Lecture 3: Chico State College Pioneer Week “The Outstanding Activity of the Year”

There is much to be said of the fabled Pioneer Day that eventually evolved

into Pioneer Week. It began at the Chico Normal School over 100 years

ago in 1915 as a single Senior Day to show high school seniors the

teachers college campus. It continued and evolved as the name of the

school changed to Chico State College and then to the California State

University, Chico. It was a multi-faceted spring celebration enjoyed by the

student organizations on campus and by the entire Chico community. A

Sheriff and Little Nell were selected from the student body as a culminating

celebration activity and to lead the all-community Pioneer Day Parade.

This presentation will evoke the organization, work, fun and nostalgia of

this delightful student-lead annual Chico event.

Presenter: Judy McKray Simmons, Little Nell 1966