Author Archives: nancyleek

Then as now, it was a cultural advantage to have a college in Chico. John and Annie Bidwell frequently attended lectures and entertainments on campus, and they also frequently played host to visiting performers and lecturers. Lois McDonald wrote the … Continue reading →

For anyone interested in the history of Chico State, When Chico Stole the College, by “Old Hutch” (W.H. Hutchinson), is a fun and very short introduction.  I read it when I was researching Bidwell and the formation of Chico Normal … Continue reading →

It used to be common for teacher’s colleges to be called “normal schools.” The term has an odd ring to it, since the first meaning of “normal” that comes to mind is “typical, usual, average, ordinary.” We speak of “normal … Continue reading →