1955 The First Old Time Passenger Train

In 1955 a special "Old Time Passenger Train" made a round trip from Bakersfield with 500 passengers from the East Bakersfield Progressive Club and others. The passengers were met by a very large group of West Siders at the train depot on Fourth Street. A barbecue was held on Center Street between Third and Fourth Streets where picnic tables were set up to accommodate the thousands who attended. The celebration included a liars contest and a golf tournament. A street dance was held in the 400 block of Center Street.