2309a

Introduction to Saratoga Springs Mineral Waters

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Bottles & Insulators Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:2.00 - 3.00 USD
Introduction to Saratoga Springs Mineral Waters
SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping and Handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing, based on the size and weight of your purchase. All shipping is subject to a minimum charge of $19.00. If additional shipping and handling costs are required, the buyer will be reinvoiced for the balance due. Items are not shipped until the invoice is completely paid. Many buyers purchase a number of lots. Every effort will be made to include all lots in a single shipping charge calculated to cover the weight
(Do Not Bid on This Lot)

An Introduction to Saratoga Springs Mineral Water Bottles

The springs of Saratoga have been known since the 1700’s. Their purported therapeutic nature became a source of demand, culminating with the commercial bottling of the waters by Clarke (and White) about 1825, further discussed within the text of the entries in this catalog.

The Highrock Springs is the granddaddy of them all. Used by the Mohawk Indians since the 14th century, Native Americans named them “The Medicine Spring of the Great Spirit”. At the summit of a hill was the key spring, known as “High Rock.” D. Scowton cleared land immediately behind the spring for a dwelling (log cabin), but the Native Americans raised a ruckus, and he was sent packing. A year later, another man, John Arnold, negotiated his way into improving the building and made it into a tavern. It became the first “pleasure-resort” in the northern states, behind only Berkeley Springs in Virginia.

The high rock itself is a conical calcium carbonate concretion with water flowing out of the top, typical of mineralized waters reaching the surface. By 1802, the calcium carbonate cone of High Rock was three feet high; those of some of the other springs much smaller. The original high rock is long gone. Today, such geologic formations are few and far between. Some are in national parks, such as Yellowstone.

Over the years a town grew around the many springs. By 1860 Saratoga had become the nation’s primary health resort. Over the next decade, more than a dozen bottling establishments formed. Below are some notes on the various springs that had bottles and are part of this collection. Each of these springs can be found on the map, reprinted here from George Walton’s Mineral Springs of the United States and Canada, 1873.

Congress Spring. Discovered in 1792. Located in the center of town. Bottled in 1826 by John Clarke.

Columbian Spring. Located almost immediately southwest of Congress Spring by about 100 feet.

Hamilton Spring. Located across the street from Congress Hall, to the east of the park and Congress Spring. Discovered by Gideon Putnam. Contained more iron than other springs.

Empire Spring. Located about seven blocks east of Congress, and one block east of High Rock.

Red Spring is immediately adjacent to Empire Spring to the east, within 100 feet.

Hawthorn Spring. Located in the rear of Congress Hall, near Congress Spring.

The typical “prescription” was “for a cathartic effect, drink two or three glasses leisurely, before breakfast, then walk for ten or fifteen minutes, and take another glass or two, breakfast half an hour afterward.”