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.

Annie Bidwell at the Women’s Congress

Posted on July 23, 2019 by nancyleek

This photo, brought to my attention by Richard Elsom, shows an 1896 meeting of Suffragist leaders: standing (l to r) Ida Husted Harper, Selena Solomons, Carrie Chapman Catt, Annie Bidwell, (seated) Lucy Anthony, Dr. Anna H. Shaw, Susan B. Anthony, … Continue reading →

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More Bicentennial Birthdays

Posted on July 21, 2019 by nancyleek

Not only does the year 2019 mark the 200th birthday of John Bidwell, but he shares his bicentennial year with some notable figures. Here are some other folks who turn 200 this year. Two royals: Queen Victoria (May 24) and … Continue reading →

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Bidwell Bicentennial Birthday Bash

Posted on July 19, 2019 by nancyleek

It’s John Bidwell’s 200th birthday and you are all invited to a free event at Bidwell Mansion on Sunday, August 4th from 4 to 6 p.m. Fun for all! Come for free Shubert’s ice cream, birthday cake, games, music by … Continue reading →

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Gold Rush Stories

Posted on June 25, 2019 by nancyleek

Gary Noy has done it again. A few years ago I read and reviewed his book Sierra Stories. Now he has a new book: Gold Rush Stories: 49 Tales of Seekers, Scoundrels, Loss, and Luck, published by Heyday Books. It … Continue reading →

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“Dear Charlie” — Horace Goes Home

Posted on June 20, 2019 by nancyleek

Boston, June 19, 1855 Dear Charlie: As you have been informed, Snow has arrived in America. . . I landed in New York the 6th day of June and from that time to this I haven’t seen a moment’s leisure … Continue reading →

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“Dear Charlie” — Prices

Posted on June 17, 2019 by nancyleek

Horace Snow wrote his old friend Charlie in September 1854 and included a list of grocery staples that they bought to lay up for the coming winter. Many miners moved down out of the hills to the cities like Stockton … Continue reading →

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“Dear Charlie” — A Gold Panning Contest

Posted on June 11, 2019 by nancyleek

Horace Snow tells of a competition he and his brother took on, just to liven things up in the summer of 1854. They decided to take turns washing out pans of gold to see which one of them could wash … Continue reading →

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“Dear Charlie” — Three Cheers for Snow

Posted on June 10, 2019 by nancyleek

Nearly every account of any man who came to California to get rich mining for gold will say that after a few months, or weeks, or days in the goldfields the fellow gave up the attempt and turned to “mining … Continue reading →

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“Dear Charlie” — A Day in the Life

Posted on June 8, 2019 by nancyleek

Horace Snow spent most of his almost two years in the California goldfields in Agua Frio, a little mining camp in Mariposa County. On October 9th, 1854 he wrote to Charlie Fitz to “tell you of one day in our … Continue reading →

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“Dear Charlie” — Jury Duty

Posted on June 7, 2019 by nancyleek

Gold miners were no more eager to serve on a jury in 1854 than most citizens are today, although they rarely had to show up for more than one day. Horace Snow writes: April 4th: Tomorrow I am obliged to … Continue reading →

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