Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Adventures of Amos Frye — Part 2

Amos E. Frye was now in his forties, working for John Bidwell on Rancho Chico. Bidwell was often away from the ranch, serving in the California senate in San Jose and looking after business in San Francisco and Sacramento. John … Continue reading

Posted in Amos Frye, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The Adventures of Amos E. Frye — Part 1

Amos E. Frye led an adventurous life, but left very little record of it. He is more noted for his death than his life — he was the first man buried in the Chico Cemetery. How he came there, and … Continue reading

Posted in Amos Frye, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Nancy Kelsey’s Last Two Wishes

Nancy Kelsey’s long and adventurous life came to an end on August 10th, 1896. She died and was buried at her last home in Cottonwood Canyon in the Cuyama Valley in Santa Barbara County, California. Her friend, Minnie Heath, later … Continue reading

Posted in Nancy Kelsey, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

More about Nancy Kelsey

I did a book about Nancy Kelsey in 2017 but it doesn’t look like I ever wrote very much about her here. A call from a journalist writing an article about her has inspired me to revisit her life and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Lost and Found at Rancho Chico

In this image you can see Bidwell’s store on the left, the bridge over Chico Creek, and the old adobe building on the right, surrounded by cottonwood trees and a few horses and people. The adobe building served as John … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The Kelly-Griggs House Reopens

Back in 2017 I wrote about my visit to the Kelly-Griggs House in Red Bluff. As I said then about this beautiful historic home: The Kelly-Griggs House is a classic example of 19th century American architecture, and one of several … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

It’s California Poppy Day!

April 6th is California Poppy Day, honoring our state flower. The California Poppy was designated the state flower in 1903, and in 2010 April 6th was named an official state holiday (but not one where anybody gets the day off, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Bidwell’s Old Adobe

After his log cabin on Chico Creek burned down in 1852, John Bidwell built this two-story (with a one-story wing) adobe building. It was his home, his ranch headquarters, as well as a tavern and a hotel for travelers on … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Table Mountain and Oregon City

Spring is running a bit late this year. With all the cool and cloudy skies we have had lately, the flowers are only just getting started. But with all the rain, the wildflower season will only get better and better. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Classroom Visits

Fairview School’s Community Read-In is back and that makes me happy. Ever since I worked at the Orland Free Library, I have enjoyed visiting Fairview School in the Spring for the Community Read-In. All kinds of adults come to read … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments