Vol. 53, No. 16, October 20, 1961. 4 pages. View this issue
The Rohwer cemetery was dedicated as an Arkansas historical site, and the front page reported on it. Former residents came from Chicago, and Dr. Joseph B. Hunter praised Mickey Nakamura’s leadership in restoring the burial ground where 27 evacuees rest. The Editor’s Desk also took up JACL finances, drawing on the San Diego chapter’s newsletter remarks about chapters that meet or miss their membership quotas. Mike Masaoka wrote in support of the United Nations.
Also inside: the death of Brig. Gen. Charles W. Pence, who commanded the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and a Nisei-Negro pair working to win restaurant service for African diplomats in Maryland. Fresno planned a Pioneer Night for Issei, and Salt Lake JACL began a fund drive for the Issei Story Project. Richard Akagi’s satirical advice column and an installment on the 1936 Seattle Convention fill out the four pages.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- A Candid Comment on JACL Finances, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Editor’s Desk comments on the San Diego JACL’s newsletter remarks about chapters that reach or fail to reach membership quotas. The editorial argues the financial problem deserves wider attention and credits the commentary for raising it.
- United Nations Day, by Mike Masaoka, page 1. Mike Masaoka’s newsletter column argues that the United Nations, despite its shortcomings, is the best available forum for preserving peace and promoting human rights. He urges readers to support the UN and join the U.S. Committee for the United Nations.
- Advice for the Lovelorn, by Richard Akagi, page 2. This satirical advice column humorously answers letters from a Nisei woman with high standards and a samurai-descended Nisei seeking romantic guidance. The column uses comic exaggeration to comment on Nisei courtship and identity.
Incarceration & Redress
- Rohwer Cemetery Dedicated as Arkansas Historical Site Sunday, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Rohwer Relocation Center burial grounds were dedicated as an Arkansas historical site with former residents from Chicago and local leaders attending. Dr. Joseph B. Hunter praised the state, citizens, and Mickey Nakamura’s leadership in restoring the cemetery where 27 evacuees are buried.
Community
- Nisei-Negro Pair Go on Mission for White House, by P.C. Staff, page 1. John Yoshino and Douglas Sands quietly worked to persuade Maryland restaurants to serve African diplomats along U.S. 40. The State Department is holding meetings with editors, restaurateurs, and community leaders to end discrimination against non-white diplomats.
- Recall Movement in L.A. 10th District Started by Negroes, Seek Balance, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A recall movement has begun against Councilman Joe E. Hollingsworth, who was appointed to the 10th District seat by the Los Angeles council. Organizers argue the appointment shortchanged Negro applicants, while critics say the recall is divisive.
- Over 200 Issei Invited by Fresno JACL for Pioneer Night, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Fresno JACL will hold a Pioneer Issei celebration honoring area pioneers on November 12 at the Fresno Buddhist Church Annex. The event will feature a Chinese dinner, a souvenir booklet, and a talk by Akira Yoshimura.
- Sonoma Nisei Partner of Engineering Firm, by P.C. Staff, page 1. James F. Murakami, an active Sonoma County JACL board member, became a partner in the Santa Rosa engineering firm, now renamed Brokaw & Murakami. He is a 1952 University of California engineering graduate.
- Nisei Family Included in Move from N.Y. to Chico to Avoid Threat from Atomic Bombs, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Nobuo Herman Aihara and his wife arrived in Chico, California, with 12 other families from New York seeking a community farther from nuclear targets. The group belongs to the Ohzawa Foundation, a Zen study group.
- San Diego Art Teacher Relates Satisfaction, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A San Diego art teacher is recognized for a metal sculpture called Mical exhibited at Los Angeles City Hall. The piece was part of a Jaylis Industries competition with a $1,000 top prize.
- Li’l Tokio Press Club Donation Kicks Off Christmas Cheer Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Japanese American Chamber of Commerce’s donation launched the 12th annual Christmas Cheer Drive in Los Angeles. Contributions were received from several local businesses and individuals during the first week.
- Jon Saito Wins 4-Yr. Term on Board, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Jon Saito of Salem won a four-year term on the board of the Salem JACL chapter by a decisive vote. He is an active Snake River Valley JACLer and former chairman of the IDC.
- Freewheeling on the Freeway, by Jim Higashi, page 4. Jim Higashi’s column reports on Holiday Issue advertising solicitations, voter registration deputization, and upcoming chapter programs in the Pacific Southwest District. It also announces a new Jr. JACL exploratory meeting in East Los Angeles.
- Fowler JACL Chuman to Keynote 10th Anniversary and Issei Banquet, by P.C. Staff, page 4. National JACL President Frank Chuman will deliver the keynote at the Fowler JACL 10th anniversary and Issei recognition banquet. The event will feature speeches, Issei recognition, and a vocal selection by Sumi Taniguchi.
- Salt Lake JACL Public Campaign for Issei Story Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Salt Lake JACL board members launched a fundraising drive for the Issei Story Project, with George Yoshimoto as finance chairman. Donations are being solicited from the community to honor the Issei pioneers.
- Sonoma County Vice Presidents Head ’62 Chapter Membership Push, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Sonoma County JACL announced its 1962 membership drive led by three vice presidents, with membership dues remaining at $3. The chapter also planned its 14th annual Nisei GI memorial service.
Military & Veterans
- Colonel Pence Dies; Commanded 442nd, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Brig. Gen. Charles W. Pence, who organized and commanded the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, died at Fort Benning. He was honored by JACL and remained close to the 442nd veterans throughout his life.
National
- U.S. Civil Rights Report Indicates Negro in California Hit Hardest in Housing Bias, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A U.S. Civil Rights Commission advisory committee report found Negro Californians face the greatest difficulty finding housing in white areas due to prejudice among homeowners and real estate brokers. Orientals and Mexicans reportedly face fewer barriers.
Arts & Entertainment
- Nisei Basted on Head with Bat by Hoodlum, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Nisei man was struck on the head with a baseball bat by a hoodlum while playing baseball near his home and was treated at Herrick Memorial Hospital. The incident is reported in the news summaries on page 3.
Sports
- Pasadena Nisei Honored in Final Golf Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Winners were recognized at the chapter’s annual golf tournament. Results were reported in the Pacific Southwest sports notes.
JACL
- PSWDC Election, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Dr. Frank Sakamoto and John Yoshino were elected chairmen of the Midwest and Eastern District Councils at the Minneapolis convention. Convention photos show officers, banquet dignitaries, and award presentations.
In-Depth
- 1936 Seattle Convention Part VIII, by P.C. Staff, page 4. This installment reprints resolutions from the 1936 JACL Seattle Convention affirming American principles, opposing alien agitators, and recognizing key members. It also discusses passport and citizenship problems faced by Nisei and Kibei.
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