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.

California Admission Day

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

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

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

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

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

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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An Historic California Eclipse

I had hopes of going to Texas to see the total solar eclipse on April 8th, but plans fell through and clouds are predicted for Texas next Monday. So no eclipse for me. But if you had been here in … Continue reading

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California Corner

If you enjoy California history of all kinds (and who doesn’t?), sign up for the California Corner newsletter from the History Room at the California State Library. You’ll get a quarterly newsletter sent to your email box, packed full of … Continue reading

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Aftermath of a Murder

John Richards and Steve Thompson were incarcerated in the California State Prison at San Quentin when the census was taken in June 1900. John was 19 years old; Steve was 21. Their occupations (before they went to prison) are listed … Continue reading

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Murder at the Mansion — The Trial

Justice was swift in the year 1900. The murder of Billy Simpson had taken place on the night of February 27th, and his body was found on the 28th. On March 2nd Steve Thompson and John Richards were arrested, and … Continue reading

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