USA > California > San Luis Obispo County > History of San Luis Obispo County, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 94
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These monsters inflicted great damage upon his por- cine property, and continuous efforts were made to stay them. One glistening skull with yawning jaws and long white tusks is fastened upon a post near the house. "The fellow of which this is the representative had cost me," said Mr. Benton, "several hundred dollars, and I keep his skull as a trophy."
A GALLANT HUNTER.
The bear had given the ranch a reputation, and in 1881 Baron Von Schroder, stopping at Paso Robles Springs, heard of the locality, and went visiting it in pursuit of bear, deer, and other game. After remaining on the rancho about six months, and killing several bears in the mountains, he concluded to become the owner, and pur- chased it of Mr. Benton, whom he retains as superintend- ent. Since becoming the owner he has expended a large amount of money in improvements, intending it for a country resort for himself and friends. The rancho com- prises some 500 acres, extending through several small val- leys, and commanding an extensive range for pasturage, over adjoining public and railroad lands not desirable for cultivation. The first valley, where the residence is located, contains about fifty acres of very fertile land that is culti- vated, having wheat, a large strawberry field, vines, and fruit trees. In the middle of the valley is a small knoll upon which he has constructed an elegant residence. Near by he has had excavated two tunnels, tapping large springs, from which an abundance of pure cold water is obtained for irrigating his strawberries, vineyard, orchard, and garden, and domestic purposes. These tunnels are upwards of 100 feet above the house, and 1,400 feet above the sea level.
A LOVELY PARK.
From this valley the Baron has had constructed, at a cost of upwards of $1,000, a road of easy grade over the dividing ridge between the east and south forks of the Atascadero, and down the cañon of the south fork to another valley called the potrero, a distance of about three miles. This latter valley is of an irregular form, reaching its verdant arms to the eastern base of the main ridge of the Santa Lucia, and embraces several small streams which form the west fork of the Atasca- dero. The locality is directly east of Morro, and from the summit of the ridge the Morro Rock, eight miles distant, appears within a stone's throw, and the great expanse of coast and ocean form a picture of exceeding grandeur and magnificence.
From one of the small buttes, which rise like gigantic sugar loaves in this secluded mountain park, the strag- gling arms of the portrero may be seen reaching in various directions. About 200 acres are here under cultivation. A marshy spot conveniently located sug- gested to the enterprising and æsthetic owner, the con- struction of a fish pond, and one has been excavated, 150 feet in length by 30 feet in width at the top, and 18 feet at the bottom, and six feet in depth. From this runs a stream of six or eight inches of water, sufficient to irrigate a garden and orchard he designs planting.
369
TOWNS AND LOCALITIES CONTINUED.
The pond will be stocked with carp, a handsome fish, and a great favorite with German epicures.
FALLS OF THE ATASCADERO.
A short distance below the junction of the several forks and 500 yards from the Baron's road are the falls of the Atascadero. Here the scenery is exceedingly wild and picturesque. A massive dyke of trachyte and serpentine crosses the cañon, and over it the stream pours in several cascades, the highest being a leap of over twenty feet, the whole making a fall of about forty feet. The stream in very low water is about four feet in width and three or four inches in depth. From below the falls the rocky banks rise perpendicularly to the height of over 100 feet, and are clad in delicate evergreen ferns in great variety and beauty.
High up in the almost inaccessible cliffs, several hun- dred feet above the stream, an eagle for years past has made its nest and brought forth its young. Last sum- mer, by a bold climb, the Baron succeeded in capturing an eaglet, which he raised and carried in triumph to San Francisco. From this the ranch derived its name.
The falls at present are of very difficult access, the sides of the cañon being very rocky and steep; but so unique and grand scenery will not be long neglected, as Von Schroder declares his intention to construct a trail and ladders, so that visitors may easily and safely reach the romantic spot.
Such is one of the mountain farms hidden away among the ridges and pecachos of the Santa Lucia, which, to the casual observer, appears as a precipitous range, a barren, valueless waste of the earth's surface. Many more of similar character exist, and by enterprise and patient, skilled industry, the most pleasant and prosper- ous homes may be made in their midst.
