“The Good, The Bad and The Judges,” Tour at Historic Union Cemetery Fascinates Public

“THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE JUDGES,” TOUR AT HISTORIC UNION CEMETERY FASCINATES ALL AGES.

Tours of the Historic Union Cemetery and more information on their events can be found at http://www.UnionCemetery1872.com

COL. THOMAS BAKER’S OBELISK EXEMPLIFIES HIS DEDICATION TO MAKING BAKERSFIELD LIVE FOR ETERNITY.

Judge Benjamin Brundage (1834-1911) was instrumental in relocating Kern County’s seat from Havilah to Bakersfield.

A stroll through the emerald golf course grounds of Union Cemetery Saturday morning, April 27, for “The Good, The Bad, and The Judges,” tour was fascinating. It was a special tour of the Pioneers Section where Bakersfield’s founding fathers are buried.The City of Bakersfield is named after Col. Thomas Baker, who was an attorney, a judge, and served as a senator from Fresno and Tulare counties 1861-1862. He loved the land and with Harvey Brown, bought swamp land in 1863 that is now Bakersfield.  He is one of ‘The Good,” as well as one of “The Judges”. His profound knowledge and foresight was instrumental in the creation and promotion of Bakersfield and the welfare if it’s residents.

Benjamin Brundage, (1834-1911) was Bakersfield’s first Superior Court Judge. The original Kern County seat of government was in Havilah, but Brundage fought hard to have the seat of government permanently moved to Bakersfield.  Brundage Lane is named in his honor.

RALPH M. FARISS, IS ONE OF THE “BAD” (1889-1915).

Peggy Schrader tells tour group about the infamy of one of  Bakersfield’s trouble makers, Ralph M. Ferris (1889-1915). Ralph, a resident of Bakersfield, was hanged in San Quentin in 1915 after he committed a train robbery in which  he shot and killed Horace E. Montague, December 1, 1913 near El Monte, CA. 

       

VICKI SCHALLOCK DESCRIBES SHOOT OUT BETWEEN ANOTHER “BAD”– PERCY DOUGLAS AND THE “GOOD” CHIEF EDWIN L. WILLOW.

 

EDWIN L. WILLOW WAS A MAN WHO WORE MANY HATS–OWNER OF WILLOW FURNITURE, DEPUTY SHERIFF, AND FIRE CHIEF.

UNION CEMETERY IS 141 YEARS OLD, AND PRESENTLY UNDERGOING RECONSTRUCTION.

LAST YEAR THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD DECLARED UNION CEMETERY A HISTORIC SITE–RENOVATIONS ARE UNDERWAY.

GROUNDS KEEPER, ROBERT GALAVIZ TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN RESTORING THE BEAUTY TO UNION CEMETERY.

JIM MCCONNELL WELCOMES VISITORS TO UNION CEMETERY.

As one of the grave stones reads:

 “ Reader, Behold! As you pass by, As you are now, So once was I, As I am now, so you must be, Prepare for death and follow me.”

Thrift Shopping: One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure

In Your Wildest Dreams Co.

Macklemore had the right idea when he wrote his song Thrift Shop. With just $20 in hand, shoppers can turn recycled clothing into an ensemble that expresses an individual’s personality without breaking the bank. Thrift shopping or “Thrifting” is a term used by shoppers who enjoy rummaging through second-hand items until a personal treasure is found. Thrift shops are unique in that no two items are ever the same. Many stores have items, such as trinkets, dolls,  and home decor from various time periods.

In Your Wildest Dreams Consignments is a popular thrift store located in downtown Bakersfield. According to their website, the shop offers “a little bit of everything.” This particular consignment store has two levels. The street level is filled with mean’s and women’s clothing and accessories. Towards the back of the store there is a section for  children’s clothes and toys as well as costume wear. The lower level of the shop is packed with various pieces of furniture from mirrors and paintings to chifferobes and full bedroom sets.

Andrea Neablas, who has been “thrifting” for 3 years said, “I love thrift shopping. When you do it right you can definitely come out on top with some good steals.

Not only does this particular thrift store sell pre-used goods at their locations, but they also post estate sells on their website for customers who may be interested in attending.

