Flood relief and the farm problem in January 1956

Vol. 42, No. 2, January 13, 1956. 8 pages. View this issue

Floods in Northern California ran through the front page of this eight-page issue. The Marysville JACL listed 105 Issei and Nisei families and 27 single men affected by the Christmas flood and reported the cash, clothing and food that came in. Reports from Stockton, Sonoma County and Eugene Okada’s visit to Varona and Nicolaus followed. An editorial on the farm problem noted that over half of JACL’s chapters sit in rural areas. Mike Masaoka pressed the Senate on a Mongolian labor bill and a Hawaii land return bill, and Helen Mineta reported on the Lane-Hillings evacuation claims bill.

Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa reviewed a Reader’s Digest article on Japanese Americans, and Larry S. Tajiri examined the treason conviction of Iva Toguri d’Aquino. David Yokozeki’s work on the film Count the Dead drew coverage. The issue also carried chapter installations and news from Berkeley, Denver, Los Angeles and New York.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Farmers Face Tough Problem, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The farm problem, with falling farm incomes and natural losses, is expected to be a major issue in the 1956 presidential campaign. The editorial notes that many rural JACL chapters have a stake in the outcome and urges Nisei farmers to help shape a workable solution.
• Japanese Among Us, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa reviews Albert Maisel’s Reader’s Digest article on Japanese Americans, which traces Issei-Nisei history from early immigration through the war to postwar advances. He criticizes the piece for omitting the JACL’s role in breaking down prejudice.
• A Painful Milestone, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Hosokawa recounts helping his young son Pete pull out a loose front tooth using thread, which took three tries. The gap and bleeding marked another childhood milestone.
• Tokyo Topics: Issei & Nisei in Japan, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. Murayama describes meeting Mrs. Mineta and other Issei and Nisei in Tokyo, noting the Issei’s mixed feelings about postwar Japan’s poverty. He observes that Nisei in Japan have prospered but are sometimes stigmatized by a few wrongdoers among them.
• Chicago Corner, by Smoky H. Sakurada, page 4. The Chicago JACL Credit Union will hold its ninth annual dinner meeting on January 20 to vote on a constitutional amendment. Local Nisei groups also met to raise funds for Northern California flood victims.
• Smoglites: New Year Chaff, by Mary Oyama, page 4. Oyama reflects on a quiet New Year’s Eve and recalls a similar subdued holiday in Denver during the resettlement period. She also remembers the late Jimmie Sakamoto as a warm and encouraging JACL editor.
• Boosting P.C. Readership, by Mary Oyama, page 4. Oyama argues that all JACL members should subscribe to the Pacific Citizen and proposes chapter-level subscription drives with contests and sample copies. She notes that Nisei scattered by evacuation are often eager to subscribe for news of former friends.
• Very Truly Yours: Calendar Column, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Honda explains the Pacific Citizen’s calendar column and encourages chapters to submit their 1956 meeting and event schedules. He notes the listings help readers track chapter activities nationwide.
• Chicago Newsletter: 1000 Club Notes, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 5. Wakamatsu reports on the illustrated 1000 Club brochure distributed to chapters and a challenge from San Luis Valley JACL to match its high percentage of 1000 Club members. The winner will be announced at the national convention in San Francisco.
• Southwester: APL Dining and Home Again Progress, by Tats Kushida, page 6. Kushida describes a dinner aboard the APL ship President Wilson and notes the Home Again producers are seeking Nisei actresses for the lead role of Midori. He also mentions visitors and local business notes.
• Los Angeles Newsletter: CINO Social Crutch?, by Henry Mori, page 7. Mori discusses the debate between Dr. S.I. Hayakawa and Dr. Gordon Warner over whether Nisei social groups like CINO should continue. Warner argues that such organizations help integration and address ethnic problems.
• Tokyo Rose, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 8. Tajiri examines the 1949 treason conviction of Iva Toguri d’Aquino, who was convicted on one count for a broadcast. He argues the case reflected a legend and raises doubts about the fairness of the trial.
• Washington Newsletter: President’s 1956 State of Union Message, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka reviews the President’s State of the Union message, noting proposals on immigration quotas, refugee relief, Hawaii statehood, and civil rights that matter to JACL. He expects further details on immigration revisions to come later.

National

• Urge Senate Study Mongolian Labor Bill OKd by House, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL Washington representative Mike Masaoka asked Senator James Murray to promptly consider HR 1603, which would end a 1902 ban on Mongolian labor in federal reclamation projects. The House passed the bill and the Interior Department supported its deletion as inconsistent with current law.
• Passage of Hawaii Land Return Bill in Senate Sought, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL asked Senator Murray to act on HR 7186, which would let eleemosynary organizations of Japanese ancestry reclaim lands in Hawaii transferred to government during World War II. The bill passed the House last July and is now before the Senate Interior Committee.
• Yokozeki First Nisei H’wood Movie Producer, by P.C. Staff, page 2. David Yokozeki became the first Nisei to hold producership of an American film when he replaced Marvin Segal as producer of Count the Dead, a Nacirema production starring Howard Duff. Filming began under Lee Sholem’s direction, and Yokozeki is also chairman of the Pacific Southwest District Council.

