Category Archives: Uncategorized

July 5th, 1867: You desire to know where is my home “in town or country?” I live not in but adjacent to the town of Chico — as follows: So wrote John to Annie after he returned from Washington to … Continue reading →

One more excerpt from John Bidwell’s letter to Miss E. Boyd: Here the sun’s rays come blistering down the deep and narrow gorge where seats together all the nations of the earth. . . . There’s nothing here to please … Continue reading →

After telling Miss Boyd about the beauties of a California spring, John Bidwell went on to describe the changes of summer. . . . hold now — let time speed but one month. The fragrant and beautiful flowers are dead, … Continue reading →

In 1851 John Bidwell wrote to a young lady of his acquaintance, “My Friend Miss E. Boyd,” describing his life in the goldfields of California. Here is his description of springtime in the Central Valley: For miles and hundreds of … Continue reading →

What happened to Annie’s ring, with its California diamond? Was it buried with her? Did she leave it to a relative in her will? Where did it go? I’ve been wondering about that, and thought I would check the Bidwell … Continue reading →

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 →