Housing discrimination and a push for JACL youth programs, 1957

Vol. 44, No. 5, February 1, 1957. 8 pages. View this issue

Fair housing was the thread running through this eight-page issue. Dr. Roy Nishikawa’s front-page column urged JACL chapters to build youth programs, holding up the Orange County JAYs as an example. Nearby, stories followed Garden Grove neighbors who first protested and then welcomed Air Force Lt. Harold Bauduit and his wife, and Santa Ana neighbors who turned from threatening calls to a welcome for Dr. Sammy Lee. George Kanno and Harry Honda wrote about both cases, and Mike Masaoka reported on civil rights legislation in Congress and in California.

Other pieces include Larry S. Tajiri on Japanese films and a federal judge’s ruling that restored Sadako Abo Uchida’s citizenship after her renunciation at Tule Lake. Chapter news fills pages 4 and 5, with installation dinners, a snow hike and a March of Dimes dance. Tats Kushida’s “Soup’s On” and Elmer Ogawa’s Northwest column add a lighter note.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

  • Youth Offers Challenge, Opportunity to JACL, by Dr. Roy Nishikawa, page 1. JACL chapters are urged to develop youth programs, using the Orange County JAYs as an outstanding example. The author argues that investing in young people’s leadership and community involvement is one of JACL’s greatest opportunities.
  • Freemasonry in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The article describes the activity of Nisei leaders in Freemasonry in postwar Japan, including George K. Togasaki, and rebuts anti-Masonic propaganda. It also reviews historical Catholic opposition to Freemasonry.
  • Orange County Housing Discrimination, by George Kanno, page 3. Kanno summarizes Orange County JACL’s efforts against housing discrimination, including the Sammy Lee, Placentia bombing, and Garden Grove cases. He advises Nisei to move into new neighborhoods quietly rather than polling neighbors, since fair-minded residents often outnumber bigots.
  • Soup’s On, by Tats Kushida, page 4. Kushida recounts his regional travels through Arizona, Colorado, and Denver, describing the chapters he visited and the generous meals served at each. He reflects on chapter hospitality and youth leadership in Arizona.
  • Very Truly Yours: Garden Grove Incident, by Harry Honda, page 5. Honda reports how Garden Grove’s mob mentality reversed after the Bauduit family was threatened, crediting the Orange County Council for Equal Opportunity and neighborly welcome. He notes the local press and clergy helped turn community opinion.
  • The Northwest Picture: Piano-Plunking Mayor, by Elmer Ogawa, page 6. Seattle Mayor Gordon Clinton attended the Seattle JACL installation dinner and played the piano for the national anthem when accompanists were injured. The column also reprints a new citizen’s moving response at the ceremony.
  • Congress Slow-Starts; Eisenhower Team Intact, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka reports that the 85th Congress had accomplished little in its first weeks, with committees organized and Middle East aid moving. He also notes that President Eisenhower’s Cabinet remains largely unchanged for his second term.

National

  • Garden Grove’s Lily-White Tract Welcomes Negro Family, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Neighbors in Garden Grove’s Lifetime Homes tract, after initially protesting, greeted Air Force Lt. Harold Bauduit and his wife with gifts and meals when they moved into their home. The reversal followed organized support from local residents, ministers, and the Garden Grove Daily News.
  • Race Discrimination Report Submitted to Washington Governor, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Washington State board reported that anti-Negro employment discrimination persists, with the focus shifting from hiring denials to difficulties in promotion and upgrading. The report was submitted to the Governor’s Office.
  • Japan Farmer Killed, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Hisato Kaneyama, a temporary agricultural worker from Japan, was struck and killed by an automobile in Garden Grove. His companion was slightly injured.
  • Ex-Tule Lake Renunciant Restored, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Federal Judge William Byrne ruled that Sadako Abo Uchida’s 1945 renunciation of citizenship at Tule Lake was coerced by her husband’s influence. Her citizenship was restored.
  • Tokyo Prosecutor Indicts Cappy Harada on Alleged Foreign Exchange Law Violation, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Tsuneo Harada, a 35-year-old Nisei and president of Tokyo Airline Co., was indicted for illegally selling over $15,000 in American currency. He was released to recuperate at home pending a preliminary hearing.
  • California Legislators Introduce Civil Rights Bills; FEPC Measure Passage Anticipated, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Assemblyman Edward Elliott introduced several civil rights bills, including fair employment practices legislation prohibiting discrimination by employers and unions. The FEPC bill is expected to pass the Assembly but may face obstacles in the Senate Labor Committee.
  • JACL to File Statement Supporting Civil Rights Measure in Congress, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Washington JACL office announced it would file a statement supporting civil rights legislation with the House Judiciary Committee at hearings beginning Feb. 4. The President’s four-point civil rights program was reintroduced for the new session.

