
Cris Guenter. "Bidwell Mansion", colored pencil sketch. "I walked by the Mansion daily to my campus office in Modoc Hall just across the back lawn."

Erika Esau. " As a newcomer to Chico, I sensed the significance to the town of John and Annie Bidwell almost immediately. Their legacy as founders and benefactors made Chico unique. That specialness was symbolized by their Mansion. It wasn't just another Victorian house, but a material and charming link to the city's history. I was surprised at how shocked and unhappy I was when the news came that it had burned to the ground, as if a family member had died. I've lived in many places, but have never felt such a strong sense of community as was imparted by this single building."