CAM Marked Down in History

On November 11, Dr. G (Luis Gonzalez) met World War II veteran, Fred Cordova during the Colton Veterans Day Parade. This meeting served as the spark that created all that Colton Area Museum (CAM) Day is today. Inspired by Cordova's experience and character, Dr. G decided to make the effort of tracking down all WWII veterans residing in Colton for his latest book "City Talk Presents Veterans of World War II Living in Colton 2014". However, this was no easy feat. According to Dr. G, it took a lot of phone calls and visits. Interviewing 16 veterans, all on his own, proved to be difficult given that it took 3 or 4 trips to get all the information while many were not in the best shape. Dr. G has been working on the book since November. At first, it was veterans finding out who they were then there was the matter of actually writing the book. At the same time, Dr. G wanted to do something for the Colton Area Museum (CAM). Following CAM's opening in 1991, the excitement gradually died away. Membership and participation was deteriorating and the museum was no longer in the lime light. Being on the board going on 3 years now, Dr. G wanted to empower the museum. This is when Dr. G came up with the idea of incorporating projects and crafting together to form the proclamation of CAM Day. This was Dr. G's effort to recognize the contribution of CAM to the city of Colton. By incorporating veterans into CAM Day, he was able to honor them as well. The museum opened its doors last Saturday for CAM Day at 11 a.m. where coffee and doughnuts were being served. The CHS yearbook display, which took Dr. G two years to compile, dates all the way back to 1904. The Colton Fire truck display was parked outside where locals could explore and compare today's Colton Fire trucks with the vintage 1924 fire truck. CAM Day also featured special art pieces by local artists, Erik Martinez and Lis Jasso. When the clock struck 12, Dr. G incorporated some classic guitar into the event while attendees indulged in some refreshments and enjoyed the exhibits. Shortly after, Word War II Veterans were in the spotlight giving out autographs, taking photos, and more. Dr. G led the main program which concluded with a special recognition to all veterans and a performance by the Colton High School Jazz Band. In order to make this all possible, "collaboration of different groups is key," Dr. G said. "Everyone's important. I need everybody. Community is important. Colton history is important. Loving and school music is important." He wanted to integrate everything to make the day good. With all of his efforts, and the help of the community, community members agreed that CAM Day was one very successful community event that has surely landed CAM back in the limelight.