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Brief History
In 1878, Mr. Campbell sold an acre of his land for $5 to the railroad and by 1887 the first subdivision was recorded west of the railroad from Campbell Avenue to the spot where the Water Tower Plaza now stands. The area became the center for shipping fruit, and within a short period of time, the drying grounds and canneries made Campbell an important rail center. The Campbell Fruit Growers' Union became a well known cooperative with its 17-acre drying yard.
Canneries
There were three major canneries in Campbell such as the J.C. Ainsley Packing Company, Hyde Cannery, and Payne Cannery. Most of the output of high quality fruit from the Ainsley Cannery was shipped to England. Ainsley Park, located between Harrison and the railroad tracks, commemorates the man and his cannery. Of special interest in the park are two giant black walnut trees that were planted by the Swope family, descendants of Benjamin Campbell.
Bank of Campbell
With all the industry, Campbell needed a bank, and in 1895, the Bank of Campbell was established at the corner of Campbell and Central Avenues. The Bank of Campbell, now called the Farley Building, is Campbell's oldest commercial building.
E Campbell ave Corridor
Public Art
The Town of Campbell has 32 examples of public art for all to enjoy. The creative display of nine different artists provides a variety of art pieces in brass, bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, tile, stained and stamped concrete, paint, and glass.
Plaques
The Town of Campbell has 48 bronze plaques at many sites throughout the city. These plaques provide information regarding historic events, sites, and community leader contributions to the city.
