Author Archives: nancyleek

Unknown's avatar

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.

Book Signing at B&N

Posted on October 8, 2025 by nancyleek

I will be at Barnes & Noble in Chico this Saturday, October 11th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with piles of my biography of John Bidwell, ready to sell and sign and chat about books and history. I hope … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Happy 175th Birthday!

Posted on September 8, 2025 by nancyleek

Huzza! Happy California Admission Day! It has been 175 years since California joined the United States as the 31st state. (If 50 years is a semi-centennial, what is 175? There are several to choose from, such as “dodransbicentennial,” but none … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Events! I Have Events!

Posted on September 6, 2025 by nancyleek

Time for some shameless self-promotion. I have all kinds of events lined up for the Fall. I hope I see you at one or more of these. First up — the Bidwell Mansion Association Victorian Picnic at the Chico Cemetery. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Early Days in Chico

Posted on August 17, 2025 by nancyleek

I borrowed the above photo from “Awesome People of Chico” on Facebook. I’m not sure where the original is, but it shows just what a rough-hewn town Chico was in the 1860s. The second house in Chico was built by … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The First House in Chico

Posted on August 16, 2025 by nancyleek

In October 1860 John Bidwell acquired title to “Potter’s Half-League,” a portion of Rancho de Farwell situated on the south bank of Chico Creek. That same year he had finally had his title to Rancho Chico on the north side … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Looking at Ledgers

Posted on July 31, 2025 by nancyleek

Yesterday I went to the California State Library in Sacramento to look at a variety of Rancho Chico ledgers. I had no idea that there were so many! I only wanted ledgers from 1865-1868 because I wanted to see if … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Walk Around Bidwell Mansion

Posted on July 24, 2025 by nancyleek

Crews have been at work cleaning up the exterior debris from the fire at Bidwell Mansion. With the scaffolding gone and the collapsed veranda cleared away, you can get a better look at the ruined structure. It’s a heart-breaking sight. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidwell Mansion, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Fourth of July Parade

Posted on July 6, 2025 by nancyleek

The Bidwell Mansion Association and friends gathered in costume to celebrate the 4th at the downtown Chico 4th of July Parade. “John and Annie” were given a classy ride in a beautiful 1920 Studebaker sedan generously provided by Jen and … Continue reading →

Posted in 4th of July, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Chico 4th of July — 150 Years Ago

Posted on July 3, 2025 by nancyleek

Our celebrations of Independence Day are skimpy compared to the way they enjoyed the Fourth in Chico in 1875. It was a full day of celebration, as promoted in the Chico Record on July 3rd. (The celebration took place of … Continue reading →

Posted in 4th of July | Leave a comment

Black Bart in Butte County

Posted on June 21, 2025 by nancyleek

On this date — June 21 — in 1879 the notorious stage robber Black Bart held up a stage coach near Forbestown in Butte County. It was his first robbery in the year 1879 and his ninth robbery since he … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Bart, Uncategorized | Leave a comment