Jastro Building
The Jastro Building in Bakersfield was built in 1917 by Henry Jastro, known as the Commodore of Kern County. Jastro was absolutely sure he was doing the best for Kern County, and although he was lauded and maligned, he was the boss of county government for two decades. His heirs sold the building to Standard Oil when the company moved its Central Valley offices from Fresno to Bakersfield in 1920. It was apparent by 1921 that the expansion of the company necessitated the addition of 10,000 square feet of office space. The architect for both projects was Everett M. Hinshaw of Whittier, the contractors were Currie and Dulger. The building and expansion were constructed of steel-reinforced concrete, considered to be thoroughly fireproof, and suffered little or no damage from the devastating earthquakes of 1952. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bakersfield, Kern County
Photographer: John Bare