Monthly Archives: November 2016

100 Years Ago

File this under “They Don’t Write Newspapers Like They Used To”— 100 years ago: WYANDOTTE HAS ELIGIBLE BACHELORS FOR RICH CHICO WIDOWS — BUT NOT ENOUGH (Originally published in the Oroville Mercury and republished in the Chico Daily Enterprise Nov. … Continue reading

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Thanksgiving Day at Bidwell Mansion

From Annie Bidwell’s Diary: Fri., Nov. 28 [1890] Perfect day. Rev. Mr Murrish & wife, Rev & Mrs Reames, Rev & Mrs Green dined with us at one O’Clock today. Came at noon, left about 4 P.M. Had excellent dinner … Continue reading

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Who Was Neal Dow and Why Does Chico Have a Street Named for Him?

When we moved to Chico 25 years ago, our youngest daughter started Kindergarten at Neal Dow School. I wondered who Neal Dow was and why he had a school named after him. He must have been some prominent Chicoan. When … Continue reading

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Who Was Frances Willard and Why Does Chico Have a Street Named for Her?

Between Bidwell Mansion and Chico High School is a street named Frances Willard Avenue. It’s a short residential street in the area known as Mansion Park, and runs two blocks west of The Esplanade and one block east. Frances Willard … Continue reading

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The End of the Trail — November 4, 1841

On this date 175 years ago, John Bidwell and most of the rest of the Bidwell-Bartleson Party reached the home of John Marsh near Mount Diablo.  They were at last in California and they knew it. The long journey was … Continue reading

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In California — November 2, 1841

Tuesday, 2nd.  Capt. B. with his 7 remained to take care of the meat he had killed — while the rest of the Company went on. We passed some beautiful grapes, sweet and pleasant.  . .  Behold! This morning Jones, … Continue reading

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In California — November 1, 1841

November. Monday, 1st. The Company tarried to kill game; an abundance of wild fowl and 13 deer and antelopes were brought in. My breakfast, this morning, formed a striking contrast with that of yesterday which was the lights of a … Continue reading

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