Monthly Archives: December 2023

A New Year’s Poem

Posted on December 31, 2023 by nancyleek

This is not my usual history of Northern California post. Instead I am sharing a bit of family history for the New Year. My father, Alfred R. Norris, was a Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Navy. From 1958 to … Continue reading →

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Christmas with the Bidwells — 2023

Posted on December 28, 2023 by nancyleek

John and Annie Bidwell hosted a pair of distinguished guests at their Chico home this Christmas season. Invited to the festivities were local doctor Oscar Stansbury (Mrs. Stansbury sent her regrets) and General William Tecumseh Sherman. General Sherman’s visit had … Continue reading →

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A Butte County Christmas, 1865

Posted on December 23, 2023 by nancyleek

The folks of yesteryear knew how to keep Christmas merry and bright. Here from the Weekly Butte Record and the Chico Courant are reports on community Christmas celebrations. You could dance all night at a Christmas or New Year’s Ball, … Continue reading →

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General Sherman at Cherokee

Posted on December 7, 2023 by nancyleek

John Bidwell found a unique way to entertain General William T. Sherman on his visit to Chico. The public was delighted to watch the general as he inspected the workings of the hydraulic mine at Cherokee. In September 1880, Sherman … Continue reading →

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Christmas with the Bidwells — 2023

Posted on December 4, 2023 by nancyleek

A distinguished guest will be visiting Bidwell Mansion for the holidays this year. “Christmas with the Bidwells” will feature a great (and controversial) American and one of history’s most famous military men. General William Tecumseh Sherman was an old friend … Continue reading →

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