October 29 2010.pmd

North Portland’s Community Newspaper Since 1904
DON’T MISS
Daylight-saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 7th
Veterans Day is Nov. 11th
PICTURE OF THE WEEK:
TWO FUN EVENTS IN
ST. JOHNS
Night shot of the St. Johns Bridge at Cathedral Park. Taken by Kenny Townsend
OCTOBER 29 & 30
Don’t let your subscription expire Check your expiration date on this label
The Review-PO Box 83068-Portland Or 97283515-840
10-29-10
There will be a special Halloween
event in downtown St. Johns Saturday, October 30 when over 40
businesses open their doors between 2-5pm for all the little
ghouls to go Trick or Treating. Just
look for the orange and black balloons for the participating merchants.
BOO
The
other fun
event
will be
Roosevelt High
School’s Homecoming which is
Friday, October 29, as this newspaper hits the streets - so don’t dilly-dally! The event starts at 3:30
with a parade through the St. Johns
business district. At 4:00 there will
be family/kid friendly activities at
RHS on the front lawn; at 5:30
there will be a free BBQ; at 6:15
the school hosts a pep rally followed by a 6:30 parade to the newly completed TRAC football stadium where a debut will take place
at 6:55pm followed by the start of
the varsity football game against
the Crook County Cowboys. At
half time (7:30) a halftime program
is planned and at 9:00 a homecoming dance for students.
Don’t miss the fun and invite
everyone to come out and support
the local high school and their activities.
Back by popular demand, is the “Picture of the Week” and those interested in sharing pictures of North Portland can submit your special photo by
sending them to: [email protected]. Hard copies can also be submitted by mailing to: PO Box 83068, Portland, 97283. (They will be
returned if a self-addressed and stamped envelope is included.)
INTERNING HISTORY
Part III: Japanese Internment, and a uniquely North Portland
connection to those times
disappear in the mid-west? The
wisdom and logistics of simply discarding everything that you owned
made no sense. But then in the
spring of 1942 very little made
sense.
Most local Japanese stayed in
place, and most felt that the whole
idea of internment and relocation
was something that would pass as
soon as calm heads prevailed, and a
clear representation of their innocents was understood. Emotions after Pearl Harbor, the fall of Wake
Island, and the Philippines had all
Where we left off in Part II
of America terrified, but few JapaIn February of 1942, nobody
nese felt that the initial torment and
knew where the Japanese fleet was
confusion would actually result in
at, and few Americans were feeltheir being labeled “alien saboteurs”
ing great sympathy for anything
or “enemy aliens.” There was the
Japanese. Virtually no American
nearly certain feeling within the Japcivilians understood anything of
anese community that when the dust
the military situation, and fewer yet
settled, all of the talk of Japanese
had a clue on whom to blame for
American collusion with the enemy
the catastrophic mess. There were
and internment would be underreports of rape, pillage and plunstood as a type of “shell shock” and
der by the Japanese Imperial forcthat America would see them for
es streaming in from all over Southwhat they were: patriotic citizens,
east Asia. These images were to
ready to defend their country. The
help in the immediate plight of the
Japanese were wrong and just three
local Japanese. It was a forced
Photo courtesy the Oregon Historical Society
consideration when Caucasian
Americans looked at their Japanese neighbors.
Part III - Final
As mentioned, some of the Japanese saw the catastrophic future
on their own, and attempted to
leave their West Coast houses before any organized round-up was
undertaken. This was possible between the time of Order 9066 and
the official opening of the Livestock Assembly Center in May
1942. However, even this voluntary action had unseen consequences. Leaving of your own accord
might be viewed as an admission
of guilt after all, if you had noth- This was a 5-person apartment for the Rev. T. Terakawa, a Buddhist priest. Playing
ing to hide, why would you aban- Chinese Checkers is his daughter, Hiroko Terakawa and friend, Lillian Hayaski.
The government furnished the steel cots and mattresses, the evacuees the rest.
don everything you had and try and
By
Jim Speirs
Historical
Editor
St Johns
Review
months after the issue of Executive
Order 9066, all Japanese in the Portland metropolitan area surrendered
at the Pacific International Livestock Exposition Center.
Conditions were not terrible at the
center; there was no effort to punish the Japanese any further that
they were already being abused.
Regardless, this was war and war
makes people do different things,
often those things are not the subject of heroics and bravery but rather
the stuff of shame and horror.
