Category Archives: Uncategorized

We Californians tend to think that the American Civil War all happened back east, where the South rebelled and the North fought to maintain the Union. But California, a state since 1850, played a significant role in the War between … Continue reading →

Today my OLLI group visited the C.F. Lott home in Oroville. Set in a city block park, the house is surrounded by lawns, brick paths, a rose garden, and a wisteria arbor. The park is open daily, and the house … Continue reading →

How would a group of well-brought-up young people entertain themselves on Halloween 110 years ago? Annie Bidwell’s diary gives us a glimpse. In 1905 Harriett Alexander came to Chico to live at Bidwell Mansion and attend Chico High School. She … Continue reading →

Continuing my OLLI adventures, today the Historic Houses class visited the Kelly-Griggs House Museum in Red Bluff. The Kelly-Griggs House is a classic example of 19th century American architecture, and one of several handsome Victorian homes in Red Bluff, California. … Continue reading →

This fall I am (for the first time) a peer leader for an OLLI class. (OLLI is basically retirees teaching other retirees anything they are interested in.) We are touring historic houses in northern California. Sounds like a fun idea, … Continue reading →

This is John Bidwell’s last letter to George McKinstry for the year 1848. He is still at the ranch of Charles Roether, which was on the Feather River at Honcut Creek, where he has been buying cattle to drive to … Continue reading →

Here is the rest of Bidwell’s letter to McKinstry on November 1, 1848. It is chiefly concerned with that most important trade item — cattle. Demand was going up, and so were prices. I learn here that Cordua has raised … Continue reading →