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.

California Here I Come

Posted on April 17, 2011 by nancyleek

“As the time approached I became very anxious about the expedition but supposed a few would go with me. Finally I could not find a single member of the company that was sure to go. I went forward with my … Continue reading →

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The View from Bidwell Park

Posted on April 9, 2011 by nancyleek

Is it any wonder that John Bidwell wanted to stay when he saw country like this on his first journey through Northern California in 1843?

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The Western Emigration Society falls apart

Posted on March 27, 2011 by nancyleek

During the winter of 1840-41, some five hundred people in Platte County, Missouri joined the Western Emigration Society and signed a pledge to emigrate to California in the spring. This idea was met with great resistance by the local merchants. … Continue reading →

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The meanest man in California

Posted on March 17, 2011 by nancyleek

The other thing I wanted to see at the Bancroft was the manuscript of Bidwell’s 1877 dictation for Hubert Howe Bancroft, in which Bidwell recounts his experiences during his 1841 journey to California, the Mexican War, and the Gold Rush. … Continue reading →

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A Visit to the Bancroft Library

Posted on March 15, 2011 by nancyleek

I went to the Bancroft Library on Monday. on the way home from Livermore (where I have a brand-new grand-daughter) to Chico. I love to visit the Bancroft—the reading room is so quiet, so academic, so civilized. It feels like … Continue reading →

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The Western Emigration Society

Posted on March 6, 2011 by nancyleek

During the winter of 1840-41 John Bidwell, who had lost his land to a claim jumper, taught school in Missouri and got ready to move on. The tales of fur trader Antoine Robidoux and the letters of John Marsh extolling … Continue reading →

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Join the BMA!

Posted on February 27, 2011 by nancyleek

You can help maintain Chico’s foremost historical landmark by joining the Bidwell Mansion Association. The BMA supports the restoration, preservation, and interpretation of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. Member benefits include receiving a newsletter, The Mansion, where you can read … Continue reading →

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Bidwell and Sutter

Posted on February 26, 2011 by nancyleek

“Sutter was a man who treated everybody well, especially strangers. He had unbounded confidence in other men–in fact, too much, at times. Everyone was welcome at his table, and at his fort. . . He treated me with great consideration, … Continue reading →

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A Healthy Clime

Posted on February 19, 2011 by nancyleek

One of the attractions of California down through the ages has been its healthy climate. While still in Missouri, John Bidwell had met a fur trader named Antoine Robidoux who described California as a place of “perennial spring and boundless … Continue reading →

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A Journey to California, 1841

Posted on February 12, 2011 by nancyleek

Bodega, Port of the Russians Upper California, March 30th, 1842 Most Esteemed Sir:–Owing to circumstances I am compelled to abridge my journal and likewise a description of the country so far as I have been able to travel. By perusing … Continue reading →

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