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. [END] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Elite Residence of Colton gather for Christmas and Fond Memories. “If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree.” by Michael Crichton. The City of Colton residence are working diligently to preserve the history of its small community. Michael Murphy president of the city’s museum, along with his wife Marian, are both part of an alliance that believes their city history is imperative for the future and are doing their best to assure its preservation in time. On a small Sunday afternoon, residence who have been in Colton since the day they were born gather together to celebrate Christmas, history, long friendships, and patriotism. The event would take place at the city’s museum where the board members and others would enjoy an evening of live music, food, and pleasant conversation about the past and wishes for the future. The museum where they gathered was originally a library when it was founded in 1908 developed through a grant given by Billionaire Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie’s personal architect Frank Burnham would design the modest historical building. Carnegie also believed that the city should contribute funding in some way as well and once these needs were met the building began. Today it stands on the corner of La Cadena and 9th and within it holds true to preserving historic items that showcases the history of Colton as if you are visiting The Museum of National History itself. And, President of the Board Michael Murphy and wife Marian were gracious host to their fellow members and the elite group of residents. Along with the assistance of Museum Secretary Pam Gregory the event was a modest success. For example, generations of business owners are fluent in Colton as well. Bud Evans family owned Evans market for years in the city Colton, his uncle was Mayor Walter Evans, and his brother was actor Gene Evans who starred in over a hundred film and television roles. Gene Evans had an impressive career that included starring with Cary Grant in “Operation Petticoat” to Angela Lansbury in “Murder She Wrote” not to mention he was also a small business owner in the town of his childhood. Gene passed away in 1998. His little brother Bud still lives in Colton with his wife Joyce Evans. He just recently sold the last of the business to his daughter and son in law who now owns a bakery keeping the family name historically strong in the city of Colton. George Schlangen and wife Betty were in attendance. George and Betty met after WWII and moved back to George’s home where they will remain married for 67 years and still going strong. After the war, George will work at the local Steel Company. He and Betty raised their four children who are all graduates of Colton High School. Resident Donald Hines was also a Colton High School graduate born and raised in Colton and still remains in the same home he was born and raised. 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. What some people may not know is that the famous Earp family is a part of Colton’s history as well. Virgil Earp the brother of famous the law man 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 will find himself at home in Colton. Mario Suarez, Senior Planner for the city, agreed that the preservation of Colton History was a necessity for future residents. Some would agree that although Colton is not a worldwide name it still holds true to its past and they are doing their best to keep things that way. There are some trying to bring businesses back into Colton for example Dr. Gonzalez, known as Dr. G to residents, is running for city councilman next year and he’s hoping to bring a new flow of history into the city while preserving the old history at the same time. The City’s Museum Christmas event was filled with peace, tranquility, rich heritage, wishful times, and a generation of people who understands history and its presence. Residents of Colton should be proud of what their city holds within its limits and if they are not aware they should attempt to embrace it.