J. HENRY BARON VON SCHRODER,
The proprietor of the above-described mountain retreat, is a native of North Germany, the eldest son and heir to the estates and titles of the Von Schroder family. But "not content to be known because his fathers were," he proposed to make a name for himself, and in 1870, at the early age of eighteen years, he entered the Prussian Army, and fought through the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, in a regiment of Hussars, and for his services was honored with the war medal. In 1880 he retired from the army, and in 1882 received the decoration of the " Iron Cross" for twelve years of distinguished service. From the Hussars he was transferred to the Cuirassiers of the Guard, in which he served four years in Berlin, and then changed to the Thirteenth Dragoons, of which reg- iment he is at present Premier-Lientenant d. R. After leaving the army, he traveled during the greater part of two years in the South Sea Islands, and on the voyage saved the life of a sailor by leaping into the sea, and sustaining the drowning man until rescued by the ship's boats. For this brave deed he was awarded a medal.
In January, 1881, he arrived in San Francisco, and while on a hunting tour came to the Eagle Rancho, with which he fell in love, and purchased as previously related.
CHAPTER XLV.
TOWNS AND LOCALITIES, CONTINUED.
Valley of the Salinas-El Paso de Robles-Purchased by Black- burn-The Improvements-The Main Spring-Chemical An- alysis-The Mud Bath-Other Springs-Resident Physician- Routes of Travel-D. D. Blackburn-J. H. Blackburn- D. W. James.
S the valley of the Salinas extends northward, ap- proaching a junction with the Estrella, the mount- ains sink into rolling hills, with scattering trees and groves of oak upon them, and sycamore, cotton- wood, and willows on the banks of the streams, present- ing a landscape of exceeding loveliness. The great ranchos of Asuncion, Atascadero, and El Paso de Robles, and the mission of San Miguel are on the left of the Salinas, and the Eureka, Santa Ysabel, and Huer- Huero on the right, the settlement of the Estrella on the banks of that stream, and the Cholame Rancho in the northeastern part of the county.
EL PASO DE ROBLES.
Among the numerous health resorts of this famed State, Paso Robles Hot Springs stands without a rival, so far as the healing qualities of its waters are concerned. The springs take their name from the rancho upon which they are found, El Paso de Robles (The Pass of the Oaks). They are situated in the beautiful valley of the Salinas River, about thirty miles north from San Luis Obispo, and sixteen miles from the Pacific. This valley is protected from the cold winds and fogs of the ocean by the Santa Lucia Range of mountains, and for miles above and below the springs the valley is a natural park, formed by long stretches of level plains, broken at in- tervals by low hills, and all studded with graceful white and live-oak trees, with occasional groups of native shrubs, the whole forming one of the most picturesque landscapes that the eye of man ever rested upon. In the midst of this scene of natural beauty, the waters burst forth from the earth, duly prepared in nature's great laboratories to minister to the diseases of man.
The springs were observed by the early missionaries, and their curative properties recognized by the Indians and Spaniards from time immemorial. Previous to the occupation of the country by the Americans, they were used for bathing, and a rude abutment of logs had been placed about the edge of the principal one, thereby making a pool of water. This was done before the location of San Miguel Mission. Instances of cures are innumerable. Hopeless "chronics"- men and women, prostrated and crippled by so-considered incurable dis- eases-have, since the year 1797, journeyed to the " heal- ing waters" of these life-giving springs, only to reiterate -after a shorter or longer sojourn-the oft-repeated phrase, "I AM WELL."
Even the grizzly bears, the former monarchs of the region, sought in the warm and invigorating waters the pleasures of the bath. There was formerly a large cottonwood tree growing on the bank of the spring, with a limb extending low over the water. A huge
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HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
grizzly was in the habit of making nocturnal visits to the spring, plunge into the pool, and, with his fore paws grasping the limb, swing himself up and down in the water, evidently enjoying his bath, his swing, and the pleasant sensations of his dips in warm water, with un- speakable delight.
PURCHASED BY BLACKBURN.
The Paso de Robles Rancho, including the springs, was purchased by D. D. Blackburn, James H. Black- burn, and Lazare Godchaux, in 1857. At that time the springs were in the condition left by the missionaries, the decayed remains of the log abutments placed there nearly one hundred years before still being observable. Bear tracks were numerous, and the whole place had the appearance of desolation. Soon thereafter improve- ments were commenced, and have continued, making the Paso Robles Hot Springs one of the finest pleasure and health resorts of the Union.
The climate at Paso Robles is as near perfection as can be found in the United States, and is wholly free from those sudden changes often experienced on this coast. The atmosphere is pure and entirely free from malarial poison. Intermittent fever, or other forms of malarial diseases, are never contracted there. Owing to these climatic advantages, the Paso Robles Springs are accessible to the disease-afflicted sufferers during the winter months, thereby rendering bathing equally bene- ficial at all seasons, while most of the other health re- sorts of the State are compelled to remain closed. This resort is now the property of D. D. and J. H. Black- burn and D. W. James.
