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Category Archives: Bidwell Mansion
John Bidwell’s First Dwelling on Rancho Chico
Where did John Bidwell live before he built his spacious mansion? Rancho del Arroyo Chico was John Bidwell’s “loveliest of places,” the land he had his eye on ever since he rode up the Sacramento Valley in 1843. But the … Continue reading
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Forthcoming Book
Coming soon! I have been working on this book for more than a year, but that’s nothing — Dave Veith worked on it for a decade or more. It’s the story of Bidwell Mansion — a biography of an iconic … Continue reading
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How Much Did It Cost to Build Bidwell Mansion?
Let’s take a look back at the early days of Bidwell Mansion, when it was still taking shape and already capturing the attention of curious visitors. Even as construction neared completion, the home’s distinctive architecture and sweeping views were drawing … Continue reading
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A Walk Around Bidwell Mansion
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
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Bidwell Mansion: The Stories We Share
The Chico History Museum has a special exhibit featuring memorabilia from Bidwell Mansion. Gathered and saved by community members, the items in the exhibit reflect on what the Mansion has meant to Chico over the years. The exhibit will only … Continue reading
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A Bidwell New Year, 1869
John Bidwell wrote to his mother-in-law, Catherine Kennedy, on December 31, 1868, striking a humorous note on the weather: The other John here is Annie’s brother John Kennedy, who had come to California for his health. It looks like they … Continue reading
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Arson
I walked through Children’s Park and across the footbridge on Wednesday to take a closer look at the destruction. It is a sad sight to see. Later that day State Parks held a press conference and announced that the fire … Continue reading
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Bidwell Mansion Destroyed by Fire
In the early hours of December 11, 2024, fire destroyed Bidwell Mansion. For those of you who do not live in Butte County, Bidwell Mansion is the symbol of Chico, a beautiful Italianate villa, the home of Chico founder John … Continue reading
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A Visit to Chico — 1868
In April 1868 the editor of the Marysville Daily Appeal reported on a visit to “The Town of Chico,” situated on the ranch of General Bidwell and “on the living waters of Chico Creek.” He found it to be a … Continue reading
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Christmas with the Bidwells — 2022
Live events are back at Bidwell Mansion! After a two year hiatus, the Bidwell Mansion Association invited members and guests to enjoy “Christmas with the Bidwells” live and in person at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. The evening featured dramatic … Continue reading
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