The Kern County Museum has been collecting historic buildings since 1948 as part of its mission to provide “interpretive experiences through historical objects to tell significant stories about Kern County life to its visitors.” The 1909 Lopez Home was offered to the museum by the family of the late Lavern Hill, and was accepted for the museum’s permanent collection on March 13, 2007, providing that the funds necessary to move and restore it can be raised in the community.

This home was originally situated at the southwest corner of Chester and California Avenues as the home of Jose J. (J.J.) Lopez, long time manager of the renowned Tejon Ranch. As was common through Bakersfield history, the home was moved when commercial development of downtown encroached on its originally residential area. It has occupied the southwest corner of Rosedale Highway and Calloway Drive since 1953.

Now is the time for Kern County companies, individuals, clubs, organizations, and even school children, to get involved in saving the Lopez Home at the Kern County Museum. It has a great history to share with present and future generations, going back to the days when California was under Spanish and then Mexican rule through its original owner, J. J. Lopez. The home can also tell tales of the County’s important livestock industry, and the early land grants which directed California’s development.

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