Community

• New City Voted in Fremont, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Registered voters in southern Alameda County, including over 100 Issei and Nisei, approved incorporating the new city of Fremont. The city combines Niles, Centerville, Irvington, Warm Springs and Mission San Jose.
• Marysville JACL Acknowledges Contributions for Flood Victims, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Marysville JACL reported nearly $3,700 in cash, almost a ton of clothing, dozens of sacks of rice and canned goods received for Yuba City flood victims. A relief committee of JACL and Buddhist church members was set up to coordinate aid.
• Clarify $1000 Flood Aid from Sacramento JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Marysville JACL president Dan Nishita and Sacramento JACL president Dean Itano explained that the $1,000 contribution was advanced by religious and civic organizations in anticipation of proceeds from a Sacramento flood benefit show. The funds were to be repaid from the talent show receipts.
• 80 Japanese Evacuated from Flooded Stockton, by P.C. Staff, page 1. About 80 Japanese families were forced from their homes when Mormon Channel overflowed during Christmas week in Stockton. Around 20 families suffered heavy losses as flood waters almost covered homes in the low Corona Park area.
• Recover Death Car of Pair Feared Drowned in Swollen Sacramento River, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Divers recovered the car of Ben and Yoshino Kusaba, who were feared drowned in the Sacramento River during the pre-Christmas storm. Only Mr. Kusaba’s body was found in the car, and his wife is believed to have attempted escape and been swept downstream.
• Sonoma County JACL Aids Flood Victims, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sonoma County JACL members traveled to Guerneville to remove mud from Guerneville Grammar School at the request of school trustees. The chapter also made a substantial monetary contribution to aid flood victims in the area.
• Sacramento JACL Flood Relief Donations, by P.C. Staff, page 2. National JACL Headquarters reported flood relief donations from chapters and individuals including cash, clothing and food. Funds were being solicited in part for Stockton flood victims.
• Nisei Couple Elected Officers of Masonic Groups in D.C., by P.C. Staff, page 3. Dr. Henry Minami was elected vice-president of the Association of Worshipful Masters in Washington, D.C., and his wife Claire was installed as Worthy Matron of an Order of the Eastern Star chapter. The couple are believed to be the first Nisei to hold these posts in the area.
• Nisei Drowns as Skiff Overturns in S.F. Bay, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Yoshio Serizawa, 32, drowned when the skiff he and his brother were riding overturned in San Francisco Bay. His brother reached the boat and was rescued, but Yoshio could not swim and sank under the surface.
• Lindsay Citizen of Year Stresses Need of Racial Groups in Battle for Minds, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Tom Shimasaki, a JACL veteran and rancher selected as Lindsay’s citizen of the year, told the Lions Club that racial minorities play an important role in the ideological struggle against Communism. He argued that Asia will be the final battleground and urged an economic recovery program for the region.
• Richmond-El Cerrito to Host First NC-WN Quarterly Feb. 5, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Richmond-El Cerrito JACL will host the first quarterly Northern California-Western Nevada District Council session on February 5 after Marysville JACL could not because of the flood. The East Bay chapters’ joint installation dinner was rescheduled to the same day.
• Four East Bay Chapters Plan Joint Installation, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda and Richmond-El Cerrito JACL chapters are organizing a joint installation dinner-dance on February 5 at the Sands Ballroom in Oakland. Committee assignments for hall, invitations, publicity, orchestra and program were listed.
• Denver JACL Leaders Recognized at Annual Chapter Dinner; Cabinet Installed, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Mile-Hi JACL held its recognitions dinner and cabinet installation on December 31, honoring the late Harry Sakata and several officers for their service. Awards and a leather portfolio were presented, and Irvin Matsuda led the new cabinet.
• Marysville JACL Issues Flood Victim List, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Marysville JACL published a list of 105 Issei and Nisei families and 27 single men affected by the Christmas flood. Most of the families lived in Yuba City, with five from nearby Nicolaus.
• Omaha JACL Party Attended by 60, by P.C. Staff, page 6. About 60 people attended the Omaha JACL Christmas party at the YWCA, featuring carolling, gift exchange, and a children’s talent show. Mrs. Kay Hirabayashi arranged the children’s program.
• Pasadena JACL Hosts Third Annual PSW Chapter Clinic, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Pacific Southwest District Council’s third annual chapter clinic will be held February 12 at the Hotel Green in Pasadena. Sessions will cover organizational and programming topics, with National JACL director Mas Satow as a resource person.
• Berkeley Chapter Picks Yamamoto ’56 President, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Paul Yamamoto, an accountant with Kaiser Aluminum, was named 1956 president of the Berkeley JACL, succeeding Ben Fukutome. Shigeru Jio and Tokuya Kako became the first naturalized Issei elected to the chapter board.
• Boise Valley JACL Keg Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Over 150 bowlers competed in the Boise Valley JACL’s annual Christmas handicap tournament at Twentieth Century Lanes. Trophies were awarded at a dance on December 29 at the Hotel Boise Crystal ballroom.
• Tom Yasuhiro of Chicago Bowls 756, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Tom Yasuhiro set a league high 756 series in the Great East Side Traveling Classic, rolling a 267 opener. His Rainbow Recreation team, with Nisei teammates Tom Fukuda and Eiji Shibuta, posted a 3107 team series.
• Los Angeles JACL Chapters Set Jan. 28 for Joint Installation, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Seven Los Angeles-area JACL chapters will hold their joint installation dance on January 28 at the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences. Tickets are $3.50 per couple, and the Elliott Brothers orchestra has been engaged.
• Southwest L.A. Votes Roy Iketani as Prexy, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Roy Iketani was elected 1956 president of the Southwest Los Angeles JACL, succeeding Dr. Toru Lura. The chapter also voted to raise annual dues to $3.50 per person.
• Newcastle Nisei on UC Rifle Championship Team, by P.C. Staff, page 7. University of California’s Naval ROTC rifle team won the national championship in the naval classification of the Hearst matches, with Newcastle Nisei Gordon Nakagawa scoring 190 of 200 to place third individually. Cal beat Oregon State by eight points.
• Parlier 1000 Club Names New Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Parlier JACL 1000 Club held its first annual dinner at Desert Inn in Fresno to celebrate its 1955 membership. Ronald Ota was elected chairman for 1956.
• Denver JACL Gala Winter Carnival, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Idaho Falls JACL is preparing its annual Winter Carnival at the local Armory on January 21 with food, concessions and movies. Shoji Nukaya is general chairman.