Efforts were made to make the living quarters as nice as possible. Still,
the North Portland center was a temporary facility – a holding pen,
where Japanese were processed and
sent to permanent internment camps
in other states. (As mentioned, most
Portland area Japanese ended up in
Minidoka, Idaho although some
were sprinkled from Arizona, to
Wyoming.) Often, tearful Caucasian neighbors assisted their Japanese friends into the holding center, and there remained a general
Continued on Page 4
“Interning History”
Page 2 - St Johns Review - October 29, 2010
PO Box 83068, Portland, Or. 97283 - [email protected] - www.stjohnsreview.com - 503-283-5086
DONHave
’T theMREVIEW
ISS AN ISSUE!
Newspaper
delivered directly to your mailbox
for just $10 a year!!
SERVING NORTH
PORTLAND FOR
107 YEARS!
AR
1-YE
R
FO
Extra Savings Opportunity:
____1-Year: $10 (26 issues)
____2-Years: $18 (52 issues)
____3-Years: $24 (78 issues)
This is a RENEWAL _____
This is a NEW____ Subscription
This is an ADDRESS CHANGE _____
Name:________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________
City/St/Zip:_________________________________________
Mail payment with forms to: PO Box 83068, Port. 97283
2011 St. Johns Parade Information
TURN IN YOUR THEME IDEAS
for the
2011 St Johns Parade
Email your ideas to: [email protected]
or call 503-286-5193
BY NOVEMBER 15, 2010
The Parade Committee will again be selling Poinsettia Plants. More information coming in future
issues of the Review, but if anyone is interested in
purchasing a Poinsettia or helping with the sales,
email Jeanine Sinnott at: [email protected]
WORSHIP
DIRECTORY
Portsmouth Trinity
Lutheran Church
“Where All Are Welcome”
Worship & Sunday School:
10:00am each Sunday
7119 N. Portsmouth (503) 289-6878
HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC
CHURCH
“In the Spirit of Unity, Welcome!”
5227 N
Bowdoin
(503) 289-2834
Sun: 8:00am & 10am
Sat Mass: 4:00pm
Spanish Mass: Sunday Noon
Daily Mass: Mon-Fri, 8:30am
2010 St. Johns Reviews
# Issues:
1) Jan 8
2) Jan 22
3) Feb 5
4) Feb 19
5) Mar 5
6) Mar 19
7) Apr 2
8) Apr 16
9) Apr 30
10) May 14
11) May 28
12) June 11
13) June 25
14) July 9
15) July 23
16) Aug 6
17) Aug 20
18) Sept 3
19) Sept 17
20) Oct 1
21) Oct 15
22) Oct 29
LETTERS to the EDITOR
Local food bank needs food
Re. Interning History
Dear Editor,
I am hoping you will be so kind to
run an advertisement in the St. Johns
Review concerning a local food bank
in need of food. I went there today to
donate some food and noticed a sign that
they are having to close the food bank
early due to lack of donations. I am going to do my best to run a food drive for
them but thought it might be helpful if
you publish the need. The St. Andrew’s
Episcopal Pantry located at 7704 N
Hereford Ave. The contact number is
503-247-3511.
Thank you kindly for your consideration,
Ashley
Dear Editor,
When I was in high school, my father
once grounded me because I went out
with my friends after school when I had
told him and my mother that I would
return home after classes. When I got
home that night and my father told me
my punishment, I complained that my
other friends did the same thing and they
never got in trouble. My father responded by telling me that I needed to take
care of my business and that it was a
sign of moral cowardice to justify one’s
poor choices because other also made
them. In short, I was the only one responsible for my actions.
Sadly, although not surprisingly considering his other articles I have read, it
seems Jim Speirs never got my dad’s
message, implying parenthetically that
because Canada also put Japanese people in concentration camps (Mrs. Speirs,
by your own standards, can you please
not be politically correct and call them
by their proper name, not “internment
camps,”) that made it okay for us to do
it. Why would a United States Citizen,
who as far as I know has no political
power in Canada, give a damn what
Canada did?
And is Mr. Speirs really willing to
apply that morality to other scenarios?
Should the Nazis be given a pass because (and Adolph Hitler noted this was
why no one would care if the Jews were
slaughtered) of the Armenian genocide?
After all, someone had already tried to
wipe out a population, so who cares if
someone else did it?
We are responsible for what our government does, and it shows a deep level
of moral cowardice when we justify our
injustices because others have committed the same injustices. We were wrong
to put anyone in concentration camps.
Doing so was anti-American, and it was
a shameful episode of our history.
