July 21, 2005

From the Editor’s Desk

Julie Davis Berry
Executive Editor

Out of the Past

The history of Almaden Valley is chock full of unique stories ranging from the miners that toiled in the Quicksilver mines and partied at Casa Grande to the huge Pfieffer family who settled and made their mark on Graystone Lane. As we head into our 20th year covering news in the Almaden Valley we are very excited to introduce our first “Out of the Past” history column in this issue.

In our new monthly column we will delve into the back story of the Silicon Valley once home to the peaceful Olhone Indians, the discovery of quicksilver in 1845 and the birth of California's first mine-Almaden Mining Company and a Wild West town to boot.

We’ll also introduce you to the farmers and their families—good, hardworking people who made Almaden home. We start with such a family in our first column—the Pfeiffer's.

History writer Jeanne Lewis will also be shedding light on the history of nearby areas for our other Times newspapers. You can access those articles online if you wish.

If you have a story to share or a question about anything related to Almaden Valley history please contact Staff Writer Jeanne Lewis at Lewis@timesmediainc.com or write to Jeanne at Almaden Times Weekly, 1310 Tully Road, Suite 107, San Jose, CA 95122.