The pond and the ghost of the lake:

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A Mysterious Pond in Piedmont –

San Francisco Chronicle - Sun - Jun, 28, 1896:

 

For years it has borne the name of “Blair’s pond,” and during its existence has hidden beneath its dark surface more human bodies than any similar patch of water of its size in these regions. Indeed, there has not been a Coroner in Alameda county since 1875 until the present time who has not been obliged to record on the death rolls some victim of the weird pond, and, strangest of all, each of the martyrs to the dismal hole has been a good swimmer.

 

It is known for certainty that at least twelve unfortunates have entered the water never to emerge from it alive, but for how many more deaths it is responsible will probably never be known, for the fatal hole never voluntarily gives up its dead. A number of bodies have been recovered, but then only after much hard work with grappling irons. However, there are still believed to be others reposing in the depths. “If the waters could speak as they flow” they might tell the tale of three suicides and possibly one murder.

 

The pond is surrounded by a series of high bluffs, crowned on their tops by a long row of sparse gum trees, Bulrushes and water plants fringe the edges of the tiny lake, the gloomy surface of which is in striking contrast to the green, blossom-carpeted banks above.

 

This pond has a history and about it twine many peculiar facts which in some instances seem almost inexplicable.

 

Prior to 1872 there was not even a suggestion of water on the spot. At that time a firm of stone contractors named Bates & Wells, realized that hidden in the hills was a quantity of very valuable paving rock, which then commanded a big price from the city of Oakland. They conceived the idea of opening an extensive quarry and getting the city’s contract for the paging which was to be done. A long lease was obtained from Blair, the owner of the land. Then the first quarry in Alameda county was opened.

 

The stone proved of such excellent quality that an extensive plant was soon erected. Tracks were laid and small cars, worked by a windlass, conveyed the rock into the “dumps.” One hundred and fifty Italians were employed on the premises. The rock thus obtained was used in macadamizing Oakland’s principal streets.

 

With time the better quality of rock became scare, so orders were given to sink a wide shaft and work out the lower stratum. This task was undertaken in the summer of 1873 and had progressed with such good results that the hole was gradually enlarged until it covered considerable area. Then, again, it became necessary to go deeper into the hill.

 

This time extensive preparations were made for blasting. When all was ready a mighty charge was adjusted and with the explosion which followed a vast torrent of water sprouted forth from the excavation.

 

Before the astonished workmen has time to realize what happened they were knee deep in the flood. Their tools were submerged and it was with difficulty that the mules attached to the carts were rescued. The cars on the tracks remined laden with rock and to-day if the pool were drained the complete equipment would be found in the pit.

 

So sudden was the deluge that within an hour where once stood a prosperous quarry nothing was to be seen but a rising mass of water.

 

As soon as possible every effort was made to empty the new lake. Improved pumps of great power were set to work and thousands of gallons pumped away, but to no avail. Instead of diminishing, the volume of water increased, and finally, after many useless attempts, the first rock quarry and of the richest in Alameda county, was abandoned.

 

The water is over sixty feet in depth. Its circulation is a mystery. It contains strong central currents, but there is no overflow, except during rainy weather when a small stream trickles from it. During the major portion of the year, there is absolutely no outlet.

 

The water is peculiarly dark, and even on the warmest days is icy cold. Great boulders, only a few feet below the surface, are invisible and many a venturesome swimmer has found this out to his sorrow. Another queer property is the lack of buoyance in the water. Those who have bather in it say that swimming is a great exertion while without a decided effort a body will not float in it.

 

Some who have investigated say the bottom is now covered with a peculiar growth of weed and sword grass. The undergrowth is claimed to be very dense in places, while nearer the shore the blades are long and the edges very sharp.

 

From the near center, the main flow of water shoots upward in a spiral column, then it traverses nearly half the length of the pond, where the current ceases. Through this portion there is a much lower temperature than at any point. It is said at one time, strangely shaped fish inhabited the lake, though at present there is not know to be a living thing in it.

 

During the past years three persons have disappeared in the vicinity and two hats have been found at odd times on the surface of the pond. This led to the conclusion that some unfortunates had sought death in it, but although it was dragged thoroughly, the remains could not be found, no were the missing persons ever accounted for.

 

One of the last fatalities occurred within recent years, when a schoolboy, with some companions, went swimming. The lad was at home in the water, and the youngsters all followed him in. He plugged along until the current was reached, and then, with a cry, he threw up his hands and sank from sight. He never came to the surface again.  In vain the pond was dragged, and the use of explosives was of no avail. Finally a professional swimming teacher named Fleming was hired to explore the place for the body. A long search underneath was at last rewarded by finding the remains of the poor lad tightly clutched in the grasp of the tenacious sword grass.

 

Fleming described his experience under the lake as anything but pleasant. The cold currents and dangerous weeds, together with the weirdness of the whole thing, made him glad when his onerous task was over, so no further investigations were attempted.

 

A legend, which is the property of every boy who has visited the lake runs like this:

 

Years ago a loving couple sat on the bluff above planning an elopement. They were not residents of Piedmont but had come from either Oakland or San Francisco. Under the bright moonlight they whispered their undying devotion, when hurried footfalls were heard. They belonged to the jealous rival. A fierce combat, it is said, followed between them, and finally a pistol shot rang out on the quiet night, followed by a heart-rending shriek, a death moan and the splash of a body falling into the water. A few days later a woman’s bonnet and shawl were noticed floating on the surface of the pond, and a corpse was discovered on the bank, but although there were signs of a struggle the Coroner’s jury returned a verdict of “unknown suicide,” and potter’s field contains the remains.

 

Storied of bodies lodged beneath the cars under the water are as frequent as many other ghostly tales. For some time it was declared that the spirit of the lady in the legend nightly hovered above the spot where the crime was supposed to have been committed. To this day residents can be found who say they have seen apparitions. But it is probable that Deputy Sheriff P. J. Keiler laid the ghost about four years ago when he broke up a robbers den located on the shores and landed the chief of the gang in San Quentin.  Their complete outfit was taken, and it is supposed that occasionally the robbers, to sore the public from their haunts, took advantage of the many ghost stories and fitted up a fake specter for their own protection.

 

The water is palatable and useful for irrigation, yet no attempt has been made to utilize it in either way.