Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bandstand
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
1. Bandstand Marker
Public parks sprang up as a response to the increasingly polluted urban environments created by the industrial revolution in the 1800s.
Urbanization and industrialization began to change American life by the 1840s. Large, open, green areas were planned to offer city dwellers a place to reconnect with nature.
With the inclusion of bandstands, amphitheatres, and playgrounds, parks became a community gathering place for concerts, recreation, and other activities.
Truxtun Beale donated five acres of land on Oleander Avenue for the building of the first park in the City of Bakersfield in 1908. Beale donated all the materials for landscaping the park and construction of the Greek Theatre and swimming pool at the park.
This structure is a recreated bandstand using wood recycled from what was possibly an old storage building.
Erected by Kern County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 35° 23.567′ N, 119° 1.263′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Doctor's Office (a few steps from this marker); Dentist's Office (a few steps from this marker); Fraternal Hall (a few steps from this marker); Miller and Lux Survey Office (a few steps from this marker); Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Kern Valley Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Joss House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
2. The Marker and Bandstand
3. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
A children's performance at the Beale Park Amphitheatre, circa 1925
Lower Photo:
Constructing the bandstand at the Museum in 1956.
A children's performance at the Beale Park Amphitheatre, circa 1925
Lower Photo:
Constructing the bandstand at the Museum in 1956.
November 27, 2009
4. Photos Displayed on Marker
Upper Photo:
Built in 1917, Jastro Park is named for former Kern County Supervisor Henry Jastro.
Lower Photo:
Central Park near downtown Bakersfield, circa 1920
Built in 1917, Jastro Park is named for former Kern County Supervisor Henry Jastro.
Lower Photo:
Central Park near downtown Bakersfield, circa 1920
Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
5. The Bandstand
The Metcalf House is seen in the background
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 864 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