THE IMPROVEMENTS.
In the engraving in this work is seen the little village constructed for the accommodation of guests. A main central building constitutes the hotel, with detatched buildings containing parlors, bedrooms, store, billiard saloon, express, telegraph, and post-offices, reading-room, and barber shop, physicians' office and residence, and in the foreground, by the main spring, is the long double row of bath-rooms.
The cottages surround the hotel on three sides; these are for first-class guests. They are furnished with special care, and nowhere can be found more luxurious beds, finer blankets and bedding, or more comfortable house equipments than in the cottages of Paso Robles.
There are separate dining-rooms for first and second- class guests, though both are served from the same kitchen, which is one of the best supplied and appointed on the Pacific Coast.
THE MAIN SPRING.
In the center of a vast natural lawn-like park, spread- ing-half a mile long and a mile wide-on a gentle incline from the foot-hills of the Coast Range to the bank of the Salinas, and shaded by groves and avenues of white and live-oaks, the waters of the main spring, hot and bubbling with gases, rise within the white stone walls of their reservoir.
This reservoir is eight feet square, and from it flow about 4,500 gallons per hour, being an ample supply for " all the requirements of the numerous bath-rooms which are located near at hand. There are two plunge baths, one exclusively for ladies, through which the water is continually running, thus eusuring perfect cleanliness and equal temperature. The bath-rooms are supplied with every convenience, and with water direct from the main spring. The temperature of the water is IIo de- grees Fahrenheit. The late Dr. E. M. Morse, one of the leading physicians of Washington, District of Co- lumbia, in his day, wrote an extended treatise upon the medicinal properties of these springs, from which the following paragraph is quoted :
After watching the effects of these Paso Robles Hot Sulphur Mud and Soda Springs for many months, cau- tiously, and at first skeptically, I have noticed the fol- lowing results: They have a strong alterative effect. They are generally laxative in their action, and remark- ably diuretic at first, so much so that many patients will not drink the waters just before retiring to bed. In cases of syphilis, mercurial poison, and even rheumatism, the waters seem to work out the materia-morbi visibly through the skin, as evidenced by the blotches, erup- tions, and occasionally ulcers. But the greater the deter- . mination to the skin is, the more apparent are the good effects of the water. I have met several gentlemen, some of whom have tried the waters of Carlsbad, some the Virginia springs, and the hot springs of Arkansas, who have assured me that from their own experience, and their observation of those around them, the waters of Paso Robles are the most powerful mineral waters they ever drank. One thing that speaks powerfully in favor of these springs is the implicit confidence with which all who have tried them rely upon their virtues, and the more they see of them the more they believe in them. When we reflect that many of the cases here are of the most obstinate and intractable character, gen- erally sent here as a last hope, we can form some idea of the great value of these springs.
The diseases for which these waters are peculiarly adapted are rheumatism, syphilis, gout, neuralgia, par- alysis, erysipelas, intermittent fever, eczema, psoriasis, affections of the womb, and diseases of the liver and kidney.
These waters, like the waters of Aix-la-Chapelle, which are alkaline and sulphurous, act admirably in all female complaints. Gentlemen whose long and assiduous de- votion to Bacchus has at last resulted in worn out stom- achs and shattered nervous systems, and also those who are so unfortunate as to have become addicted to the excessive use of opium and morphine, will be highly gratified at the marked improvement a short sojourn will make in their condition. The exhilarating and stimu- lating effect of the gases from these waters upon the nerve centers, lymphatic vessels, and cellular tissues, make it comparatively easy for them to abstain from their accustomed beverages.
Chemical analysis of the principal spring at Paso Robles, as made by Professors Price and Hewston of San Francisco, is as follows :-
Main Hot Sulphur Spring, temperature 110 degrees F. One imperial gallon, of 7,000 grains, contains :-
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TOWNS AND LOCALITIES CONTINUED.
Sulphureted Hydrogen Gas
4.45 grains per gal. 66
Free Carbonic Acid Gas 10.50
Sulphate of Lime.
3.21
Sulphate of Potassa
.88
Organic Matter
3.47
66
Sulphate of Soda (Glauber's Salts).
7.85
60
168.30
OTHER SPRINGS.
