The Weekly Butte Record found a number of reasons to celebrate in February. All the following come from the issue for February 13, 1864.

The event that got the most coverage was the completion of the California Northern Railroad, linking Marysville and Oroville. This was a boon to merchants and shipping, and called for a parade and speeches, followed by a collation, a ball, and general jubilation. All the local militia units would be on display.

The newspaper also took note of the Chinese celebration of the Lunar New Year, referring as they often did, to the Chinese as “celestials.”

Notice that the almond trees were in bloom in mid-February, then as now.

And of course, Valentine’s Day. 1864 was a year to be reckoned with — it was a leap year, when custom said that women could propose to men. “The bachelor fraternity should hold themselves in readiness”!