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

The Beardsley Bell

Photographed by Denise Boose, April 8, 2026

1. The Beardsley Bell Marker

Inscription. Mr. Beardsley was a former teacher and served as Kern County Superintendent of Schools from 1874 to 1877.

This bell reputed to be the first school bell in Kern County, was purchased by the district in the 1880’s and called children to school for sixty years. It was donated to the Kern County Historical Society in the 1940’s. Bell exhibit created thanks to a generous gift from Cynthia Lake.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.

Location. 35° 23.566′ N, 119° 1.304′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. It is on Chester Avenue, on the left when traveling north. 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 of this marker: Norris School (a few steps from this marker); Weill House (a few steps from this marker); Saint John's Episcopal Mission (a few steps from this marker); Havilah Courier (a few steps from this marker); Fairhaven Pump House (within shouting distance of this marker); Blacksmith Shop

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Cook Wagon (within shouting distance of this marker); Gazebo (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.

Photographed by Denise Boose, April 8, 2026

2. The Beardsley Bell Marker

The Beardsley Bell and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, April 8, 2026

3. The Beardsley Bell and Marker

The Beardsley Bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, April 8, 2026

4. The Beardsley Bell

from Https://www.facebook.com/groups/2440130099360854/posts/2443507382356459/

5. The Beardsley Bell Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2026, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 13, 2026, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.