BAKERSFIELD Sign (Bakersfield, California)

The BAKERSFIELD sign used to be on Union Ave., crossing the busy street and connecting two parts of a hotel. When highway 99 was built and Union Ave. was no longer the main entrance into the city, all the hotels fell into disrepair or were abandoned completely. Despite being one of the most famous images of the city, the sign was allowed to fall almost completely apart and became an eyesore.

It was not until the late Buck Owens opened his Crystal Palace restaurant and concert hall that the sign was rescued. Pierce Road was renamed Buck Owens Blvd, and the sign was placed over Sillect Ave, at the entrance to his facility. Renovated and now safe to drive under, it is visible from northbound highway 99.