Category Archives: Uncategorized

Note: When I wrote yesterday’s post, I said that this Christmas pictorial appeared in 1856. It was actually 1857, and the post has been corrected. This one is almost like a rebus: A tree on one side and a house … Continue reading →

The Oroville Daily Butte Record had some fun for its readers on Christmas Day, 1857, which it “Furnished to our readers gratuitously as a Christmas present!” Using standard newspaper engravings that were usually seen in advertisements and patriotic announcements (“obtained … Continue reading →

My books are available for holiday shopping! You can order by contacting me at goldfieldsbooksca@gmail.com, or by shopping at some of our great North State businesses like Made in Chico, ABC Books, Bidwell Mansion (open Wednesdays and Saturdays), The Rusty … Continue reading →

Just like last year, the Bidwell Mansion Association is not able this year to host a live holiday event at Bidwell Mansion for members and guests. But do not despair! A virtual holiday extravaganza is in the works, coming soon … Continue reading →

Each year John Bidwell noted Thanksgiving Day in his diary. He always recorded who gave the sermon at the Thanksgiving church service and who were the guests at dinner. Sometimes he notes sending turkeys to two or three families. But … Continue reading →

“Last night being Halloween the Normal students cut up shamefully.” So wrote John Bidwell in his diary for November 1, 1899. What did those students get up to? The Chico Weekly Enterprise can tell us. Hearing that some of the … Continue reading →

Margaret Hecox came to California overland with her husband Adna and four children in 1846. It was a long and arduous journey, but at least they did not take the Hastings Cut-Off (as did the Donner Party). They met Lansford … Continue reading →

In Camp and Cabin with John Steele — part 8 After vaccinating the Indian village near Coloma, John Steele left Downing’s Ravine to make a tour of the Southern Mines. He was always in search of information, and he wanted … Continue reading →

In Camp and Cabin with John Steele — part 7 Steele met his share of desperadoes and lowlifes during his time in California. He tells of several men murdered in their tents for their gold. He worried about being a … Continue reading →