March 11, 2004

New Almaden's magic potion
Vichy Water was shipped around the world

By Jeanne C. Lewis
Staff Writer

In the late 1800s, many people all over the world swore by the ‘magic' powers of the famed Vichy Water of New Almaden to cure a myriad of ills. On a tranquil day, carbonated bubbles still rise from Los Alamitos Creek's crevices below the concrete bridge on Almaden Way in the Hacienda near the Quicksilver Mine.

An original document dated August 1863 lists one frame building 20 feet by 24 feet as the water company. In December 1867, the mine leased two acres at the site to F. A. L. Pioche, an ex-patriot French millionaire turned San Francisco banker. Santa Clara County shows the property leased to him for 10 years at the cost of $175 in gold coins to be paid annually. The lease also stipulated that Pioche could use it for personal use but not for sale. No document has been found to show the termination of this agreement. He built the bottling works known as New Almaden Vichy Water and shipped hundreds of gallons of the mineral spring water all over the world.

Pioche advertised the tonic water as a panacea for an assortment of diseases and conditions. Diabetes, inflammation or obstruction of the liver and spleen, weak blood, gout and weakness of the nervous system would be eliminated. The bubbly elixir restored strength weakened by too much labor or lack of exercise. It claimed to prevent fever, rheumatism, scrofula and night sweats. A cure-all remedy for excesses of smoking or chewing, hard work and too much play was promised. Eat or drink too much? New Almaden Vichy Water was the answer. The tonic from the Hacienda, shipped out of a San Francisco port and sold worldwide benefited from the promotion claims on the label and advertisement in newsprint. The cost for the miraculous cure was $4 for 12 bottles and $5 for 24 half bottles. The label recommended that since the water was so powerful one should seek the advice of a physician before imbibing.

In a mineral analysis by Pioche, the water showed a high content of carbonic acid, bi-carbonate of soda and lime, oxide of iron, sulphate of magnesia and sodium chloride. Our modern day baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate used for heartburn, acid indigestion and sour stomach. Milk of magnesium is taken for acid indigestion and constipation. So there was some truth in the claim Vichy cured dyspepsia [indigestion].

The water could be taken pure or mixed with water, beef broth, red wine, white wine, brandy, sherry, syrup, champagne or milk.

The company had a lucrative market for many years until 1882 when the Buena Vista shaft of the mine penetrated the 2,100-foot level and the spring ceased flowing. The miners in the shaft were overcome by gas, which resulted in the area being filled and sealed off after the men exited. As a result, the water lost its carbonation and the venture went financially flat as well.

In 1915, Mr. Nichols, an employee of the mining company, turned down a plan to redevelop Vichy Water, saying the $10,000 should go to further mining operations.

The monument of Vichy Springs is located on Bertram Road near the concrete bridge where the company was built. For a walking tour of New Almaden stop by the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 21350 Almaden Road, San Jose or call (408) 323-1107 for further information.