But this is Chico, too

The theme of this walk around the block is loss. This long block winds around the so-called “Lost Park,” the part of Bidwell Park that lies between Camellia Way and The Esplanade. It’s not so much lost as inaccessible. It’s so tucked away from view that we forget the park property stretches all the way from a remote canyon in the east to just across the street from the Bidwell Mansion.

Start this walk at the northeast corner of First Street and Shasta Way, a street that keeps this name for exactly one block. You are looking at two almost identical buildings that went up in the 1960s. Why did we put up such ugly buildings in the mid-20th century? It’s a question I never tire of asking. The photo I’ve taken of the corner building tries to show it in its best possible light.

The two buildings replaced the Sacramento Northern Railroad Depot. That building was moved and now sits not too far away from Highway 99 just south of Chico.

As you cross Big Chico Creek, have a look at a patch of lost park. On the other side of the bridge is Bidwell’s Mill Creekside apartments, a bit of land that has been lost to history, except for the name.

This is indeed the site of John Bidwell’s flour mill, which perished twice in fires, and was rebuilt each time. At the turn of the 20th century, it was torn down again and Sperry Flour Co. put up a three-story brick building that stood until the early 1960s. It was first used to mill flour and later to mill rice, along with the brick building to the north, which still stands.

Now known as Northern Star Mills, this building has lost only its earlier use. Today, it’s a garden, farm and pet supply store. It’s the only building on this block that's part of vintage Chico.

Turn right on Memorial Way and head east. Halfway along this block you’ll come to the entrance to Lindo Park, a mid-20th century suburban housing development that seems to have lost its way. It seems out of place in the middle of the city.

Join me next time and we’ll complete this walk around the block.