Vol. 9, No. 10, July 1937. 4 pages. View this issue
The July 1937 issue followed the Southern California District convention in San Diego, where two hundred fifty delegates met over the Independence Day holidays. Kiyo Higashi gave the keynote on citizenship, and national president James Y. Sakamoto also spoke. Sakamoto’s own column reported on a 4,000-mile California tour, and Masao Satow announced an advisory board for the second generation development program. Four editorials took up the San Diego meeting, the $100,000 endowment fund, and JACL unity.
Other pages looked ahead to the Northern California convention at Watsonville in September and the Northwest convention at Yakima over Labor Day. Susumu Togasaki asked pledgers to pay into the endowment fund. Delegate Samuel Wilder King wrote about Hawaii and the U.S. Navy. Chapter news covered a Seattle Japan Day, a Los Angeles festival queen contest, and a Watsonville parade float.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- Tocsin Sounds Call of Americanism as JACL Leaders Meet at San Diego, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Two hundred fifty delegates gathered at the Southern California District convention in San Diego during the Independence Day holidays. Speakers including Kiyo Higashi and national president James Y. Sakamoto stressed citizenship, the JACL as a medium of contact with the public, and resolutions to strengthen the league.
- Watsonville Hopes for Record Crowd, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Watsonville prepares to host the Northern California District biennial convention September 4-6, with officials expecting around 1,000 delegates and boosters. Committee chairmen were named to organize the event.
- Pledges Now Due on Endowment Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Campaign director Susumu Togasaki reports that members who pledged to the $100,000 endowment fund at the Seattle convention are slow to pay. He asks pledgers to meet their obligations before the first September installment.
- Second Generation Development Plan Is Started, with Notables at Helm, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Director Masao Satow announced an advisory board of prominent figures and district supervisors for the second generation development program. Seventeen of 42 chapters had named members to the records, research, and program commissions.
- NW Board Session Will Be in Tacoma, by Saburo Nishimura, page 1. The Northwest District Council board will meet in Tacoma to finalize plans for the Yakima district convention over Labor Day. Representatives from seven Northwest chapters and national officers are expected to attend.
- Japanese Delegates Guests of S.F. JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The San Francisco JACL will host America-Japan Students Conference delegates from Japan at a July 31 reception and sightseeing tour. The chapter also began work on the first anniversary edition of the league publication.
Commentary
- Young Building for Permanency in Business Fields, by James Y. Sakamoto, page 1. After a 4,000-mile California tour, Sakamoto reports that second generation Japanese Americans are establishing solid economic foundations and enjoying high living standards. He argues the JACL second generation development program is needed to guide the growing number of young people entering the economy.
- The Endowment Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial urges every chapter and member to support the $100,000 endowment fund, which will allow the League to address unemployment, youth training, and social needs. It argues an incorporated national body needs such a fund to serve all members.
- San Diego Sets the Pace, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial hails the San Diego convention as showing a decisive trend toward national unity and aggressive Southern California leadership. It notes the State Central Committee plan’s endorsement and points to the upcoming Watsonville and Yakima conventions.
- For Permanency, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial observes that second generation Japanese Americans are doing well economically and building permanent roots. It warns that a large number of young people will soon reach maturity, making JACL guidance on economic planning important.
- JACL Unity, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Press from Seattle and Los Angeles reports a new spirit of cooperation among JACL districts following the San Diego convention. National officials identify four progressive outcomes expected to carry into the Watsonville and Yakima conventions.
Community
- JACL Float Wins $100 in Watsonville Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Watsonville JACL Liberty Bell float won first place and a $100 prize in the Fourth of July parade. The 17-foot bell was built from five acres of gladiolas and designed by William Shirachi and Tom Matsuda.
- Fourteen Southland Belles Competed for Queen Honor in L’il Tokio Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Fourteen young women competed in the Nisei Queen contest for the fourth annual JACL Second Generation Festival Week in Los Angeles, August 3-8. The six-day fiesta includes a coronation ball, fashion revues, a baby show, talent revue, and parade.
- Orange County JACL to Enter Float, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Orange County JACL accepted an invitation from the Los Angeles JACL to enter a float in the annual Second Generation Festival Week in August. A joint meeting also featured a debate on unionization.
- Fresno JACL Will Have Talent Nite in Late October, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Fresno chapter of the American Loyalty League will stage a Nisei Talent Nite in late October to showcase Japanese life and culture for Caucasian friends. The chapter also plans to present a sword to Congressman Bud Gearhardt for his support of veterans’ citizenship.
- NW District Heads Outline Work for Yakima Gathering, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Northwest district chapter officers met in Seattle to plan the Labor Day convention in Yakima, discussing a possible special train and the proposed League constitution. Officers were encouraged by the level of interest across chapters.
- Seattle Japan Day Sees Almost 10,000 at Pleasure Resort, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Nearly ten thousand people attended the Seattle JACL’s fourth annual Japan Day at Playland, featuring Japanese and American entertainment and a treasure hunt. Chartered buses helped transport crowds to the park.
- Portland Chapter Planning to Hold Picnic August 15, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Portland JACL will hold a pre-convention picnic at Grant’s Park on August 15 to build interest before the Yakima convention. The chapter also worked out plans for a community hall project.
- Valley League to Picnic and Boost Yakima Gathering, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Valley Civic League of Auburn will hold a pre-convention picnic at Star Lake on August 1 to generate enthusiasm for the Yakima convention. Featured events include a rowboat regatta with cash prizes, athletics, and dancing.
- Troupe Entertains Sick at Sanitorium, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Seattle JACL sent a troupe of Japanese entertainers to Firland Sanatorium to perform for tuberculosis patients. The program included dancing, singing, and kendo exhibitions.
Military & Veterans
- Former California VFW Head Will Get Sword for Helping Veterans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Sacramento JACL will present a Japanese sword to Edward J. Neron, former state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, in appreciation of his help passing the Oriental citizenship bill for World War veterans. Three other swords donated by San Francisco merchants will go to other supporters.
Arts & Entertainment
- Hawaii Still Feels Kindly to U.S. Navy, by Samuel Wilder King, page 2. Delegate Samuel Wilder King describes Hawaii’s long friendship with the U.S. Navy and Army, and the territory’s cooperation with military authorities. He also outlines Hawaii’s trade, federal tax contributions, and dependence on sugar and pineapple exports.
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