River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1888-05-03
CALIFORNIA LETTER.
SAN JOSE. CAL. April %. 1888


ED. JoURxA.-Dear SIR: Since my
last effort to you l have visited many
places of resort tributary to this city.
We filled orr lunch basket with the best
the house afforded las it is always well
TO look out for the ''inner man placed
ourselves in the wagon with our limbs
well braced against the dashboard to
avoid a runaway, as we draw the rib
bons over a very eXcitable quadruped
weighing 1900 lbs, or more, and is one
of the first settlers in the state. there.
fore his age. All being in readiness
we 'clueked' to the pony and moved
off at a rapid rate in the direction of
the noted Alum Rock canon. distant
six miles from the city, in an easterly
direction. aud the avenue we travelled
is as fine as any city can boast of,
with an up grade of about 800 feet in
the six miles. We did not make the
fastest time on record with that up
ward tendency, but on our return it
would require smart pair of oxen to
give us the dust. After about miles
across the valley the avenue winds its
way around among the mountains
following Alum Rock creek, beau
tiful stream of pure water with an Oc.
casional cascade to make it grand, un.
til we espied, in a small plain, which
seems to have been placed there pur-
posely. the Album Rock Hotel and
Bath House. where we can get sui
phur bath for two bits (25c).
The picnic grounds are fine and the
scenery IS unsurpassed in this valley
which attracts hundreds of people to
this haunt every day. and l may say
thousands on Sunday, without exager-
ating in the least.
This place is noted for its large
sulphur springs. The sulphur water
comes out of the rocks on either side
Of the little stream for a distance of
several rods aud the perfumery they
afford reminds the sinner that purga-
tory is near at hand. Some drink the
water with avidity, but really prefer
lemonade manufactured at ''27.'
After partaking of our picnic dinner
with coffee, few of us of enquiring
mind concluded to explore the canon
to the head of the stream. Two hours
passed by of difficult climbing and
hair breadth escapes, then we seemed
no nearer the objective point than
when we started. We unanimously
voted to retrace our steps, and John
ME Moe can best inform you how the
writer is permitted to be among the
living.
After gazing up the mountain sides
to our hearts content and wondering
how the cattle that Craze their sides
Unountain sides) could manage to get
a good and safe toe hold, we meander-
ed hOmeward safely. In the near fu-
ture we will give you short account
of our Saratoga excursion.
Haying is in progress but not univer-
sally. Strawberries, peas. new pOta-
toes, etc, are in abundance. Prices
are low, new potatoes only bringing
90 cts. per bushel.
We acknowledge a pleasant even
ing's visit with one of your townsmen,
Mr.. Ben. Herstrum, he being on his
way to Wisconsin from Los Angeles.
W. E. Crossman and Mr.. Hayward,
lately of Dell Rapids, ID. T., purchased
the Miles Hills Ranch, near Los Gatos.
Consideration, $4,000.
The Odd Fellows Goth anniversary
will be celebrated here with the good
old style basket picnic. Street parade,
with dance in the evening.
Tie Floral Fair to be held the 28th,
will be the grandest affair of its kind
ever held in this city or on the coast.
April being the month of roses they
are now at their best.
We miss the smiling countenances
of Geo. Fortune and wife, G. p. 81 ort
and others. who returned to their
summer homes to get taste of that
good old winter weather that Wiscon-
sin can rightly boast of.
Geo. Fortune bought a house and lot
on First street, near st. James Park.
Very Desirable location Good for
George.
Good wishes to all. AS ever,
ii. f. LORD.