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History in
a Pecan Shell
Born with the oil
boom in 1929, it was named by and for "town-builder" J. T. Baker and
was granted a post office the same year. The buildings couldn't go
up fast enough for the demand and by 1930 there was an estimated population
of 1,000. After the stock-market crash the town not only declined
- but almost disappeared. Buildings were sold for the lumber or moved
off site. By the end of WWII
there were about 50 people living in Bakersfield. In the mid 70s there
were 30 people left and this is the figure that has been used ever
since.
Photographer's Note:
This IS Bakersfield. It qualifies for an interstate exit but
not for a road sign. - Barclay
Gibson, December 18, 2007 |
Abandoned house
in Bakersfield
Photo
courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2007 |
Pecos
County 1940s map showing Pecos
River
(Bakersfield is not on the map)
From Texas state map #4335
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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