Monthly Archives: July 2019

How Louise Clappe Became Shirley

Shirley is a common enough feminine name — we all know at least one Shirley. But before 1849 the name was rare as a masculine name, and unknown as a feminine one. It was originally a rather uncommon English surname, … Continue reading

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Happy Birthday, Dame Shirley

July 28th marks another bicentennial, the 200th birthday of Louise Amelia Knapp Smith Clappe, better know as “Dame Shirley,” author of The Shirley Letters. She was born in 1819 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was educated in Massachusetts. She attended … Continue reading

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Black Bart in Butte County

On July 25, 1878, the notorious outlaw “Black Bart” held up a stagecoach on the Oroville-Quincy Road. Twenty-eight stagecoach robberies are credited to Charles E. Boles (aka “Black Bart”) and this was his fifth. Boles had not had a great … Continue reading

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Annie Bidwell at the Women’s Congress

This photo, brought to my attention by Richard Elsom, shows an 1896 meeting of Suffragist leaders: standing (l to r) Ida Husted Harper, Selena Solomons, Carrie Chapman Catt, Annie Bidwell, (seated) Lucy Anthony, Dr. Anna H. Shaw, Susan B. Anthony, … Continue reading

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More Bicentennial Birthdays

Not only does the year 2019 mark the 200th birthday of John Bidwell, but he shares his bicentennial year with some notable figures. Here are some other folks who turn 200 this year. Two royals: Queen Victoria (May 24) and … Continue reading

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Bidwell Bicentennial Birthday Bash

It’s John Bidwell’s 200th birthday and you are all invited to a free event at Bidwell Mansion on Sunday, August 4th from 4 to 6 p.m. Fun for all! Come for free Shubert’s ice cream, birthday cake, games, music by … Continue reading

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