Category Archives: Uncategorized

It’s April 1st, time to start planting your vegetable garden, just like Bidwell did back in the day.  In 1853 Bidwell recorded a Garden Journal in the back of his store ledger. Here’s what was happening day by day in … Continue reading →

I have a new respect for the seamstresses and tailors of yore. What a lot of work went into a shirt or a waistcoat! And a full three-piece suit — let’s not even go there. The patterns I used contained … Continue reading →

I feel like I ought to be writing more blog posts. I have some topics I’d like to research and write about. But instead I have been sewing. I have a friend named Nick Anderson who portrays John Bidwell at … Continue reading →

Just as John Bidwell had his casaba melons, so Henry Wallace had his banana squash. Grown right here in Chico, the giant squash shown in this photo played a role in the presidential campaign of 1948. This item came via … Continue reading →

A snippet from a letter by John Bidwell gives a glimpse into his political views in 1891. The image may be difficult to make out — it reads as follows: What political party do you belong to? As to myself, … Continue reading →

Back in November 2014 a metal box was discovered in the base of the pioneer monument that sits on the corner of The Esplanade and So-Wil-En-No Ave. A mystery time capsule! What wonders might it hold? At the time I … Continue reading →

I was reminded this afternoon by Sandy Hill that I never followed up on the origin of the name of So-Wil-Len-No Avenue, which she asked about in a comment. The background is interesting, and worth knowing for any Chicoan who … Continue reading →