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 long been anticipated and the Bidwells were delighted to welcome him to their home at last.

Gathering near the Christmas tree with Mrs. Bidwell, the three men conversed on a wide variety of topics, much to the interest of the other guests. Dr. Stansbury told of a medical call that took him out on a dark and stormy night, in which only the sagacity of his horse Jenny saved him from being swept away by a raging flood. Two versions of the conversation were recorded–

John Bidwell and General Sherman reminisced about their first meeting in 1847 when Sherman was a young lieutenant newly arrived in California. The talk turned to politics, with Sherman supporting the Republican candidate and Bidwell backing General Neal Dow, the candidate of the Prohibition Party, “the party of the future.” Then they discussed the visit to Cherokee, where General Sherman demonstrated his prowess with the water cannon, although both men deplored the devastation wrought by hydraulic mining.

Mrs. Bidwell gently reminded the men that it was time to enjoy music in the parlor, where Christmas carols were sung by Adrienne Glatz, accompanied by Alicia Glatz on Annie’s piano.

“Christmas with the Bidwells” is an annual event presented by the Bidwell Mansion Association. The mansion was decked out in festive decorations and refreshments were served in the Visitor’s Center. The Chico High School Madrigal Singers performed a program of holiday songs old and new. Look for “Christmas with the Bidwells” again in 2024.