Category Archives: Uncategorized

In 1903 Annie Bidwell described the Christmas celebration at the Indian Rancheria on December 24th, and a party she hosted at Bidwell Mansion for friends and family on the 29th. Here are the entries from her diary: Thurs., December 24 … Continue reading →

Be sure to go to Pioneer Hall at the Presidio. The Society of California Pioneers has a new museum location, and their opening exhibit is Circa 1849: Treasures from the Archives.  The exhibit is only on until December 31, so … Continue reading →

The “time capsule” found in the base of the pioneer monument in Chico was opened today at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. The box is made of copper and was sealed with lead solder. Inside was a paper scroll, yellowed … Continue reading →

The Gridley Herald for October 21, 1925, published an account of the pioneer monument dedication, but does not mention the time capsule hidden in the base. With appropriate ceremonies and before hundreds of residents of Butte County, together with representative … Continue reading →

Haven’t you always wanted to see a time capsule opened? Especially if it is a mystery time capsule. with no record of who planted it or what is inside? Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park has it’s very own mystery time … Continue reading →

“Saturday, 30th. We had gone about 3 miles this morning, when lo! to our great delight, we beheld a wide valley! This we had entirely overlooked between us and the high mountains which terminated our view yesterday. Rivers evidently meandered … Continue reading →

John Marsh’s letters were a prime motivator in getting John Bidwell to California. Marsh, already living in California, wrote to Missouri newspapers and extolled the attractions of his new home. That, plus the tales told by Antoine Robidoux, convinced John … Continue reading →

If you enjoy stories about California history, then this book is for you: Sierra Stories: Tales of Dreamers, Schemers, Bigots and Rogues, by Gary Noy. I saw the author last night at Lyon Books; he brings the Sierra Nevada to … Continue reading →