Yesterday I visited the Butte County Pioneer Museum in Oroville. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:15 to 2:15, it’s worth visiting to get a flavor of old-time life in a town that gained its wealth from gold-mining.

The stone building is the original museum, but a long extension on the back gives room for many more displays. There is a great selection of mining tools, including a replica of the 54 pound Dogtown Nugget, and a lovely display of antique dolls.

Great collection of native baskets too, some local, and some from far away.

Several rooms are set up to show life in a 19th century home — parlor (with the original wallpaper), kitchen, bedroom, and children’s room, plus an apothecary shop, blacksmith’s shop, and stage office.

But wait! There’s more! in the basement is an old fire engine, a linotype machine, a tribute to Ishi, and a section honoring Florence Danforth Boyle and her family, who were instrumental in establishing the museum. Florence was the author of Old Days in Butte, an invaluable resource for local history.

And then there is this — not something you are likely to get in the mail nowadays. Herman Schmidt was hanged in Oroville for the murder of his wife.

There is something to interest everyone at the Pioneer Museum.