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About the photo: The growth of the 1890's was placing many demands on the services of Southern Pacific Railroad. Making matters worse was a general feeling of resentment that SP was a monopoly.
The railroad was accused of having high rates, bad service and holding back
development of the area. Citizens clamored for fast, cheap, transportation and for competition in the railroad business. The result was organization of the San Francisco and San Joaquin Valley Railroad, known as the "People's Railroad" due to the large amount of stock held by people of all economic backgrounds. On May 27, 1898, the so-called "People's Railroad" arrived in Bakersfield and over 1,000 citizens gathered at the station to hail arrival of the new railroad. The entire city was decorated for the celebration. A large parade of dignitaries, horses and floats marched down Chester Avenue.
This grand parade was noted as the "greatest procession in Bakersfield's history."
The above photograph was taken at the intersection at Chester Avenue and
19th Street. The Southern Hotel, which at that time was the grand hotel of Bakersfield, is the prominent building in the center background
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