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Oil Center's first general store was opened in the early part of the 20th century by John W. Heard, who sold it to brothers Otto C. and Edward Heck, who later sold it to Jesse S. Rees.

James W. Jameson (1862-1934) was a pioneer California oil executive. He discovered Kern County's Midway oil field and also had business interests in building and cement corporations in Southern California.

James Madison Glenn lent his name to the town of Glennville, where he and his wife settled. Initially a blacksmith, he later managed a hotel. He died in 1883.

Helen J. Barton was the wife of Stephen Barton, who founded the town of old Isabella. Photo courtesy of A. O. (Gus) Suhre.

Harry A. Hopkins (1882-1957), a prominent Bakersfield businessman and oilman of the Taft area. He was elected to the first board of trustees upon Taft's incorporation in 1910.

F. B. Henderson was active in the Taft oil industry in the early years of the 20th century. In 1903, he represented the Associated Oil Company at a state-wide oil industry conference.

Edward L. Doheny (1856-1935), sometimes a controversial individual, made millions in the Kern County oilfields.

Dora Belle Harris Rogers was the wife of Dr. L. S. Rogers of Bakersfield. She was a popular teacher at the H Street school, and she had charge of a number of Kern Valley schools at various times. Mrs. Rogers died at age 62. Mr. & Mrs. Rogers were…

Charles Adelbert Canfield (1848-1913), in partnership with Joseph Chanslor, formed Kern County's Chanslor-Canfield and Midway Oil Company.

Aztec School was the first school in Oil Center. It opened in September 1901. Front of photograph is labelled "M. Kowalsky, Bakersfield, Cal."