Incarceration & Redress

• Lane Assures Early Consideration on Evacuation Claims Amendments, by Helen Mineta, page 1. House Judiciary Subcommittee chairman Thomas Lane agreed to consider the Lane-Hillings bill, which would expedite and liberalize final determination of evacuation claims, at an early executive session. Masaoka reported assurances of prompt action on the legislation.
• Nisei in Japan Regaining Citizenship Under PL 515 Not Affected by I&N Section, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The State Department advised that Nisei dual citizens in Japan pursuing citizenship status through litigation or naturalization need not report under Section 350 before December 24, 1955. They must still register with the American Consulate once their status is clarified.
• Dual Citizens Continued from Front Page, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The State Department advised that dual citizens who lost U.S. nationality by voting in Japanese elections may apply for expedited naturalization under PL 515 without immediate Section 350 action. Plaintiffs in the Abo and Furuya lawsuits were also found to fall under the savings clause of the 1952 Act.
• Civil Rights Act Applies to Dead as Well, Chicago Judge Says in Ruling, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Judge John P. Barnes ruled that the Federal Civil Rights Act applies in a suit over a man shot to death by a policeman, rejecting the argument that it covers only living persons. The $100,000 suit was filed by Mrs. Sarah Davis, with JACL legal committee chairman Harold Gordon as counsel.

Obituaries

• Alan Shilin Dies, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Alan Shilin, 35, producer of documentary films, died of cancer in New York on December 23. His company’s films, many on religious work worldwide, won awards, and he was the employer of Nisei cameraman Togo Fujihira.

Arts & Entertainment

• ‘Home Again’ Pic Seeks Nisei Girl, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Casting is planned for the film Home Again, based on James Edmiston’s novel, with a search underway for a Nisei actress to play the lead Midori and other Japanese American roles. Interested applicants were directed to write to the production office with personal information and photographs.
• Nisei Cartoonist Wins $5,000 in National Contest, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Tom Okamoto of El Monte won the first prize of $6,000 in a United Feature Syndicate cartoon contest, along with a contract with the syndicate. Bob Kuwahara of Larchmont, New York, took fourth place with a $500 prize.
• Count the Dead Filming Begins, by Tats Kushida, page 6. Location shooting for Count the Dead, the first of three low-budget films by Nacirema Productions, began on schedule at a Chatsworth ranch. The cast includes Howard Duff and Gloria McGhee, and the investors include several Nisei and Issei backers.

In-Depth

• Seafair in Nipponmachi, by Elmer Ogawa, page 3. Ogawa recalls the close-knit Japanese community of Seattle’s Nipponmachi in the 1920s and its social, cultural and business life. He traces how postwar changes and Seafair promotion affected the Jackson Street area.
• Eugene Okada Reports Flood Conditions in Varona, by Eugene Okada, page 5. Okada recounts his firsthand visit to flood-stricken Varona and Nicolaus with an Army Corps of Engineers officer, describing homes submerged to the roof and stranded families. He also relates stories of lost possessions and rescues.

JACL

• Masaoka Addresses N.Y. JACL Inaugural, by Sam Ishikawa, page 7. Mike Masaoka told the New York JACL installation dinner that Hawaii statehood looked unlikely in 1956 unless the President compromised on Alaska. He also criticized national origins quotas as racist and noted that the proposed census base change would raise Japan’s immigration quota.

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