There are several other springs in the vicinity of those mentioned, the most remarkable of which is the "Sand Spring," with a mean temperature of 146°. It has a very heavy flow of water highly charged with sulphur and soda, and wells up through a bed of micaceous quicksand that is as deep as the bottomless pit, so far as is known. The pressure of the water is so great in forcing its way upward that a person will not sink by gravitation to any depth; on the contrary it requires considerable exertion to force the body downward.
The sensations produced by a sand bath are delightful, and it is the most wonderful beautifier of the complexion in the world. Then there are the Soda and White Sulphur Springs. These flank the Mud Spring on either hand, one being north and the other south of and both about 200 feet distant from it. Neither of these springs are housed, though both have quite a strong flow of valu- able mineral water. The temperature of the water of these springs are about 80°. Six hundred yards east of the main spring and near the bank of the Salinas is the Iron or Chalybeate Spring. This has but a moderate flow of cold water, and is prescribed in cases of inemia.
RESIDENT PHYSICIAN.
D. E. Barger, M. D., formerly of San Francisco, is now resident physician of the springs, and has full con- trol of the medical department. The doctor has made mineral waters a special study, and in order that those who come here for treatment may derive the greatest benefit from them, and prevent their excessive and injuri- ous use, the baths and waters are under his direct super- vision. Medical advice and attendance are free to guests.
Dr. Barger is the meteorologist of Paso Robles, and during his residence has kept the record of the rain-fall, temperature, etc., the measurements being made by instru- ments furnished by the Government of the United States.
The following is the table of rain-fall for the seasons of 1881-82 and 1882-83 :-
1881.
1882.
INCHES.
INCHES.
September
.15
September .05
October
.17
October
.38
November
.23
November .98
December
.68
1883.
1882.
January 1.523
January .70
February 13
1.35
February
1.28
March
.312
March
4.10
April
1.90
April
.35
May I.IO
Carbonic Acid Gas
47.84
66
Sulphate of Lime.
17.90
Sulphate of Potassa, traces
Sulphate of Soda
4I.II
66 66
Silica
I.II
66
Carbonate of Magnesia 3.10 grains per gal.
Carbonate of Soda_ 5.21
Chloride of Sodium
.96.48
66
Peroxide of Iron.
.36
Alumina_
.22
Silica.
.44
Bi-Carbonate of Magnesia .92
66
Bi-Carbonate of Soda ..
50.74
Chloride of Sodium (Common Salt) 27.18
Iodide and Bromides, traces only
Organic Matter
1.64
93.44
THE MUD BATH.
The great and distinctive feature of Paso Robles, how- ever, is the celebrated mud bath, which is the only one of the kind on this continent.
The house which covers the mud bath is divided through the center by a raised platform. On one side of this is a plunge bath of tepid gas, and sulphur impreg- nated water; on the other is the famous mud bath. Into the tepid mass the sufferer plunges up to the neck, and disports himself as best he can for a quarter to a half an hour, when he comes out, washes off the mud with clean water, and wraps himself in heavy blankets and takes a rest until he has perspired freely. After a patient has taken a few of these baths, they are greatly enjoyed and their effects simply wonderful. The worst cases of rheumatism and kindred affections readily yield to the mud bath treatment.
The mud is taken from the hot bog, dried and screened, and then thrown into the two vats which box the two hot springs. These vats are each six feet deep and eight feet square. From the bottom of these vats, springs the water, in one with a mean temperature of I22° F .; in the other, 140° F.
Twelve hours after the mud is changed (which is done every few days) it is permeated by the gas and water and is ready for use.
There is but one dressing-room; this is for general use. The ladies use the mud bath on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; the gentlemen on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. "The Mud" is closed or let to private parties on Sundays. An easy carriage runs to the "Mud Spring" every three hours, commencing a 6 o'clock A. M., and making the last trip at 3 o'clock P. M. Later than 5 P. M., or earlier than 6 A. M., the bath is open to gentlemen, on payment of a small fee; otherwise this bath is free.
One hundred feet distant from "The Mud" is the "Sand Bath," with a mean temperature of 140° F., which is a valuable curative agent.
Chemical analysis of the Mud Springs :-
Mud Springs temperature, 140° F. One Imperial gallon, of 7,000 grains, contains-
Sulphureted Hydrogen Gas 3.28 grains per gal.
Total
7.66
Total 8.00
ROUTES OF TRAVEL.
The Paso de Robles Springs are on the main stage road
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HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
running north and south through the county, carrying the great coast mail daily each way. The road is an excellent one, passing through a country of picturesque and interesting natural scenery, traversing a distance between railroad termini of thirty miles from San Luis Obispo and eighty-four miles from Soledad. At the latter place it connects with the Southern Pacific Railroad to San Francisco, distant from the springs 227 miles.
