Author Archives: nancyleek

About nancyleek

Nancy is a retired librarian who lives in Chico, California. She is the author of John Bidwell: The Adventurous Life of a California Pioneer.

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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Give the Gift of Reading!

Posted on November 14, 2023 by nancyleek

As a librarian and devoted book reader, I have always given the gift of books. Everybody needs a good book (or many good books) for Christmas! So if you are shopping for books this holiday season, please consider my books … Continue reading →

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Armistice Day

Posted on November 11, 2023 by nancyleek

My husband’s grandfather, George Robert DeBeque, was a veteran of the First World War. He was commissioned on June 28, 1917 and served in France as a captain in the Engineer Corps, having been a mining engineer in civilian life. … Continue reading →

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The Presidential Visit to Cherokee

Posted on October 19, 2023 by nancyleek

President Rutherford B. Hayes and his party only spent one day in Butte County and most of that day was taken up by a visit to the mining town of Cherokee. Carriages and wagons wound their way across the valley, … Continue reading →

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Historical Halloween at Bidwell Mansion

Posted on October 16, 2023 by nancyleek

Join me for a guided evening tour of the Bidwell Mansion on Sunday, October 29. We’ll delve into the rich and intriguing history of 19th-century American mourning. I’ll be sharing the tour guide gig with Adrienne Glatz, who has shared … Continue reading →

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“I am always ready for California”

Posted on October 1, 2023 by nancyleek

John Bidwell urged General Sherman to stop over in Chico, enjoy a rest, and see his ranch. But Sherman had urgent business and couldn’t stay. Here is his letter of apology– San Francisco, Cal. Oct. 8 1877 General John Bidwell … Continue reading →

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General Sherman and General Bidwell

Posted on September 30, 2023 by nancyleek

John Bidwell first met William Tecumseh Sherman in California in 1847 when Sherman was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and Bidwell was a surveyor and a major in the California Battalion. I’ve written about that encounter, as told … Continue reading →

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Puncture Vine

Posted on September 27, 2023 by nancyleek

Puncturevine, AKA goatheads, caltrops, devil’s thorn, and tribulus terretris. You’ve seen and and you hate it. I hate it. Everybody hates it. It is the bane of cyclists, gardeners, and barefoot children everywhere. With its sharp penetrating thorns and prostrate … Continue reading →

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