Danny Ballard delights Oroville residents and visitors with his

Tales from a gold rush town

The founding of Oroville can be traced back to the early days of the Gold Rush, when people from all over the country, indeed from all over the world, poured into California seeking to make their fortune. Originally called Ophir City, Oroville’s position on the banks of the Feather River made it an ideal place to settle, and many people did, creating a prosperous little town that has endured to this day. The often scandalous history of brothels and bedlam, of saloons and the Wild West, lends an air of mystery to Oroville, and it could be said that no one is more dedicated to rooting out and preserving these stories than Daniel Ballard.

Daniel moved to Oroville when he was 10 years old and, as a self-taught historian, believes that spreading the message about the past to present and future generations isn’t just important; it’s imperative. “It seems like everyone under 40 has been raised with not just a lack of historical background on Oroville, but also a very negative attitude about our town,” he said. “I’m trying to be the one who changes that attitude because going back, the people who lived here always had an immense pride in Oroville’s history.”

Daniel began putting on walking tours around Downtown Oroville a year-anda-half ago, when the persistent COVID lockdowns had him craving a creative outlet. With sound equipment generously donated by the city and a packet of well-researched stories, he leads groups of people around town imparting tales of famous people who retired there, businesses that once thrived there, and buildings that once stood where now there are none at all. Last October, Daniel put on the first ghost tour, and it was such a success that he has decided to revive the custom again this year. “We’re going

to be doing mainly restaurants this year,” Daniel said. So far the Union restaurant and Provisions on Montgomery St. are confirmed, and more will be added as the date for the tour gets closer.

Daniel has spent time diving deep into microfilm of old newspapers at the public library and consulting with individuals he knows—and some that he doesn’t—to create the best experience for his tour attendees. At each stop along the ghost tour, guests will be treated to visual performances as well as recountings of tales that will make the hair on the back of their neck stand on end. One of Daniel’s stories from last year was printed in both the Oroville Mercury-Register and the Chico Enterprise Record and involves a woman who owned a brothel.

Legend has it that a man fell in love with this woman, and she scorned him, telling him that he could just trot right off and fall in love with one of her ladies instead. As for herself, she told him, she was much too busy running a business and much too independent to become second fiddle to some man. The man took umbrage with the brothel-keeper’s attitude, so he murdered her, right there in her building. After committing this heinous crime, the man was sent to San Quentin to do his time and made worldwide news when he blew up his cell block using only the contents of his last meal.

This slightly torrid tale is just an example of what you can expect when you attend one of Daniel’s tours. You’ll find out things you never knew before, and they’ll stay with you for a long, long time—certainly long after the last Jack-o’-lantern has turned to mush on your front stoop.

Downtown Oroville’s Ghost Tour will be taking place on Saturday, October 30th, with more details to come. Visit the Downtown Oroville Walking Tours Facebook page for updates and further information.