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.

The Whitmer Auditorium is a classic building, built in 1953 to pay homage to Dr. Charles F. Whitmer.

Dr. Whitmer was a well-known physician and community supporter from Colton, California in the early-to-mid 1900’s. He was raised in Illinois, then relocated to Colton in 1910 where he became a vital part of the community.

One of his most notable achievements during his time in Colton included being a member of the first Colton city school board upon its foundation in 1918. He was President of the board by 1921, during which time he oversaw the high school’s unionization in 1921. He remained on the board until 1929.

Later he would relocate to San Francisco, open a private practice, and leave his mark on that community as well.

In Colton, however, the Whitmer Auditorium isn’t the only mark Dr. Whitmer left behind.

His 100-year old home still stands in Colton, and despite Whitmer’s legacy of public service, is rumored to be just as haunted as the infamous auditorium itself.