Monthly Archives: November 2019

A Leader in Public Service in Butte County

Posted on November 23, 2019 by nancyleek

In a fascinating article in Diggin’s, the quarterly of the Butte County Historical Society, Nancy Brower tells the story of three pioneering women in local politics: Minnie Abrams, Mattie Lund, and Florence Danforth Boyle. She writes: Most people are startled … Continue reading →

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Our American Stories and Me

Posted on November 18, 2019 by nancyleek

I’m on the radio! And you can listen to me right here! You can hear me (and a couple of other people) talking about real pioneer woman Nancy Kelsey on Our American Stories. In addition to true stories from American … Continue reading →

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The First Newspapers in California

Posted on November 11, 2019 by nancyleek

On November 11, 1848, the last issue of the first newspaper to appear in California was published.  The Californian had begun life in August 1846 under the editorship of Walter Colton and Robert Semple in Monterey. By the fall of … Continue reading →

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Chivalry vs. Tammany

Posted on November 10, 2019 by nancyleek

   Gwin and Broderick Political power in California was in the hands the Democratic Party during the 1850s. Or at least, that’s the way it started out. The opposing party, the Whigs, were fading nationally, and in California, where the … Continue reading →

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David C. Broderick

Posted on November 8, 2019 by nancyleek

Continuing my series on 19th century California politics– William M. Gwin was not the only man to come to California with political ambitions. David C. Broderick, another Democrat, came for the same reasons. But Broderick was was a Democrat of … Continue reading →

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What Is It About Tunnels?

Posted on November 5, 2019 by nancyleek

Does every town in California, or the nation, have stories about secret tunnels under the buildings and under the streets? I know Chico does — maybe your town does too. Just last week a fellow I know said he knew … Continue reading →

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A California Welcome — November 4, 1841

Posted on November 4, 2019 by nancyleek

On this date 178 years ago, John Bidwell and most of the rest of the Bidwell-Bartleson Party reached the home of John Marsh near Mount Diablo.  At last they knew for sure that they were in California. The long journey … Continue reading →

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