Book Reviews
Ripples
Along
Chico
Creek:
Perspectives
on
People
and
Times
by
members
of
Butte
County
Branch,
National
League
of
American
Pen
Women
Material
reflecting
each
pen
woman's
interest
with
emphasis
on
Butte
County,
California,
history
and
its
people.
"A considerable portion of the book concerns the Bidwell family. For instance, Lynn Harsell, in the chapter on Annie Bidwell, John's wife, gives insight into the woman who was Chico's grande dame for 60 years.
"John presently esteemed by Chicoans, was resented by many in his lifetime, apparently for his wealth and his concern for the Native Americans and the Chinese. Michele Shover, a political scientist who has made 19th century Chico history an avocation, provides considerable information on Bidwell's half century in Chico.
"All the authors are experienced writers. Works of all of them have been published previously and all of them are quite familiar with their topics in this book.
"Despite the emphasis on the Bidwells, there is much more Chico lore, including Sybil Mathys' account of bygone days and Rosaline Levinson's review of ethnic groups. Dorothy Hill tells of her grandfather, J. J. Morehead, a prominent farmer who farmed on the fringe of Chico. ...
"There is a good blend of historic and contemporary photographs as well as many appropriate sketches. Maps are well drawn and easily read. ...
"Copies of this book belong in California libraries as well as collectors of California devotees." --David Lantis, professor emeritus, CSU, Chico, in The Californians
"Ripples Along Chico Creek is a captivating collection of essays, poems, maps and drawings commemorating the 150th anniversary of John Bidwell's first trip to California. ...
"The opening essay, by Lois Halliday McDonald, traces John Bidwell's first decade in California. Writes McDonald, 'Bidwell's story is chosen for telling here because he came to be identified as the founder of Chico, and he laid the groundwork for the educational and agricultural achievements of the area.'
"Barbara T. Edmonson's essay covers 'John Bidwell's Fifty Years on Rancho del Arroyo Chico.' Among her topics: the Great Flood in the Sacramento Valley of 1861-62 followed by the great drought. Bidwell's ranch survived both.
"The concluding essay is unique. Lucy C. Witherow writes of 'Maidu Indian music, instruments and story telling' in a chapter for children. ... The diversity, and controversy in the book will grab the attention of most everyone. My congratulations to the local Pen Women for a job well done." --Dan Barnett, Chico Enterprise-Record
