Author Archives: nancyleek

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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.

Saloons in Early Chico

Posted on November 20, 2024 by nancyleek

The first saloon opened in Chico in December, 1860 by Monty and Bucklee. We may fairly estimate the growth of Chico when we see that a new saloon has been demanded each year. On Second street we find the Pony, … Continue reading →

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Hotels in Early Chico

Posted on November 15, 2024 by nancyleek

If you were traveling on the stagecoach from Sacramento to Shasta City in 1862, and wanted to stop over in Chico, where would you stay? How about here? Well, not in 1862. The Chico Hotel burned down more than once, … Continue reading →

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Some Chico “Firsts”

Posted on November 11, 2024 by nancyleek

“Now that Chico is forging to the front as a prosperous city of 12,000 or larger population” wrote the Chico Record in 1910, “it is interesting to look backward and consider for a moment the humble beginnings of the city.” … Continue reading →

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Children’s Books on the California Gold Rush

Posted on September 26, 2024 by nancyleek

Last Sunday I gave a presentation at the Kelly-Griggs House Museum in Red Bluff about Alvin Coffey, the Gold Rush, and slavery in California. One of the attendees asked if I could recommend books for children about the California Gold … Continue reading →

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California Admission Day

Posted on September 8, 2024 by nancyleek

Happy California Admission Day! Not much celebrated anymore, but an important date in California history. It’s strange to think that on September 9, 1850, as President Fillmore put his signature on the document that admitted California to the Union, the … Continue reading →

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Upcoming Talks

Posted on August 6, 2024 by nancyleek

I have a couple of talks scheduled for September, so if you are in the neighborhood, I hope you will come and say, “Hi!” On Saturday, September 21st I will be speaking at the Butte County Historical Society about my … Continue reading →

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Summer Updates

Posted on August 1, 2024 by nancyleek

What’s new? I took a trip to England in June and did absolutely nothing related to California history. I hiked the ancient Ridgeway trail and spent a few days in London. Here is a picture of my crew in Avebury, … Continue reading →

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Taking a Break

Posted on April 28, 2024 by nancyleek

Dear Friends, I have enjoyed writing this blog for the past 13 years, every since my first book came out. Four more books and 1231 blog posts later, it’s time for me to take a break. I have a big … Continue reading →

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More News about Johnson’s Ranch

Posted on April 22, 2024 by nancyleek

For many pioneers coming to California, Johnson’s Ranch was the end of the trail. I have written about it here and here. It is on private land and threatened by development. I am hopeful that Johnson’s Ranch will get the … Continue reading →

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Wine Sauce for General Bidwell

Posted on April 18, 2024 by nancyleek

I came across this story when looking through clippings of a column called “Off the Record” which appeared in the Chico Record during the 1940s. It was written by Mayor Paul Roberts, who was never an official mayor of anything, … Continue reading →

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