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.

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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Heritage Day at John Marsh’s Rancho

Posted on September 19, 2014 by nancyleek

John Marsh’s letters were a prime motivator in getting John Bidwell to California. Marsh, already living in California, wrote to Missouri newspapers and extolled the attractions of his new home. That, plus the tales told by Antoine Robidoux, convinced John … Continue reading →

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Pity the Poor Pioneer Woman

Posted on September 13, 2014 by nancyleek

On his 1841 trek to California, John Bidwell traveled with several members of the Kelsey family. He never forgot the trials on the trail of Mrs. Samuel Kelsey, wife of the oldest of four Kelsey brothers on the trip. I … Continue reading →

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Sherman and Bidwell

Posted on September 4, 2014 by nancyleek

I am currently reading Fierce Patriot: The Tangled Lives of William Tecumseh Sherman, by Robert L. O’Connell. I recommend it to all you Civil War buffs out there, as well as anyone who wants to read a well-written biography of … Continue reading →

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Ever Been to Nataqua?

Posted on August 3, 2014 by nancyleek

I’ve been reading about Peter Lassen in Legendary Truths by Ken Johnston. I recommend the book to anyone who wants a detailed account of Lassen’s life and the development of the Lassen Trail. Johnston dispels many old myths about Lassen … Continue reading →

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