Colton High “Fact of the Day” – Oct. 13

The Pan American Dance was a popular event hosted by the Mexican Youth Club, which was started in 1940. This photo shows students striking a piñata at the 1947 dance in the MacIntosh Gym.

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.

In 1940, the Mexican Youth Club was founded at Colton High School. The first President was Joe Flores. By 1941, the club’s membership grew so quickly that the club needed two advisers, Miss Pesqueira and Miss Taylor.

In April 1941, the club held the first Pan American Dance in the MacIntosh Gym. This became an annual tradition for several years.