Category Archives: Casaba melon

Christmas with the Bidwells 2019

Posted on December 24, 2019 by nancyleek

The Bidwell Mansion Association celebrated “Christmas with the Bidwells” on December 6th with delicious holiday treats, live music, and a vignette inside Bidwell Mansion. In the vignette, Mrs. Swasey (LaShona Haskell), William Swasey (Mike Swann), John Bidwell (Nick Anderson) and … Continue reading →

Posted in Casaba melon, Christmas, Uncategorized, William F. Swasey | Leave a comment

Casaba Melons

Posted on August 23, 2015 by nancyleek

I found in the California State Library the original letters that accompanied the shipment of melon seeds to John Bidwell. There are two letters, one form letter addressed to John Kennedy (Annie’s brother) and a hand-written one to General Bidwell. … Continue reading →

Posted in Casaba melon | 1 Comment

Melons in December

Posted on December 19, 2013 by nancyleek

Most people know that John Bidwell loved to eat melons, especially the casaba melons that he grew from Turkish seed sent to him by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1881. He ate them every day from summer until they … Continue reading →

Posted in Casaba melon | Leave a comment

130 years of Casaba Melons, part II

Posted on August 28, 2011 by nancyleek

Back in May I planted the seeds, and now this has invaded my kitchen.It looks like something from a space aliens movie. What is it? It’s a Casaba melon, and this is my best year yet growing Casabas. This one … Continue reading →

Posted in Casaba melon | Leave a comment

130 years of Casaba Melons

Posted on May 21, 2011 by nancyleek

This afternoon I planted casaba melons in a big empty patch in the middle of our orchard. This is the second year that I have planted casabas—they were such a favorite with General Bidwell that I had to try them. … Continue reading →

Posted in Casaba melon, Uncategorized | 1 Comment