Coltonites Gather to Discuss Rich History

Colton residents are working diligently to preserve the colorful history of the tight-knit community. Michael Murphy, president of the Colton Area Museum, along with his wife, Marian, are both part of an alliance that believes the city's history is important and are doing their best to assure the story of its roots are kept known. Murphy invited the public to the museum to celebrate Christmas, history and friendship through an evening of live music, food and conversation. Founded in 1908, what is today the Colton Area Museum was originally used as a library, developed with the use of grand funds bestowed by Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie's personal architect, Frank Burnham, designed the building where it stands on the corner of La Cadena Ave. and Ninth Street. Colton's also home to various historical figures hailing from both present days and past, including the Earp family. Virgil Earp, brother of lawman Wyatt Earp, was Colton’s first U.S. Marshall. Virgil came to Colton after the death of youngest brother, Morgan. After escorting his brother’s body to California, Virgil settled in Colton. Bud Evans is a resident whose family owned Evans Market in Colton. His uncle was former mayor Walter Evans and his brother was actor Gene Evans. Gene starred in over 100 film and television roles, starring alongside Cary Grant in "Operation Petticoat" and Angela Lansbury in "Murder She Wrote." Bud still lives in Colton with his wife, Joyce, and just recently sold the family business to his daughter and son-in-law. George Schlangen and his wife, Betty, who met after WWII and moved back to George’s home in Colton where they raised their four children — all graduates of Colton High School, were also in attendance. The couple has been married for 67 years. Resident Donald Hines is also a Colton High School graduate and was born and raised in Colton, where he still lives in the home in which he was born and grew up. The house was purchased by his grandparents in 1908. Hines was a graduate of Woodbury College, where he received a business degree. His family has been a part of Colton for over 100 years. Mario Suarez, senior planner for the city of Colton, agreed that the preservation of Colton's history is a necessity for future residents. The Colton Area Museum's Christmas event was filled with peace, tranquility, rich heritage, wishful times and a generation of people who understand history and its importance.