Oakland Tribune - Sat - May 7, 1898​

Piedmont’s Terrestrial Paradise

Years ago there was a hotel at Piedmont. Adjacent to the hostelry was a series of springs of mineral water, comprising Sulphur of varying degrees of strength, iron and magnesia. These springs bubbled in muddy pools at the bottom of deep ravines. To reach them one had to risk their neck.

On night, the hotel went down in ashes, and the springs at the same time, began to live in the memory of those only who love the past.

With the new Oakland there has been a revival of the pleasures of the past generation, and a renewal of the media which once figured in those in diversions, and, incidentally, contributed to the well-being of no small portion of the community.

At Piedmont, on an eminence from which, through a vista of romantic beauty may be viewed the distant main, the original hotel has been replaces by a chaste, modern and artistic club house, while, within easy reach of the same acclivity, through embowered in a greenwood of extraordinary variety and attractiveness, the same vigor-inspiring, health-giving springs are again brought within reach of the people.

In course of time another hotel will proudly rear its pediments beneath the foliage, and there will then be little need for people to go from their homes to regain the physical and mental qualities which they may have lost.

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S. F. News Letter - August 27, 1898:

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One of the most brilliant garden parties of the summer was given last Saturday afternoon and evening at Piedmont Springs, where all the leaders of Oakland society united with the Young Ladies' Relief Society of Oakland in making it a pronounced success. The decorations as well as the electric lights were in red, white and blue, and the tea, lemonade and candy booths, presided over by some of Oakland's fairest daughters, did a rushing business. During the afternoon there was a drill by members of the Tennessee Regiment, the band of the Iowas discoursing excellent music; and in the evening there was a camp fire, with appropriate songs and choruses by some of the Eighth Regiment's men.

Entering the Park:

"Piedmont Springs" by Carlotta Sessions

Overland Monthly 1901-12: Vol 38 Iss 6, pg 511:

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Comparatively few know this idyllic spot is located, and still it nestles at the foot of a wide range of hills in one of California’s most populous districts. “Oakland has no park,” said a tourist recently. No park! Just take the Piedmont car at 14th street, and ride to the end of the route! Out from the busy city, past lovely rural houses, up hill and down, by swift transit, until the car halts, at the end of the line, before a lonely depot, at the foot of a soft-hued mountain, no sign of life or habitation near.

Puzzled eyes finally see a sign, “To Piedmont Springs.” “How far?” “Only a block,” the accommodating conductor replies.

The pretty, tree-lined road, slightly elevated at first, in its descent presents a view of delightful possibilities. A small unique building and a turn-stile labeled “Piedmont Post Office,” guards the entrance to the park. This is a very recent innovation. Beyond may be caught glimpses of broad paths, bright-hued flowers, a charming villa (the “Club-house”) and trees and shrubs innumerable.

The entrance pittance paid, the swinging gates unfold a Paradise! In the foreground a substantial setting to the picture, is the Club-House, with slanting roof, wide verandahs, tables and chairs arranged cozily; a type of civilization breaking in upon Nature.

Various narrow paths lead off, mysteriously, down into the ravine. Following one of these the world is left outside, and a perfect fairy-land of wooded beauty appears. Down, down, the little path winds besides a big, flowery canyon, beneath overhanging rocks and trees. The saucy sun peeps through the foliage upon the lilies and palms which rear their heads in the lavish insolence of Nature upon either bank of the canyon. Rustic bridges span the deep crevasse, and fine old trees, blue gums and others, rise upon either side as though to shield its beauties from the outside world.

One mighty oak is noticeable upon the left bank of the canyon, about midway to the Springs, whose youth is over, but whose sturdy trunk is covered with names and initials, and whose strong, outspreading arms support a small platform containing rustic seats for the visitor. The effect is picturesque, reminding us, too, that the world has been here and left tokens of its presence. Further on we are again reminded of this fact, for there are large tables and benches evidently designed for picnic parties.