakery and Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, December 2, 2023
4. Kern City French Bakery Marker
5. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
Juanita and Pierre Laxague by the oven inside the Pyrenees Bakery, circa 1960.
Lower Photo:
Branch of the Kern City Bakery before 1898.
Juanita and Pierre Laxague by the oven inside the Pyrenees Bakery, circa 1960.
Lower Photo:
Branch of the Kern City Bakery before 1898.
6. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
The Pyrenees French Bakery, formerly the Kern City French Bakery, in its original location, circa 1950.
Lower Photo:
Joe Gueydan behind the counter inside the Kern City French Bakery in 1941.
The Pyrenees French Bakery, formerly the Kern City French Bakery, in its original location, circa 1950.
Lower Photo:
Joe Gueydan behind the counter inside the Kern City French Bakery in 1941.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,453 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 3, 2023, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 2, 3. submitted on December 2, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on December 3, 2023, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 5, 6. submitted on December 2, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
