Monthly Archives: July 2022

Black Bart in Butte County, Again

Black Bart’s first stagecoach robbery in Butte County, and his fifth overall, occurred on July 25, 1878. He held up of the Quincy-Oroville stage about a mile from Berry Creek. Although not noted in this newspaper report, this was the … Continue reading

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A Journey to the Gold Diggins

Considered the first ever American comic book, Journey to the Gold Diggins, by Jeremiah Saddlebags, is a humorous look at the California Gold Rush. It was written and illustrated by J. A. and D. F. Read (James Alexander and Donald … Continue reading

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On the Radio!

My interview with Nancy Wiegman on Nancy’s Bookshelf was broadcast today on NSPR 91.7 FM. You can listen in by going to the NSPR Nancy’s Bookshelf webpage. Nancy interviewed me about my new book about black pioneer Alvin Coffey. You … Continue reading

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The Very Last of Lola

Lola kept up a steady pace of lecturing in 1857-1860. She not only toured throughout the eastern states, but had a successful tour of England and Scotland. The popularity of her lectures and books put her on a sound financial … Continue reading

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The Last of Lola (Almost)

Lola returned from her Australian tour in 1856 a changed woman. It had been a successful tour, but on the voyage back to the United States her leading man and lover, Frank Folland, fell overboard and was drowned. Or he … Continue reading

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Ice Cream for the 4th of July

On July 4th 1849, Charles Ross Parke wrote in his journal that: I determined to do something no other living man ever did in this place and on this sacred day of the year, and that was to make Ice … Continue reading

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An Old-Fashioned Chico Fourth of July

From the Chico Enterprise Weekly, here is what you could expect on July 4, 1877: The patriotic citizens of Chico, always ready to do homage to the birthday of a great and glorious Republic, made this the one hundred and … Continue reading

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