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California State University, Chico is the second-oldest campus in the California State University system. It is located in Chico, California, about one hundred miles north of Sacramento, California.

1 History

On March 10, 1887, a legislative act is enacted to create the Northern Branch State Normal School of California. Less than a month later, Chico is chosen as the location. On June 24, 1887, general John Bidwell donates 8 acres (32,000 m²) of land from his cherry orchard.

On July 4, 1888, the first corner stone is laid. On September 3September 3 is the 246th day of the year (247th in leap years). There are 119 days remaining. Events 301 San Marino, one of the smallest nations in the world and the world's oldest republic still in existence, was founded by Saint Marinus. 590 St. Gregory, 1889Events January-April January 8 Herman Hollerith receives a patent for his electric tabulating machine January 22 Columbia Phonograph is formed in Washington, DC. February 11 Meiji Constitution of Japan adopted; 1st Diet convenes in 1890 January 30 ? Crown, doors open from the 90 enrolled students.

The library open on January 11January 11 is the 11th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 354 days remaining (355 in leap years). Events Tony Stott of world war II was born in 1904 532 Nika riots in Constantinople. 1158 Vladislav II becomes King of Bohemia. 1569 First, 1890Events January 2 Alice Sanger becomes the first female staffer for the U. White House. January 25 The United Mine Workers of America is founded. January 25 Nellie Bly completes her round-the-world journey in 72 days. March 1 Leon Bourgeois succeeds Ernest with 350 books. On June 20June 20 is the 171st day of the year (172nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 194 days remaining. Events 1214 University of Oxford receives its charter. 1685 Monmouth Rebellion: The Duke of Monmouth declared himself King of England at Bridgwa, 1891Events January 1 ? Paying of old age pensions begins in Germany January 20 James Hogg becomes the first native Texan to be governor of that state. January 29 Liliuokalani proclaimed Queen of Hawaii March 9 ? 12 ? Powerful storm off England?s south coast; the first graduation takes place, a class of 15.

In 1910Events January events January 13 The first live musical radio program. Lee De Forest broadcasts a live performance of Enrico Caruso from the Metropolitan Opera. January 26 ? Seine floods in Paris. February events February 8 The Boy Scouts of America is in, Annie Bidwell donates an additional two acres (8,000 m²) of land to be used for work with elementary agriculture. The next year Mrs. Bidwell donates an orange orchard lot 55 x 440 feet as the children's playground, which is connected to the Training School. Twenty years later in 1921, legislation in enacted to change the school's name to Chico State Teacher's College. In 1922, Chico State Teacher's College added a junior college curriculum and awarded a certificate after two years. Also in 1922 Bidwell Mansion was turned into a female dormitory, Bidwell Hall. In 1923 the first college paper, The Collegian was published. In 1924, the state board of education allowed the school to grant baccalaureate degrees. Also in 1924, the wildcat was chosen as the mascot. In 1925 the alumni organization was founded. In 1927 a fire destroyed the Normal Building. That same year a gym was built on the grounds of Bidwell Mansion. In 1929, the corner stone for the new administration building was laid on top of Normal Building's original corner stone. In 1929 the student bookstore was established.

In 1935, Bidwell Hall was turned into a recreation and student center - the first student union. Also in 1935 a legislative act changed the college name from Chico State Teachers College to Chico State College. In 1937 evening classes started on campus and athletic fields were purchased from the Chico Board of Education. In 1939, chimes were installed in library tower. Sororities held fund drive to raise $600 for them. In 1940 the college offened civilian pilot classes. In 1948, dorms for 200 male students were set up on west side of Warner Street. The buildings were built during World War II and were used as batchelor quarters for a Marine Hospital in Klamath Falls, Oregon. They were brought to Chico State in sections and reconstructed in the spring of 1948. The two story barracks-like structures had 36 rooms, each occupied by 4 students. North Hall later became a girls dormitory.

In 1950, California's governor, allowed state colleges to grant MAs. In 1951 the college reorganized from 18 departments into seven divisions with chairmen. In 1956 a new flagpost and sign for infront of Kendall Hall was donated by the class of 1956. In 1957 a new cafeteria was built the rose gardens were planeted. In 1958 the first "telecourse" taught, Psychology 51.

In 1963, the university farm was dedicated. In 1964 KCSC , a student run radio station launched and could be herd in Lassen and Shasta halls. In 1966 new chimes were installed.

In 1972, Chico State College became California State University, Chico as a result of legislation passed in 1971.

In 1975, broadcasts of classes through closed circuit TV was used for the first time by residents in Oroville, Marysville and Colusa. Also in 1975, The Orion , the campus student newspaper published its first issue. In 1977, the other campus paper, The Wildcat, changed its name to Chico News and Review and moved off campus to become an independent publication. In 1978 bike riding is restricted from campus.

In 1981, the library is renamed for Ted Meriam. In 1985 the 75th Pioneer Days is held, only to be cancelled in 1988 because of riots. In 1989 The Orion wins the National Pacemaker Award .