People use all kinds of things for bookmarks, just ask any librarian. Today I was given the first page of a letter, written in 1900, that was used as a bookmark in antique book on learning Greek.

The library staff gave the letter to me, knowing of my interest in the Bidwells and Chico history. We don’t know who wrote the letter, although it seems to be a young woman. We don’t have the complete letter. It was written on April 5, 1900, the day after John Bidwell died, and the writer says on the second page:

Poor Mrs. Bidwell will be lost without the General, won’t she? His death must have caused quite a sensation in Chico.

So we know that news got around fast. She also mentions the Neubarth and Epperson families, both well known names in Chico. Please comment on this post if you have any information to add about the contents of this letter.