The Valley of Heart's Delight
santaclararesearch.net
MADRONE SPRINGS
Santa Clara County
PHOTOS OF THE SPRINGS
The now well-known Madrone Mineral Springs are situated in Burnett
township, about twenty-five mils south-east from San Jose, in the Coast
Range, at an altitude of two thousand feet, and located in a sheltered
and picturesque canon at the foot of the Pine Ridge. The place is
free from fogs; the atmosphere is pure and invigorating, and the
temperature is mild and pleasant. The mountains are clothed with
such trees as pine, oak, maple, laurel, madrone, while medicinal plants
are found in profusion in the vicinity.
The early traditions of the Madrone Springs state that they were known
to the Indians, and there is little doubt that they were the "medicine
waters' of one of their tribes, for many relics in the shape of
mortars, hatchets, arrowheads and such like, have been and are still
turned up in all directions. Of their later history the following
has been garnered: In the year 1866 a native Californian named
Juan Moreno, discovered the springs while on a hunting expedition, but
took no heed, at any rate he did nothing; in 1866 he was joined by John
Luce, an old mountaineer, when a log cabin was constructed, and a
residence established, whence they could overlook the few cattle they
had on the range. C. S. Adams, of Gilroy, who had become an
invalid, hearing of the place, visited it and derived much benefit
therefrom. In 1874 he purchased Moreno's interest, and erected
four cottages, which still remain, though considerably altered, but he
did not advertise the place as a resort. In 1879 be bought the
remaining claim on the property from Luce, and thus became the sole
proprietor. In that year, Dr. Clinton Munson, of Oakland,
finding his health failing, knowing of the existence of these springs,
visited them, and derived much benefit. In the month of June,
1879, in conjunction with Marshall E. Hunter, of Gilroy, he purchased
the springs from Adams, the present proprietors being Munson &
Hunter, the former of whom resided on the premises.
These springs are situated six miles north of the celebrated Gilroy Hot
Springs, connecting with which there is a bridle path; there is a fine
road to the Madrone station of the Southern Pacific Railroad, with
which there is a direct state line to the springs, making four trips
daily in the season, the ride being through some of the finest scenery
in in the Coast Range; here the visitor will find accommodation for
thirty guests, in eight detached, comfortable cottages. The
springs are chiefly one of natural soda water, the principal properties
of which are soda, iron and magnesia. This has proved of great
medicinal virtue in dyspepsia, liver complaints, kidney diseases, and
neuralgic affections. Another is strongly impregnated with iron
and arsenic, which, for debility, skin diseases, asthma, and other
affections, has proved an excellent curative. There is white
sulphur spring, which is also utilized, while guests may be supplied
with hot and cold baths of natural soft water. Dr. Munson, who we
have said resides at the Springs, giving his personal attention to
invalids visiting the place, informs us that it is not the intention of
the proprietors to make this a "fashionable" place, but a homelike resort, where
guests can enjoy complete rest, and that it is their intention to erect
a building to be used as a Sanitarium, where patients will be received
at all seasons of the year, and obtain medical treatment in connection
with the waters.
History of Santa Clara County, California, San Francisco: Alley, Bowen & Co., 1881- page 41
transcribed by Carolyn Feroben
SANTA CLARA COUNTY- The Valley of Heart's Delight
July 19, 2005