There are several options to choose from when considering where to shop. Besides In Your Wildest Dreams Co., Bakersfield offers a variety of other second-hand stores such as Rad Thrift, The Salvation Army, and Goodwill.

“I bought my kids’ bed rails from Goodwill, but I would never buy a used mattress,” Neablas said.

TheThriftShopper.com is a website devoted to people who thoroughly enjoy the act of thrifting. The website offers a list of thrift shops to go to, although it does not list In Your Wildest Dreams Co. It also provides reviews from customers, store hours of operation, a directory, and an extensive list of links to second-hand store websites.

“Everybody should go thrift shopping at least once in their lifetime. You don’t have to buy clothes, you can buy jewelry, a hat, shoes, something,” Neablas said.

Finding Treasures in Bakersfield is Easier Than You Think

Have you ever wondered where your friend or neighbor got that really amazing piece of furniture or piece of clothing for that super great deal? Look no further other than right in your own town, Bakersfield. Located downtown are several locally owned antique boutiques that offer a huge variety of items that range in all different prices. My dad rents one of the many spaces that are available in Forget Me Not Antiques, located downtown on 19th street. Each booth is run by the store workers, but the booth is kept up by the renter/ owner of the items. Many people like my father, go yard selling every Saturday to find their treasures, and others accumulate theirs through deceased relatives or older relatives that have kept their precious items for years and years.

This picture shows some of the items that are for sale in downtown Bakersfield. (Photo Credit: http://forgetmenotantiqueboutique.weebly.com/)

These stores appeal to all ages whether you are looking for an old vintage piece of clothing or furniture, or hand made baby clothes. The possibilities are endless and there is an item for everyone. The best part about these antique store is that most of the owners of the booths are willing to bargain and negotiate their prices. This helps both you and the vendor settle on a fair price and both people can leave happy. Woolworths is another popular antique store that has been around for decades that even offers an old time burger joint located right inside the building. You can enjoy the 50’s atmosphere while listening to music of that era and watching your server make your burger and fries right in front of you while twirling in their poodle skirt! So on  your next weekend off when you are up for an adventure, take a stroll downtown and visit one of these antique stores, and I guarantee you won’t leave empty handed!

Bakersfield Culture Sizzles as Art and Theatre Celebrate 10 years at “The Empty Space”

“Kreative Allusions,” by John Kirkeby-photo by Wanda Winkler

Bakersfield Culture Sizzles as The Empty Space Art Gallery/Theatre Celebrates Ten Years The Empty Space theatre and art gallery, located at 706 Oak St., is a cultural icon in Bakersfield. It is celebrating it’s tenth anniversary with an exhibit from John Kirkeby called, “Kreative Allusions” and a play called, “Crimes of the Heart,” written by Beth Henley and directed by Bob Kempf. Gallery director, Jesus Fidel, 30, prides the theatre/gallery as beng, “the only totally nonprofit, donation based theatre/gallery in the U.S. run by 20 volunteers 365 days a year,” said Fidel. Each month a different artist is featured in the art gallery and a different play is presented to the public. The plays are usually locally written or off-Broadway shows, with suggested donations of $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors per theatre show. Visiting the gallery exhibit is free and delicious snacks, coffee and wine is available. While the artist reception hours are between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekends, the plays take place in the evenings on weekends. For a schedule of this month’s showings and future events go to www.esonline.org. John Kirkeby, retired from Xerox ten years ago, now has more time to be creative. He is celebrating his second showing at The Empty Space. “I really like the casual atmosphere at this gallery. For my first exhibit I was really nervous and brought 41 paintings and sold only a few. This year I have 21 paintings and they are selling very well,” said Kirkeby. He also has many prints of his artwork to choose from for sale at the gallery. If you are artistic and would like to exhibit your work to the public you can contact Michelle Guerrero, 35, the marketing director at (661) 327-7529. Both Guerrero and Fidel have been with The Empty Space for three years and are always available to answer any questions. If you love art you can also go to the Bakersfield Museum of Art website, www.bmoa.org for more information on  Bakersfield’s hidden art treasures.