Bakersfield in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bungalow
Photographed by Denise Boose, December 2, 2023
1. Bungalow Marker
People migrating to California often had very limited resources and would first live in a small structure while saving for a more substantial house. These small homes gained an air of dignity after travelers noticed the resemblance between these wide-spread, one-story houses and the East Indian "bungalow."
The California Bungalow is basically a simple-story board and batten box with either vertical or horizontal boards painted white or stained. The bungalow was designed low to the ground with low pitched roof and deep eaves. A porch or veranda created a sense of shelter from the wind and sun.
This bungalow was built about 1913 at 1215 L Street in Bakersfield. Fred S. McAtee donated the home in 1987. The building is currently being used to house museum offices.
Erected by Kern County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 35° 23.605′ N, 119° 1.178′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, California, in Kern County. It is on Chester Avenue, on the left when traveling
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: Kern County Chamber of Commerce (within shouting distance of this marker); Howell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Adobe House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lόpez-Hill House (within shouting distance of this marker); Standard School (within shouting distance of this marker); Beale Memorial Clock Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Undertaker's Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Land Office (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bakersfield.
Photographed by Denise Boose, December 2, 2023
2. Bungalow Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 8, 2012
3. The Bungalow
Photographed by Denise Boose, January 8, 2012
4. The Bungalow
circa 1912
5. Photo Displayed on the Marker
The Hartman family outside their bungalow home at 933 Truxtun Avenue.
circa 1980s
6. Photo Displayed on the Marker
The bungalow at 1215 L Street.
circa 1920
7. Photo Displayed on the Marker
A row of bungalow homes in Bakersfield
circa 1918
8. Photo Displayed on the Marker
A bungalow with an attrached apartment located at 120 Oleander Avenue.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 1,068 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 3, 2023, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 2. submitted on December 5, 2023, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on March 31, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
