San Mateo County Gazette Redwood City, San Mateo County, California Saturday Morning, November 17, 1860, Vol. 2 No. 33 NOTICE Know all men that Dennis Martin is not, never has been and will not be authorized to transact any business for me, directly or indirectly as an agent. JAMES MORRISON ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ HALFMOON BAY FLOUR MILLS At Spanishtown San Mateo County M.A. Halsted & Brother Respectfully inform the farmers and inhabitants of the Coast that they have completed their new Grist Mill at Spanishtown and will from this date be prepared to furnish them with milling of every description. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ OUR COUNTY San Andreas Valley is one of those picturesque districts which we have heretofore observed are so numerous in San Mateo County. It is about twelve miles in length, running parallel with the Sierra Morena, by which on the west and the foothills on the east, it is bounded. Its northern commencements is near the northern boundary of the county, and extends to a point about three miles south of the Crystal springs, where it becomes merged in the Canada de Raimundo. Entering the valley from the north, the beholder is entranced with the romantic beauty of the scenery by which he is surrounded. We hear and read of the far famed Alpine hills and their beauty, which perhaps, excel these in majestic grandeur, and in extent; the mountains are of course a giddier height, and the precipices steep and rugged, inspiring altogether a greater awe in the beholder, but we doubt whether more romantic and really beautiful scenery is found among that famous range of mountains than that which may be viewed in the Valley of San Andreas. Throughout its whole extent there are gently rounding hillocks and flats, covered with evergreen oaks and fragrant artimesia, which here give the whole earth's surface that peculiarly verdant appearance, even in the driest season, that so forcibly reminds one of an ever present springtime. The springs of water which, forced by nature to the surface, start here and there from the hills, and whose waters meander down their smooth sides into the valley, forming in it little lakes, increasing the already prolific qualities of the soil, cause the growth of numerous beautiful shrubs and water plants, where small game, in great abundance, seek refuge. Far up in the Sierra to the west of the valley are now found deer, occasionally a bear or two, and immense numbers of quail and other feathered game. Passing down this beautiful valley, among the echoing hills which, though so near the great metropolis of the west, are seldom pressed by the foot of man, we gradually near the valley of the San Mateo, whose clear waters have their source high up in the Sierra Morena. Upon the banks of the stream, at the base of the mountains, and nestling in one of the most charming of the many beautiful parts of the valley, is the widely known Crystal Spring House. This establishment was built, we believe about 1851, and has since that time, notwithstanding serious impediments to its success, in the shape of bad management, been visited by immense numbers of people from San Francisco, who were drawn thither by the attractions of the charming scenery, healthful climate and pure waters. We are credibly informed that the property is now about to be leased for a term of five years to a gentleman whose capacity as a host and caterer to the public taste is of the first order, and it may be therefore confidently expected that if the lease is consummated the change so long desired by visitors and the people at large will soon be made, and the serious objections which have stood so long in the way of an extended patronage to this beautiful place of resort, be removed. The grounds are laid out with much taste, and the gardens, in which are every variety of choice flowers, trees and plants, with arbors and fountains, forming elegant ornaments, are an exceedingly pleasant resort for visitors. The whole neighborhood is covered with those large evergreen umbrageous oaks, madronas, and fragrant buckeyes, which nearly hide the ground from view so luxuriant are they, which lend a peculiar charm to the locality. Attached to the grounds is an attractive park, composed of the thickest undergrowth, through which promenade avenues have been made, winding in every direction, with seats placed at proper intervals for the convenience of the promenaders. Plentifully interspersed through the park are the fine oaks, and other large trees, giving it a most beautiful shady appearance. From the summits of the neighboring hills the grandest views of the country, for many miles in all directions are obtained. Crystal Spring is a place where those who seek relaxation from business in quiet and in the enjoyment of nature's choicest scenes and rural beauties will in days to come flock by thousands, while Napa and similar over estimated results will be desolate. Following the valley towards the south we find it gradually widening until the broad and fertile Canada de Raimundo presents itself. Here are many beautiful farms, not so large as those on the eastern slope of the foothills, but equally fertile, and under the care of the thrifty farmers, equally productive. From the point about where the two valleys unite, the road to Halfmoon Bay crosses the mountains. Here the mountains are very precipitous, rendering the passage one of extreme hardship It is unnecessarily steep, we think, and may be remedied by a grade through the canyon in the rear of Condon's house, which connects with a ravine running into the valley of the Pilarcitos. To see other old newspapers, visit http://www.newspaperabstracts.com/index.php