Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
View entire collection guide
Search this collection
Table of contents
Title: Leo Jones Papers
Dates: 1950-1977
Collection Number: 2003-54
Creator/Collector:
Jones, Leo Hugh (1926-2002)
Fargo Company
Saber Laboratories
Extent: 7 linear feet
Online items available
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Correspondence, technical manuals, product catalogs, and photographs from Leo Jones' two businesses, Fargo Company and Saber
Laboratories.
Language of Material: English
The collection is open to the public for research by appointment with the Curator of Library & Archives.
Contact the Curator of Library & Archives with regard to publication or reproduction.
[Identification of item]. Leo Jones Papers. Collection Number: 2003-54. History San Jose Research Library
Originally donated by Leo Jones to the Foothill Electronics Museum. Transferred to History San Jose in 2003 as part of the
Perham Collection of Early Electronics.
Biography/Administrative History
Leo Hugh Jones was born in Sioux City, Iowa in 1926 and moved with his family at a young age to Stockton, California. He attended
the University of Santa Clara for 3 years then took a job selling air conditioners in 1948. Jones continued his education
with extension and night classes from the University of California at Berkeley and the University of San Francisco until 1949.
He never completed the requirements for a degree, instead starting up the Fargo Company in 1950 at age 24. In 1957, Jones
married Helen R. Kenny. Leo Jones was an avid boat enthusiast, often inviting law enforcement and political dignitaries on
his boating excursions. He was also a relentless perfectionist, as was evident in his correspondence. He was closely involved
in the shaping of eavesdropping laws; engaging in a letter writing campaign, making arguments to political and law enforcement
leaders and providing expert testimony to congressional committees.
Scope and Content of Collection
Correspondence, technical manuals, product catalogs, and photographs from Leo Jones' two businesses, Fargo Company and Saber
Laboratories. Fargo was founded in San Francisco in 1950 to design and manufacture high-tech specialty devices for electronic
surveillance and countermeasures, and sold its products exclusively to law enforcement organizations. In 1965, Jones formed
Saber Laboratories to provide countermeasures equipment to businesses. The collection includes a folder of correspondence
and notes from Jones' work as technical adviser to Frances Ford Coppola's movie "The Conversation," as well as letters to
law makers and law enforcement officials regarding privacy legislation.
Business intelligence
Electronic surveillance
Law enforcement
San Francisco (Calif.)
manufacturers’ catalogs
technical manuals
correspondence
photographic prints