Jr. CAM Club Focuses on Colton History

COLTON>> Now in its third year, the Jr. Colton Area Museum Club is well on its way to becoming one of the premier community youth programs in the city of Colton. Led by Dr. Luis Gonzalez, a Colton City Councilmember, CAM Board Member and community advocate, the Jr. CAM Club provides opportunities for high school students during the summer to learn about the community and its history. "The first component of this program is the history of Colton,” Gonzalez said. "From the beginning of Colton in 1887 to its present day, students explored how it all started, and what were the major events in its development." Sean Del Cid, Jr. CAM Club member, said the program opens him up to the community and its history. One session was devoted to learning about David Douty Colton, the city namesake, who actually never lived in Colton, but worked with the Southern Pacific Railroad in establishing a depot in Colton. Another session introduced the students to the famous Earp family, especially Virgil Earp, who was the first Marshall for the newly incorporated city of Colton. A second component, Gonzalez said, is to become familiar with some of the historical locations that are in the city. One such location is the well-known Earp house, which is located at 528 West H Street. “This is a crown jewel," Gonzalez said. “Perhaps one day the museum will be able to acquire it and use it as a historical destination place for visitors.” Other sites visited by the students included several houses, built in the early 1900s, that are located in the downtown area. "I get to explore new things and learn new things about the area," said Joanne Luu, Jr. CAM Club member. "The feeling I get from learning something I never knew before is excitement.” For the final part of the program, Gonzalez said students work together on a public display project, which is a presentation of historical snapshots of Colton High School. For this project, each student has selected a specific topic of interest to research and display. "What is valuable to me is not so much what is now, but what has gone on in the past,” said Jr. CAM club member, Jasmine Ortiz. The student display completed July 30 and will be open to the public during the month of September, as the CAM Museum is closed during the month of August. “The Jr. CAM club is a great program,” Gonzalez said. "It certainly contributes to the idea of developing future community leaders.” From the many students who signed up for the program this year, four students, Julessa Chaure, Sean Del Cid, Joanne Luu, and Jasmine Ortiz, ran the program to its completion. “These four students are simply amazing, and wonderful city citizens,” Gonzalez said. “ I look forward to having this program continue for years to come.” “Sean has chosen football, Julessa tennis,” Gonzalez said. “Joanne will showcase buildings and Jasmine has decided to showcase different fashions.” Community residents and visitors alike are invited to visit the Colton Area Museum and see the many displays. The CAM address is 380 N. La Cadena Dr. in Colton. Regular CAM hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-4 p.m. and on Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The museum is closed during the month of August. For more information about the museum and it programs, contact the museum at (909)824-8814, or Gonzalez at (909)213-3730.