Monthly Archives: December 2024

A Bidwell New Year, 1869

Posted on December 31, 2024 by nancyleek

John Bidwell wrote to his mother-in-law, Catherine Kennedy, on December 31, 1868, striking a humorous note on the weather: The other John here is Annie’s brother John Kennedy, who had come to California for his health. It looks like they … Continue reading →

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A Butte County Christmas, 1856

Posted on December 22, 2024 by nancyleek

A minimum of three Christmas balls on Christmas Eve! Music, dancing, supper, and hopefully, some young ladies. Note the price for the one in Oroville — $8.00. It had better be good for that price. And on Christmas Day there … Continue reading →

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Arson

Posted on December 19, 2024 by nancyleek

I walked through Children’s Park and across the footbridge on Wednesday to take a closer look at the destruction. It is a sad sight to see. Later that day State Parks held a press conference and announced that the fire … Continue reading →

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Bidwell Mansion Destroyed by Fire

Posted on December 12, 2024 by nancyleek

In the early hours of December 11, 2024, fire destroyed Bidwell Mansion. For those of you who do not live in Butte County, Bidwell Mansion is the symbol of Chico, a beautiful Italianate villa, the home of Chico founder John … Continue reading →

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