Colton High “Fact of the Day” – Oct. 9
Colton High played its part during the 1960 Presidential Election between Richard M. Nixon (left) and John F. Kennedy (right).
Colton High School opened in 1895. It is one of the oldest high schools in the Inland Empire. In this daily feature, we celebrate Colton High’s rich history.
Colton High’s social science department, in an attempt to get students excited about the 1960 Presidential Election between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, gave students an opportunity to join a political party. Political party headquarters were established in rooms 201 and 202 on campus for students to gather and discuss the candidates and current political issues.
On November 3, an assembly was held in which representing students for both parties gave campaign speeches. Then, on Election Day, November 8, the students flocked to the Colton High polls to vote.
John F. Kennedy defeated Richard M. Nixon with 63% of the Colton High vote, 628-364. Two votes were given to third party candidate, Prohibitionist Rutherford L. Decker. Nationally, Kennedy won the election in a nailbiter, defeating Nixon in the popular vote by two-tenths of a percent, 49.7% to 49.5%. Kennedy, however, carried 303 votes in the electoral college to Nixon’s 219.
Recently, the CHS Publications Department experienced a major theft as over $20,000 in photography equipment was stolen from our studio over Spring Break. This included all cameras. Any amount you donate will help rebuild our program. Thank you!