August 5th marks the 203rd birthday of John Bidwell, California pioneer and founder of Chico.  So wish him a “Happy Birthday!” (wherever he is), and maybe pay a visit to his home, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, sometime soon. It is now open for tours on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Looks pretty good for being over 200, doesn’t he? Evidently, he was the type that ages well. According to Annie Bidwell’s diary entry for August 5, 1893:

General’s birthday. 74 –
Scarce a gray hair in his rich brown hair, and not a bald place! Dressed in white today he is the picture of freshness, roses on his cheeks & happiness in his eyes, and fun & wisdom in his conversation.

What a pleasant hour we have passed at dinner table. General, Col. Royce, Prof. H. W. Henshaw & self! Funny stories and scientific & social conversation. How the watermelons suffered! Had four large ones, blackberries, peaches, plums, & enormous nectarines, the first of latter of the season.