As early as 1874, business in Bakersfield was being surpassed by that of Sumner, Kern City. The Southern Pacific train depot had helped fuel that growth. A post office was established at Sumner in 1876 although it was closed twenty nine years later. Transportation between downtown Bakersfield and Sumner by horse-drawn streetcars starting in 1888.

Old Town Kern: Baker and Sumner Streets

Sumner and Baker streets marked the center of Old Town Kern, with early businesses extending a block east and west of Baker. The railroad tracks ran parallel to Sumner street and a visitor to the area could find both Italian & Basque restaurants, hotels and bakeries north and south of Sumner.

CITY ALONG THE KERN page 23