Stockton
was first legally known as the City of Stockton. It was, however,
called different names at different times. The names included Slough
City, Windmill City and Gas City.
The
term "gas" was appropriate because of natural gas wells
in the area. Stockton was the first California city to use Natural
gas for lighting and heating.
It
is believed this marsh gas was produced by artesian wells. The water
was not suitable for drinking because of its sulphur taste and high
temperature. It was, apparently, ideal for public baths, such as
the Jackson Natural Gas Well Baths, located on San Joaquin Street,
near Seventh Street.
While
some sources say the water was about 75 degrees, ads for the baths
boasted temperatures near 85 degrees. The ads also touted the baths
as beneficial for rheumatic complaints, and that doctors recommended
the baths because the water contained salt, soda, iron, magnesium,
sulphur and other minerals.
The
water was only part of the attraction. The baths offered 150 dressing
rooms, a club house (which burned twice), scenic railway, merry-go-round,
band concerts, barbecue pits, picnic tables and tennis courts.
Children
could swim all day for 15 cents - which included a private dressing
room, swim suit and towel.
The
mineral baths were first called the Jackson Natural Gas Well Baths
in 1893. Later, they were called the Mineral Baths and Municipal
Baths. They are now known as the McKinley Park and Pool.
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Stockton,
CA 
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