Weedpatch Camp
(Arvin Federal government Camp)

 

The migrants who came to California from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Missouri and lived at the Weedpatch Camp brought with them their religious culture, a unique language their music and food representative to their regions.  They also brought with them strong ethical and work values from the rural south west to California.




The Community Hall was the scene of church gatherings and social events within the camp.  It has an open beam ceiling, wood flooring and a small stage.
 

 




The camp had its own Post Office.  In the movie "The Grapes of Wrath," it was used as the manager's office.
 
 



Attached to the post office is one of the original 
tin buildings.  It was used as a medical clinic.

 
 
 

 The camp also had its own Library 
 

The Community Hall, Post Office, and the Library were built by the W.P.A. in 1935 are all now on the National Register of Historic Places.  There has been a roof added over the original shingles of the Community Hall.  This was done to protect the integrity of the interior of the building.  Other than this, these buildings have remained the same since they were built.

These buildings have stood vacant for a number of years. They are still in the confines of the Sunset Labor Camp.  The Community Building is fenced in alone, and the Post Office and the Library are closer to the main gate and fence in together.  They are in restorable condition, but are in need of being brought  up to code, which the Housing authority of Kern County is planning to do.  The very existence of these buildings is a significant reference to Kern County's rich historical heritage.

 


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Opening Page   

Weedpatch Camp
   
History
Life in the Camp 
The Federal Government Role  
Special Thoughts 
Weedpatch School
Personal Reminiscences    

Dust Bowl/Migrant Workers Bibliography
Voices from the Dust Bowl
Migrant Mother


Dust Bowl Festival  

Restoration Plans   updated 2-11-07
Commemorative Bricks
Video Sales

Arvin-Lamont Area
 
Newspaper Articles About the Camp   

Email Questions
  

 

 

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To make donations for  Restoration/Commemorative Bricks
contact Randy Coats at (661) 631-8500 extension 2105
or Susan Gonzales (661) 631-8500 ext. 2007       

Tours with a presentation at the community hall, 
showing old pictures, etc. are available. 
Contact person is Doris Weddell  661-832-1299