At the springs is the Paso Robles post-office, P. H. Dunn Postmaster and Virgil Smith Deputy-Postmaster. This is a money order office and here is also a telegraph office. It is the post-office for a large extent of country surrounding it; the Estrella settlement extending twelve miles on the east, of Cashius Station fifteen miles south, Santa Margarita and Eagle Rancho eighteen miles south and the Morehouse settlement eight miles west.
D. D. BLACKBURN.
All visitors to the famous hot springs of Paso de Robles have formed the acquaintance of Daniel Drew Blackburn, the senior proprietor of that pleasant resort. Mr. Blackburn, of the old "Mother of States," was born at Harper's Ferry, Jefferson County, Virginia, April 8, 1816. His hale and hearty good looks and stalwart frame shows that he came of good stock, and he can boast of his family record as well as of their physical structure. His father was Joseph Blackburn, born at Charleston, Virginia; served in the war of 1812 and was wounded at the battle of Fort McHenry, in the desperate defense of the city of Baltimore in 1814, when the British were repulsed and their invasion of Maryland frustrated. The progenitor of the Blackburns came from England in early colonial times. The maiden name of his mother was Margaret Drew, daughter of Michael Drew, who was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and when a lad came to America, settling in Virginia while it was a colony of Great Britain, and served in the patriot army through the War of the Revolution. He was with Gen. Anthony Wayne at the storming of Stony Point, and with Washington at the crowning success of the war in the seige of Yorktown, witnessing the surrender of Cornwallis and the British army.
The parents of Mr. Blackburn moved to Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, in 1822, and in that pleasant section of the world he grew to manhood, attending school in Springfield acquiring a good education, and learned the trade of carpenter.
A goodly array of brothers and sisters made up the family of Mr. Blackburn, in the order of their age as follows: Mary Ann, now the wife of James Morgan, of Santa Cruz; William; Daniel D .; Maria, wife of the late Captain Findlay, of Wheatland, Yuba County; James H. and Jacob A., of Watsonville. Judge William Blackburn was one of the historical characters of California. He was one of the early pioneers, coming to this coast in 1844, and settling in Santa Cruz, at once taking a promi- nent part in the affairs of the country, becoming one of the active members of the American colony which led the way to the final transfer of California to the Union. In the war of conquest he joined the battalion of volun-
teers under Fremont and was Lieutenant of the company and marched with the army to Los Angeles. Returning to Santa Cruz he engaged in the business of merchant and was appointed Alcalde by Governor Mason. Many anecdotes are related of him, showing his decision of character, promptness of action, and his original manner of dispensing justice. Some are exceedingly humorous and some quite tragic. On one occasion a young man was brought before him charged with having sheared the mane of a horse close to the neck and the hair of the tail, leaving but a bare stump. The ludicrous appearance of the horse was proof of the act committed, and the evidence of the prisoner's guilt was conclusive. Alcalde Blackburn sent for a barber, ordered the culprit to be seated and directed the tonsorial artist to shear and shave the dark flowing locks and curling moustache, which were the pride and glory of the vain wearer. The shear- ing and shaving were hardly accomplished when the counsel for the prisoner entered and moved an arrest of judgment. "Oh, yes," said Blackburn, "as the shears and the razor have done their work, judgment may now rest." "And under what law," inquired the learned counsel, "has this penalty been inflicted?" "Under the . Mosaic," replied the Alcalde; "that good old rule-eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hair for hair." "But," said the Biblical jurist, "that was the law of the Old Testament, which has been abrogated in the New." "But we are still living," returned the Alcalde, "under the old dispen- sation, and must continue there until Congress shall sanction a new order of things." "Well, well," continued the counsel, old dispensation or new, the penalty was too severe-a man's head against a horse's tail!" "That is not the question," rejoined Blackburn; "it is the hair on the one against the hair on the other; now as there are forty fiddles to one wig in California, the inference is just, that horsehair of the two is in most demand, and that the greatest sufferer in this case is st Il the owner of the steed." "But then," murmured the ingenious counsel, "you should consider the young man's pride." "Yes, yes," responded the Alcalde, "I considered all that, and considered too the stump of that horse's tail and the just pride of the owner. Your client will recover his crop much sooner than the other, and will manage, I hope, to keep it free of the barber's department in this court;" and with this client and counsel were dismissed.
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