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Completed in October 1961 (a year before “The Jetsons’” premiere), the two-story building was originally Community National Bank’s downtown branch. Community National Bank, originally the National Bank of Buttonwillow, evolved into Community First Bank, which was purchased by ValliWide, which later merged with WestAmerica Bank, which later ... oh, never mind. The circular, salmon-pink building, which once appeared to be resting on pumpkin-colored concrete stilts, originally had a spiral pedestrian ramp that wound around the building to the second floor, but all that’s been lost to exterior renovation. The building has been a beauty supply store (ironic, no?) and a men’s clothing store over the years, among other things; now it’s multi-family housing. “Whoever did that,” Bakersfield architect David Milazzo once said, referring to the original owners and designers, “should apologize to the community.” The building has a slightly-less-ugly sister: the old Community National Bank, now a private office, at 3831 Mount Vernon Ave. Yes, we have us a trend here. Having successfully landed its spacecrafts on other unsuspecting corners in Kern County, Community National Bank planted this unusual edifice near Bakersfield College in October 1965. It is now a low- key, well-maintained office. The building, designed by David Harkness of Bakersfield (he also designed 529 Chester Ave.), has five “wing-flaps” at the front roof-line and, at the center of the roof, an odd, six-pronged projection that once housed a turret from which the bank’s sign rotated. Fortunately, the building has never gotten off the ground, even in a stiff wind.
Celebrate your Easter with brunch at the Crest Bar and Grill located inside the Bakersfield RV Resort. Featuring a “create-your- own” omelet station, fresh fruit, traditional breakfast items, a ham and beef carving station, assorted cold salads, and complimentary champagne. Brunch will be served from 9 am to 2 pm and reservations are recommended. $18.95 Adults, $8.95 Children under 10. Enjoy the Easter holiday with Bakersfield’s best kept secret, the Crest Bar and Grill. 5025 Wible Road Bakersfield, CA 93313 www.bakersfieldrvresort.com
661-833-9998
Your hearing is our #1 priority
at Wallʼs.
At Wallʼs Hearing Aid Center, weʼre committed to our customers and dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction. Come to us and youʼll get the personal attention, superior service and advanced, customized solutions you need to keep you hearing your best. Just like all our customers have, since 1946.
Kenneth V. Wall
Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences
The Original Hearing Aid Center of Bakersfield
4800 Easton Drive, Suite 108 Bakersfield, CA 93309
661-323-1612
© 2011 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 6/11 03238-11_S9351
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