JACL

  • Close Urban League and JACL Ties Urged, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Donald Glover of the San Francisco Urban League urged JACLers at the chapter installation dinner to cooperate more closely with minority organizations. National JACL director Mas Satow installed the new chapter and auxiliary officers.
  • JACL Claims Program Among Objectives, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Washington JACL office announced a seven-point legislative program for the 85th Congress, based on recommendations adopted at the 1956 National Convention. Objectives include liberalizing immigration law, completing the evacuation claims program, and statehood for Hawaii.

Community

  • Protests Against Dr. Sammy Lee Moving in Santa Ana Change to Welcome, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Threatening calls initially greeted Dr. Sammy Lee’s plan to buy a home in Santa Ana, but neighbors later expressed welcome after press coverage. The seller, Mrs. Kennedy, said her faith in Americans had been restored.
  • Sup. Kenneth Hahn to Address PSWDC Chapter Clinic Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn will speak at the banquet concluding the fourth annual Pacific Southwest District Council chapter clinic on Feb. 10. The clinic will be held at the Shonien child care center with sessions on JACL history, programming, and administration.
  • Nisei Killed in Air Crash Over School, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A DC-7B collided midair with a military jet over Pacoima Jr. High School in the San Fernando Valley, killing all four aboard including radio operator Roy Nakazawa. Students were hospitalized and the crash was described as a major disaster.
  • Outstanding Farmer Award, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Leslie Jephson received the Bonneville County outstanding farmer award in Idaho Falls, presented by chapter president Joe Nishioka. The contest is sponsored by the Idaho Falls Jr. Chamber of Commerce.
  • Nisei College Graduates Sought for State PR Work, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The California Department of Employment is recruiting recent college graduates, including seniors, for public relations trainee positions. The examination has a March 15 filing deadline and an April 6 test date.
  • Marysville CL Hears Sacramento Attorney at Annual Banquet, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Marysville JACL installed George Nakao as president at its banquet attended by about 150 people. Sacramento attorney Mamoru Sakuma spoke on JACL ideals and the importance of civic participation.
  • Tom Obata Elected Gilroy CL President, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Gilroy JACL announced its newly elected 1957 cabinet, led by Tom Obata, to be installed at a dinner on Feb. 16. Outgoing president Jack Nakano will hand over leadership.
  • Watanabe to Head Philadelphia Board, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Warren H. Watanabe was named chairman of the eleven-member Philadelphia JACL board of governors for 1957. Other board members and officers were also named.
  • Fresno March of Dimes Benefit Dance Co-Sponsored, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Fresno JACL and Fay Wah co-sponsored the sixth annual March of Dimes dance at the Rainbow Ballroom to fight polio. Frank Tuck and Dr. Sumio Kubo were co-chairmen.
  • Arizona JACL 1957 Officers Set Plans, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Arizona JACL board and new cabinet met with regional director Tats Kushida to plan local and national activities. Jim Ozasa was named to head the 1957 cabinet.
  • So. Alameda County JACL Officers Sworn In, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Southern Alameda County JACL installed its 1957 cabinet led by Henry Kato at a Niles dinner. Mrs. Dorothy Kato received the outstanding member award.
  • S.F. JACL Board Vacancy Filled, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Shiz Yoshimura was appointed to the San Francisco JACL Board of Governors to fill the vacancy left by Sachi Kawaoka’s resignation.
  • Masaoka Addresses D.C. JACL on Japan Trip, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Mike Masaoka described his impressions of a nearly 10-week trip to Japan at the first general meeting of the Washington JACL chapter. He returned to the states just before Christmas.
  • Richmond-El Cerrito JACL Annual Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Richmond-El Cerrito JACL planned its annual dinner in Lafayette, featuring a speaker who had attended the Pacific Coast mayors’ conference in Japan. Honored guests included local officials and national JACL director Masao Satow.
  • Dr. Sammy Lee Main Speaker for O.C. JACL Installation, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Dr. Sammy Lee will be the guest speaker at the Orange County JACL installation dinner-dance on Feb. 8 at the Disneyland Hotel. The California legislature recently passed a resolution honoring him as an outstanding American.
  • Snow Hike Inaugurates Fresno CL Membership Push, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Fresno JACL will open its 1957 membership drive with a snow hike on Feb. 10 from the Buddhist Church. The trip is open to current and prospective members and their families.
  • Coachella Valley JACL Picnic to Fete Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Coachella Valley JACL will install new officers at a picnic at Painted Canyon on Feb. 9, with Issei area residents as honored guests. Tats Kushida will perform the installation.
  • Cleveland Jr. Matrons Plan Feb. 9 Informal, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Cleveland Jr. Matrons will host an informal dance titled Hearts in Harmony on Feb. 9 at the Quad Hall. Kay Ota and May Doi are co-chairmen.
  • Idaho Falls JACL Carnival Draws Strong Turnout, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Idaho Falls JACLers turned out in force for the annual carnival at the Armory on Jan. 19, with attendance estimated as the best yet. Chapter president Joe Nishioka praised the members for their contributions.

