Category Archives: Uncategorized

Not only does the year 2019 mark the 200th birthday of John Bidwell, but he shares his bicentennial year with some notable figures. Here are some other folks who turn 200 this year. Two royals: Queen Victoria (May 24) and … Continue reading →

It’s John Bidwell’s 200th birthday and you are all invited to a free event at Bidwell Mansion on Sunday, August 4th from 4 to 6 p.m. Fun for all! Come for free Shubert’s ice cream, birthday cake, games, music by … Continue reading →

Boston, June 19, 1855 Dear Charlie: As you have been informed, Snow has arrived in America.  . .  I landed in New York the 6th day of June and from that time to this I haven’t seen a moment’s leisure … Continue reading →

Nearly every account of any man who came to California to get rich mining for gold will say that after a few months, or weeks, or days in the goldfields the fellow gave up the attempt and turned to “mining … Continue reading →

As usual, I was looking for one thing in the old newspapers, and came up with another. Most businesses advertised their wares by simply listing them, but not J. L. Polhemus. He had a lively and creative mind, and put … Continue reading →

Not my own bookshelf, but the local radio program where Nancy Wiegman interviews authors about their books. If you would like to hear these two Nancys talk about my new book on Peter Lassen, you can listen to the podcast … Continue reading →

Just putting this here because I like the painting — “Placer Mining” by William F. Chadwick, 1854. It hangs in the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. Not much is known about the artist. He was born in Maine in 1828 … Continue reading →

Old Town Sacramento is a fun place to visit, even if it is full of junky tourist trap shops. Jim and I went there today to take the Sacramento History Museum‘s Underground Tour. Our guide on the tour was “Eugenie … Continue reading →