Dear Sillies,
How are you?
While I'm grateful to feel well loved and supported, I'm shocked and heart-achy. You might've seen on the news that Chico's Historic Bidwell Mansion went up in flames in the early morning hours of 12/11/24. (Even my friend in Australia, Anthony J. Langford, saw this news.) The Mansion was our city's heart, 150+ years old, visited by folks the world over, and housed mostly authentic artifacts -- nearly all ravaged.
One of my biggest honors has been portraying Annie Bidwell at community events for the past eight years. Thus, this tragedy punctures my heart as it does for so many. Nobody was hurt, and we'll persevere. What's lost is beyond precious.
What we retain, though, even more precious, especially now.
one of many
Xmases
with
the
Bidwells
12/11/24
Please stay safe and be well, my loves.
So sorry to hear of that news. I hadn't heard about it....surprising since I love old mansions and architecture. Glad you still have the memories...great pictures! Will they rebuild or will it be demolished now?
ReplyDeleteThank you, sweetie. You'd have loved the Mansion.
DeleteNo decision made on what happens next, though funds are being collected. It will need to be demolished regardless. Sadly.
Hugs.
A great tragedy. Like losing a family member I am sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I appreciate it. It was much more than just a building, yes.
DeleteOh that is horrific and I just hope some pieces were out of the house because it was in the midst of being restored, from what I read. I just hope it wasn't arson...I don't trust when I hear it was under restoration.
ReplyDeleteSigh. Birgit, there seems to have been neglect for following protocol. Nothing was removed before the work. I can't imagine the value of what was lost - life-sized portrait of John Bidwell, Annie's wedding dress, photos of former Presidents who stayed there...too much. Yeah, it was more accessible because of the work being done. )=
DeleteSuch terrible, awful news! The photo of you in front of the smoking ruins is so poignant. What a treasure trove of historical items has been lost. My condolences to you and everyone in Chico!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Debra. I know you know this catastrophe. It's become all too common.
DeleteAppreciate your loving support.
I am so very sorry.
ReplyDeleteThank you, EC. Much appreciated.
DeleteSo awful and such a loss for the community.
ReplyDeleteYes, and our City is hearing from hundreds of former students who are living all over the world. It housed students for years before Chico State added student housing. Thanks.
DeleteGoodness, it's just gone! So terrible.
ReplyDeleteJust like that - from one day to the next. Yes. Sobering and tragic.
DeleteThat first picture of you is a great picture. You need to use it in any official correspondence that needs a picture.
ReplyDeleteI do like that one. My hair turned out just right with that curl in the middle. Thanks, Mike.
DeleteThat is so sad! And right before Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane. Yeah, Xmas tended to be the most fun at the Mansion. I've wonderful memories. Wish I had more pictures.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear about the fire (through Facebook). I remember you playing her during the holidays. And isn't the Presbyterian Church in Chico the Bidwell Memorial?
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Jeff. It's the Bidwell Presbyterian Church. It borders the campus and is/was a quick walk from the Mansion. No worries about that or the surroundings, which is why it appears to have been a targeted attack.
DeleteOh no! How sad. I love history and historic buildings. What a true shame that happened. I can see why you're upset.
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space
It was the city's focal point, and too many authentic artifacts were lost.
DeleteThank you for your words of support.
Breaks my heart! Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend.
DeleteYes, we saw it here. Just terrible. So sorry for all the people it affected. Brutal. Terrible time of the year too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear friend.
DeleteI commented on your FB post. So sorry to lose a piece of history like that. But I hope that somehow, those of you who portrayed the Bidwells can still give them their due on special city occasions. Big hug, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too, Joanne. I have a feeling we will - just sorting through the many levels of grief for now. And gearing up for the holidays.
DeleteThank you.
I'm so sorry to hear about the devastating fire at Bidwell Mansion. It's heartbreaking to lose such an important piece of history and a place that holds so many memories. Your portrayal of Annie Bidwell and the connection you have to the Mansion makes this loss even more personal. It's a difficult time, but I'm glad no one was hurt, and I hope the community can come together to find strength and healing. Thinking of you and everyone affected by this tragedy.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your very warm sentiment, Lux.
DeleteLove and blessings to you.