Post #555232 by Dustycajun on Tue, Sep 21, 2010 3:52 PM

Thanks for all of the replies, I have been out sick for a while, so just getting back to this post. Trav, great find on the place across the street, looks like a little strip of Polynesian Paradise sprung up on the 99.

Did a little more research on the Wonder Lodge and found out a few more factoids. It definitely had a Polynesian themed restaurant, possibly called the Kon Tiki. Some info from a Bakersfield Blog:

My husband and I spent our wedding night at the Wonderlodge on Union Avenue, writes Linda Karber. It was connected to the restaurant that later became the Black Angus. It is hard to believe now; but back in the '60s it was a very nice place! The restaurant had a Polynesian decor with high-backed rattan chairs. We had many nice dinners in that restaurant.

(1) The building was constructed by George King, a builder name that sounds familiar to me.

(2) The original incarnation was the Wonderlodge. Several folks confirmed that name, including a guy who washed dishes there in '65-'66.

(3) A lady contributed the name Chaparral followed by the Kon-Tiki. I recalled it having a Polynesian motif in the '70s; that would lend credence to Kon-Tiki.

Also found out that it was owned and operated at one time by the actor/singer Jimmy Bays - this is from an obit.

Jimmy Bays
June 4, 1927 - June 15, 2005

He brought to Bakersfield the first discotheque, The Yum Yum Room with an opening band, The Doors. He also owned and operated The Telephone night club, as well as, The Wonder Lodge.

For as long as this place seemed to be around there has to be more info and photos out there.

DC