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.

Dr. James O’Brien of Butte County

Posted on December 29, 2014 by nancyleek

So on Saturday my husband and I took our two granddaughters to San Francisco to visit the Museum of the Society of California Pioneers (and the Walt Disney Family Museum) at the Presidio. What a beautiful day! Gorgeous view of … Continue reading →

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Christmas with Annie Bidwell

Posted on December 26, 2014 by nancyleek

In 1903 Annie Bidwell described the Christmas celebration at the Indian Rancheria on December 24th, and a party she hosted at Bidwell Mansion for friends and family on the 29th. Here are the entries from her diary: Thurs., December 24 … Continue reading →

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If You Go to San Francisco . . . .

Posted on December 18, 2014 by nancyleek

Be sure to go to Pioneer Hall at the Presidio. The Society of California Pioneers has a new museum location, and their opening exhibit is Circa 1849: Treasures from the Archives. The exhibit is only on until December 31, so … Continue reading →

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The Bear Flag Story

Posted on December 12, 2014 by nancyleek

Most of us know the story of how the California flag came to be. But do you know that it might have had quite a different bear on it? In June 1846 a group of Americans banded together to take … Continue reading →

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Time Capsule Contents Revealed

Posted on November 29, 2014 by nancyleek

The “time capsule” found in the base of the pioneer monument in Chico was opened today at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. The box is made of copper and was sealed with lead solder. Inside was a paper scroll, yellowed … Continue reading →

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More about the Time Capsule

Posted on November 20, 2014 by nancyleek

The Gridley Herald for October 21, 1925, published an account of the pioneer monument dedication, but does not mention the time capsule hidden in the base. With appropriate ceremonies and before hundreds of residents of Butte County, together with representative … Continue reading →

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Tiime Capsule Time!

Posted on November 19, 2014 by nancyleek

Haven’t you always wanted to see a time capsule opened? Especially if it is a mystery time capsule. with no record of who planted it or what is inside? Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park has it’s very own mystery time … Continue reading →

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“What Shall I Do?”

Posted on November 15, 2014 by nancyleek

John Bidwell sent this letter to Annie in 1880, when he was in San Francisco and she was visiting her family in Washington, D. C.: SF Aug 24, 1880 My Dear Wife By the bye. The President and General … Continue reading →

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John Marsh and John Bidwell

Posted on November 3, 2014 by nancyleek

On Thursday, November 4th, 1875, John Bidwell wrote in his diary: Thirty four (34) years ago today I arrive at the ranch of Dr. John Marsh near Mt. Diablo – party consisted of 32 men l woman and child. John … Continue reading →

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John Bidwell Arrives in California

Posted on October 30, 2014 by nancyleek

“Saturday, 30th. We had gone about 3 miles this morning, when lo! to our great delight, we beheld a wide valley! This we had entirely overlooked between us and the high mountains which terminated our view yesterday. Rivers evidently meandered … Continue reading →

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