Incarceration & Redress

  • Nisei Strandee Akira Tokugawa’s Citizenship Recognized, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Judge William Byrne recognized the U.S. citizenship of Akira Tokugawa, who had been drafted into the Japanese navy during the war. The court found his service was involuntary given wartime conditions facing persons of Japanese ancestry.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Japanese Films Today, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Tajiri surveys the history and reception of Japanese cinema, from Rashomon and Gate of Hell to recent imports. He focuses on The Golden Demon and The Phantom Horse as examples of color filmmaking and plot strengths and weaknesses.
  • Pearl Buck TV Play Set for Early March Release, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Pearl Buck’s television play The Enemy, mostly acted by Japanese performers, will air on the Robert Montgomery program on NBC March 4. The story concerns an American serviceman stranded on a Japanese beach during World War II.
  • Welded Steel Sculptor Awarded ’57 Fellowship, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Hilo-born Nisei sculptor Joseph Goto received a Graham Foundation fellowship worth $7,500 to $10,000 to pursue his work in 1957. He previously won a John Hay Whitney Foundation fellowship.

Sports

  • Nisei Assists in Prize Winning Seed Exhibit, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Charles Urano of the Weld County Agricultural Extension Office helped design a sweepstakes-winning display at the Colorado Pure Seed Show. The exhibit showed how certified seed improves crop production.
  • USC Cage Varsity Drops Shinzato, by George Yoshinaga, page 7. Kaz Shinzato, Nisei guard on USC’s basketball varsity, was dropped from the traveling squad for Hawaii due to scholastic deficiencies. He will continue practicing with the team and retains his athletic grant.

Military & Veterans

  • APL Adds President Hoover to Trans-Pacific Service, by P.C. Staff, page 8. American President Lines renamed its newly acquired liner the President Hoover, as confirmed by former President Herbert Hoover in a letter. The ship is scheduled for a maiden voyage from San Francisco to the Orient on Feb. 11.

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