Monthly Archives: August 2023

“First Good Casaba”

John Bidwell loved casaba melons and always noted in his diary when the first one was ready, usually in mid-August. Mon. Aug. 25 [1884] First good Casaba this morning. I grow them too and have harvested a couple of them … Continue reading

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Fruit-Growing on Rancho Chico

John Bidwell wanted Rancho Chico to be more than a wheat and cattle ranch. He foresaw that California could be “one grand fruit orchard”, and he would start on his ranch. This newspaper report from 1855, only six years after … Continue reading

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Summer Travel Plans — 1853

It’s not too late to make your plans for summer travel by stagecoach. Go from Sacramento to Shasta City in Thirty Hours! Leaves Sacramento promptly at 6 a.m. and gets you to Shasta at noon the next day. Nothing said … Continue reading

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A Visit to Chico — 1868

In April 1868 the editor of the Marysville Daily Appeal reported on a visit to “The Town of Chico,” situated on the ranch of General Bidwell and “on the living waters of Chico Creek.” He found it to be a … Continue reading

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Happy Birthday, General Bidwell!

Happy Birthday to California pioneer and Chico founder John Bidwell! John Bidwell was born on August 5, 1819 in Chautauqua County, New York, near the shores of Lake Erie, 204 years ago. Bidwell rarely noted his birthday in his daily … Continue reading

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A Monster Melon and a Compositor’s Mistake

On August 1st, 1856, The Marysville Daily Herald published their thanks for the gift of a 30-pound watermelon, sent by Thomas Bidwell, younger brother of Major John Bidwell. Why were they honored with such a hefty and delicious gift? It … Continue reading

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