History Happy Hour: Stick 'em Up! Law Enforcement in Early Campbell

History Happy Hour with David Blinn

Stick 'Em Up! Law Enforcement in Early Campbell

Step into Campbell’s past as we explore how a small town learned to protect and serve itself. This History Happy Hour traces the evolution of local law enforcement—from constables and justices of the peace, to night watchmen and subscription-based private security, and to the county sheriff and more. As Campbell grew, so did its expectations for safety, accountability, and civic order, culminating in incorporation and the creation of a formal police force.

More than a story of crime and punishment, the history of law enforcement is the history of a town coming of age—reflecting population growth, the rise of civic improvement organizations, and a community’s aspirations for stability, legitimacy, and self-governance. Join us to meet the who’s who of early public safety and discover what it really took to keep the peace in early Campbell.

Event Schedule

5:30–7:30 PM

• 5:30 PM: Doors open

• 5:30–6:00 PM: Appetizers and beverages

• 6:00–7:00 PM: Featured talk by Tonya McQuade, followed by Q&A

• 7:00–7:30 PM: Informal discussion and mingling

About the Speaker

David Blinn

Campbell Museum Research Volunteer

David Blinn is a retired lawyer and lifetime resident of Santa Clara County who fell in love with History at an early age when he got an old copy of "Ripley's Big Book of Believe it or Not" from his father. David also inherited his hoarding instinct from his father, but he claims only to the extent of his own comic book collection. He enjoys living in Downtown Campbell with his wife Kathryn, and is currently a volunteer researcher for the City of Campbell's History Museum.