Pylema, California facts for kids

Pylema was once a small community, or "settlement," located in Kern County, California in the state of California. It was a place where people lived and worked many years ago, but it is no longer there today.

What Was Pylema?

Pylema was a former settlement, which means it was a place where people lived and built homes, but it eventually became empty or disappeared. Many small towns and settlements like Pylema existed in the past, especially in areas that were developing. These places often grew around important travel routes or resources.

Where Was Pylema Located?

This former community was situated about 10 miles (or 16 kilometers) south-southwest of a larger city called Bakersfield, California. In the old days, Pylema was located right on a "stage line." A stage line was like an old-fashioned bus route, where horse-drawn carriages called stagecoaches would carry people, mail, and goods from one town to another. Being on a stage line meant Pylema was a stop for travelers.

The Post Office and Its Name

One important feature of Pylema was its post office. A post office is where letters and packages are sent and received. The Pylema post office was open for ten years, from 1895 to 1905. This was a time when communication relied heavily on mail, so a post office was a vital part of any community.

The name "Pylema" was chosen to honor an early settler and the person who ran the post office. Her name was Mary R. Pyle. It was common for new towns and settlements to be named after important people who helped establish them.