Category Archives: Uncategorized

Melinda said their story would make a good buddy movie. Maybe they were too similar to give their story the contrast it needs, but pioneers Robert H. Thomes and Albert G. Toomes certainly were life-long friends. Yesterday I went to … Continue reading →

On May 19, 1841, the Bidwell-Bartleson Party started for California. John Bidwell, as secretary of the group, kept a journal. Later, while at Bodega Bay, he tidied up his journal entries and sent them back to a friend in Missouri, … Continue reading →

I have been looking through a Butte County history curriculum binder developed by the Butte County Office of Education for 3rd grade teachers, and I came across a catchy little item. It’s “The Ballad of John Bidwell”, written by the … Continue reading →

  We all enjoyed the Chico Pioneer Day Parade today. Grand Marshal was Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea, beloved by all for his heroic leadership during the Camp Fire. Honorary Grand Marshals were John and Annie Bidwell, in recognition of … Continue reading →

  The Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA) has a Emigrant Hall of Fame, and John Bidwell is joining it this year. Last year I submitted an application for him on behalf of the Bidwell Mansion Association.  I recently got the welcome … Continue reading →

The year 2019 marks the 200th year since the birth of John Bidwell. He was born in Chautauqua County, New York, on August 5th, 1819. In honor of General Bidwell’s Bicentennial, the Bidwell Mansion Association has lots of great activities … Continue reading →

Here is the Bill of Fare for dinner at the Pacific Hotel in downtown Sacramento on April 8th, 1870, just 149 years ago. Prices are not given, other than for the wines and beers listed at the bottom.  Anything printed … Continue reading →