Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Doctor's Office
Until modern medicine, contagious diseases afflicted both young and old and many died at a young age.
In 1875, there were fifteen physicians in Kern County, which had a widely scattered population of approximately 2,700 people. These fifteen doctors and the many that followed could be summoned day or night, during floods and storms, to the bedside of those in need.
There were many times when all a doctor could do for the suffering patient was to relieve pain, bind up wounds, splint broken bones, perform minor surgical procedures, and on occasion, comfort the dying.
H.L. “Jack” Goforth donated this building in 1957. It may have originally been a residence near the town of McKittrick in western Kern County.
Erected by Kern County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 35° 23.56′ N, 119° 1.256′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. Marker can be reached from Chester Avenue. Marker is located at the east end of the Bandstand 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Miller and Lux Survey Office (here, next to this marker); Drug Store (a few steps from this marker); Bandstand (a few steps from this marker); Wells, Fargo & Company Express Office (a few steps from this marker); Dentist's Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Fraternal Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Photographer’s Studio (within shouting distance of this marker); Weller House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,004 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 27, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.