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

Photographer’s Studio

Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009

1. Photographer’s Studio Marker

Inscription.
The invention of photography and mass production of photographic prints brought images of never before seen people, places and events into American homes.

By the 1850s, people could obtain a photograph depicting their exact likeness at an affordable price. Traveling photographers earned money moving from town to town setting up portable studios to take portrait photographs of residents.

This exhibit displays artifacts utilized in a photographer’s studio during the 1890s. There were at least 11 professional photographers operating studios in Kern County by the 1890s.

This former residence built in Kern City around 1890 was donated by Mrs. Dan Chappell in 1960.

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 1890.

Location. 35° 23.548′ N, 119° 1.248′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. It can be reached from Chester Avenue. Marker is located on 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.

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

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of this marker: Weller House (here, next to this marker); The Italian Heritage Farmhouse (a few steps from this marker); Sheepherder's Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Pinkney House (a few steps from this marker); Miller and Lux Survey Office (a few steps from this marker); Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office (a few steps from this marker); Drug Store (a few steps from this marker); Doctor's Office (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.

Also see . . . The History of Photography. (Submitted on December 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Photographer’s Studio and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009

2. Photographer’s Studio and Marker

Photos Displayed on Marker image. Click for full size.

3. Photos Displayed on Marker

Upper Photo:
C.W. Tucker in his photography studio in Randsburg, circa 1897

Lower Photo:
Bill Lewis photographing wild flowers in 1938.

4. Photos Displayed on Marker

Upper Photo:
Local photographer Christian Nelson developing photographs with sunlight, circa 1890

Lower Photo:
Dorman Photo Shop on Chester Avenue, circa 1940

Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,272 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.