Monthly Archives: September 2015

Chico in the 1850s

Posted on September 18, 2015 by nancyleek

Continuing the recollections of D. F. Crowder. The following appeared in the Chico Enterprise for December 27, 1917. Crowder came to Chico in 1856, at the age of twelve, so he saw it before it was even a town. Bidwell … Continue reading →

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Stagecoach Robberies in Butte County

Posted on September 12, 2015 by nancyleek

D.F. Crowder’s memories of early days in Chico continued: Soon after I came here [in 1856] I remember hearing the men folks tell about a robbery just across Butte creek, about six miles south of here — at the first … Continue reading →

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Joe Finnicum, the Chico Stage Driver

Posted on September 10, 2015 by nancyleek

Pres Longley wrote a poetical tribute to Joe Finnicum, a local stage driver. The poem appeared in the Chico Enterprise, on December 23, 1892. JOE FINNICUM IN POETRY Joe Finnicum, the Jehu, Who drives upon the grade, From Chico up … Continue reading →

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Bidwell’s Admission Day

Posted on September 7, 2015 by nancyleek

In September 1889 John Bidwell wrote to his friend E. Nelson Blake: Your memory is good — true, 39 years ago we brought the news of California’s admission into the Union. Where are those who were our fellow passengers? Except … Continue reading →

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Stage Drivers: The Beaus of the Road

Posted on September 5, 2015 by nancyleek

More of the recollections of D. F. Crowder, from “The Eventful Yesterdays: The Story of Early Chico,” Chico Enterprise, January 1, 1918. The big event of the day in ’56 at the Bidwell Rancho was the arrival of the stage … Continue reading →

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