John Hinkleman Presents "The Cardinal City"

Every first Thursday of the month, the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society puts on an informational program that’s free to the community in the Christian R. Harris Memorial Hall next to the Heritage House on 8th and D Street. Each program features a different speaker that will share historical facts about various places that have been instrumental in San Bernardino’s past. This past Thursday, Dec. 3, History teacher at SBHS John Hinkleman presented “The Cardinal City: Past, Present, & Future” to a myriad of community members, current Cardinals and even a large number of SBHS Alumni. This year, San Bernardino High School celebrates its 100th year anniversary since its original location on 8th and “E” Street. It is proudly known as “The Cardinal City” thus being the only high school to be considered a “city”. The school is now located at 1850 North “E” Street. The first official school throughout the area was called “Sturges Academy,” previously located on 4th and D Street. However in 1891 it moved to E Street. Then in 1894, it merged with San Bernardino High School. The academy was named after David B. Sturges, who played an instrumental role in the education system of San Bernardino schools. Hinkleman explained that Sturges was very well known and well liked by his students, peers, and community for his great relationships he built throughout his long career within the education system. He applied his many skills as a teacher/professor, and even administrator, throughout the 33 years he spent working with students. After his academy closed in 1891, he and his prestigious teaching skills joined San Bernardino High School. Although Sturges worked there as a teacher, he also served as a principal of SBHS for multiple years. Sturges unfortunately passed away moments before giving a farewell speech to the students of SBHS Class of 1910. Hinkleman explained that his doctors apparently told him that he should not give speeches anymore due to health reasons. It is said that he was so passionate about giving speeches to his students that his heart would not perform properly. Sturges is buried at the Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino. It wasn’t until 5 years after his death, in 1915, that the new San Bernardino High School be constructed, due to the growing number of students. Hinkleman also brought along some of his current students to demonstrate what San Bernardino currently looks like. One of the many proud Cardinals was Mr. Cardinal Javier Rocha who will be attending UCLA next year. Varsity football player for the Cardinals, Alex Mattison is one of the top running backs in the area who is, according to Hinkleman, getting many looks from different schools for not only his athletic abilities, but also for his outstanding GPA. "These are just some of the students that make San Bernardino High School one of the best," shared Hinkleman.