Settlers and Namesakes of Wildomar
William Collier, Donald Graham, Margaret Collier Graham. William Collier and Donald Graham partnered with Franklin Heald to purchase the land that is now Lake Elsinore and Wildomar. As a result of some friction, the 3 founders shown above headed to the southern part of the city and named it Wildomar, a fusion of their three names: Wil (William), Do (Donald), Mar (Margaret). Donald Graham, Margaret's husband, became ill and left the area shortly after moving here. William Collier and Margaret Collier Graham are brother and sister. Margaret chose the name Elsinore for the new city based on a Shakesperean play, "Hamlet." She wanted to name it Laguna, but the name was already in use on the other side of the mountains.
Wildomar Store
Wildomar Store, Circa 1950 - Now a Day Spa, this country store was owned by Wyman and Elizabeth Turner. The building is now flanked by another store which sits in the left foreground, most recently Mimi's Tamales. This picture is taken from the intersection of Palomar and Central looking northwest. The building was comprised of a residence (foreground), store (barred windows) and post office (barely visible in back.) The snowstorm that hit Wildomar this winter knocked out electricity and sent one family packing for San Bernardino to stay with friends until power could be restored.