Ballot Box stuffing, voter intimidation, bribed public officials - that does not sound like San Mateo County, does it? On the contrary, join Mitch Postel, President of the San Mateo County Historical Association, as he gives an account of our county's first election in the spring of 1856. It all happened before the people of the sparsely settled Peninsula even had a hint of what was taking place. A major portion of the drama took place near Woodside at the Crystal Springs Hotel. It required San Francisco vigilantes and a core of local honest citizens, like Dr. R. O. Tripp and Gaza Haraszthy, to straighten things out.

Light refreshments served.

Free admission.

Schedules

  • Occurs Friday, April 3rd, 2026 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Venue

Woodside Independence Hall

2955 Woodisde Road
Woodisde, CA

Contact

San Mateo County History Museum

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