On Saturday, June 28th, the Colton Area Museum (CAM) hosted a group of descendants of the original pioneers who came to Agua Mansa.
The group of six, members of the Old Spanish Trail Association, came from various parts of Southern California to gather in Colton for a day-long reunion and research outing. CAM President Mike Murphy, CAM Board Member Luis Gonzalez (Dr. G), and Board Member Emeritus Larry Sheffield hosted the group for an exciting round of discussion, debate, and research.
For June Rosales, one of the group’s participants, coming to the museum gave her the opportunity to “find out about the history and family connection of the Agua Mansa Pioneers.”
Dr. G notes that the first pioneers came around 1838, and later returned to the area to colonize around 1842. Rosales adds, “my great-great grandfather was one of the leaders of the caravan coming from New Mexico.”
Pam Reynolds of San Diego shared that she came to the Colton Area Museum “to find out more about my family heritage, so I can pass it on to my grandchildren.” Also, “my mom, who is 90 years old, would love to hear this information.”
Mary Anne Pentis, coordinator for the trip, enthusiastically mentioned “that first expedition included 6 men, and one woman.” She adds, “they came along the Old Spanish Trail, 1,200 miles, in 1838.”
The group’s visit not only included the Colton Area Museum, but also a drive down Agua Mansa Road, and a visit to the historic Agua Mansa Cemetery.
Community residents and visitors alike are invited to visit the Colton Area Museum and see the many outstanding displays, including the literature about Agua Mansa. The CAM is located at 380 N. La Cadena Dr. in Colton. Regular CAM hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m.-4 p.m., and on Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
For more information about the museum and it programs, contact the museum at 909-824-8814, or Dr. G at 909-213-3730.