Peter Shaw
Support RHS Friday,
October 29th
To All Members of the Roosevelt Village:
All of us have been to small towns,
small communities, when the minute we
entered that place we knew that a very
special event was taking place. Everywhere we looked we saw signs and posters, banners and colored balloons, reader board messages, trees and poles
wrapped in appropriate colors, and the
local publication announcing the village’s celebration. Why even the
churches shared the news in their church
bulletins, and social service clubs and
organizations carried the information in
their newsletters. We couldn’t even go
to a business website without seeing the
message of celebration being shared
with all. The social networks were telling THE WORLD through their Facebook, My Space, Craig’s List,
Classmates.co, tweeters tweeting and all
the other means at their disposal about
the special community event.
So, let’s all consider doing what we
can to spread the word through our
Roosevelt Village about our Homecoming event Friday, October 29. Let everyone know that the entire village is
participating in the celebration of its
local high school.
Roosevelt’s school colors are Black
and Gold. How about coming dressed
in school colors? Or painting your body
in school colors—I see them on TV all
of the time!!
Roosevelt’s Homecoming begins at
5pm with a FREE BBQ at Roosevelt.
Activities for everyone and everyone s
invited!
GO ROUGHRIDERS!! Roosevelt Is
On The Rise! And Rough Rider Spirit
Is Alive and Well
Michael Verbout
What was Inside each issue
Front Page Article
Speirs Historical articles
Person of Year/Gary Boehm
PPS: Chicken or Egg
UP student dies/Biker rider
SJ Parade: 1964
Police presence: Perception vs Reality
Meat Eaters: RHS hot dog sellers
Cathedral Park Jazz Fest. Introduction
Take No Prisoners (Wapato Jail)
Kenton Library to Open
Who “Did” Willy Part I
RHS Princess/SJ Market opening threatened Who “Did “ Willy Part II
Main St Prog/Farmers Mkt/Ronald McDonald Willy Update/Cattle Rusters
Urban Renewal/Tree down
Fighter Bob Foster
Parade Issue/Duin Citz of Yr
History of SJ Parade
RHS stays - Parade followup
Flying Dreams Part I
SJ Farmers Mkt/Kenton Fair
Flying Creams Part II
Sunday Parkways event
The 8212 Club
Fourth of July/Fireworks Ft Vanc
Roosevelt/Galati
(Cath Pak Jazz Festival) Entertainment Info Roosevelt/Galati Part II
New RHS leadership: Charlene Williams Galati/RHS Afterthoughts
City Council Port& Hayden Is Develop.
Tanks for the memories: N Portland Water Tanks
Port disposal of contam on HI/Fires
Repeat: The Cut Part I
Swifts return to Kenton/Pirate Festival
The Cut Part II
St Johns Storage Gateway Project
The Cut Part III-Final
Mural Art/Grocery Outlet in St. Johns
Interning History: Part I
Irene Huddle 110 birthday
Interning History: Part II
Picture of Week/Townsend
Interning History Part III-final
From the Edtior:
Peter, thank you for your letter. Please
know the Interning History articles of
Mr. Speirs are historical in nature, not
his opinion. He is relaying historical information gathered from documentation
from his extensive research with the help
of the Oregon Historical Society.
Letters To The Editor
Letters to the Editor are welcome and
encouraged. They must be legible and
contain a name. Anonymous letters are
immediately placed in the round file
under the editor’s desk.
Letters may be edited for clarity, space,
or grammar and may or may not be
the views of the publisher/editor. Send
letters to the address at the top of this
page.
Upcoming Issues &
Deadlines
Issue:
HAVE AN OPINION?
Then exercise your rights on
November 2, 2010
V
O
T
E
VETERANS DAY NOV 11TH
Military
Accomplishments
Army Pvt. Gabriel Collins has
graduated from Basic Combat
Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army
mission and received instruction
and training exercises in drill and
ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness,
first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and
unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
Collins is the son of Delia Collins of N. Willamette Blvd.
The St. Johns Review,
Inc. (515-840)
Periodicals Postage
Paid at Portland, OR
Editor
Gayla
Patton
A biweekly community newspaper
Subscriptions: $12.00 per year
Editor: Gayla J. Patton
Publisher: St. Johns Review, Inc.
PO Box 83068, Portland, OR 97283
Postmaster: Please send change of
address to:
St. Johns Review
PO Box 83068, Portland, Oregon
97283
Phone: 503.283.5086;
Web site: www.stjohnsreview.com
Email:
[email protected];
[email protected]
Advertising: Gayla Patton
503-283-5086
Historical Editor: Jim Speirs
Distribution Manager: Ginger
Harris
Deadline:
November 12 (Thanksgiving) November 4
November 26
November 18
December 10 (Christmas) December 2
December 26 (New Years) December 16
Distribution Manager
Ginger Harris
2011
January 7, 2011
January 21
February 4
February 18
March 4
March 18
April 1
April 15
December 30, 2010
January 13
January 27
February 10
February 24
March 10
March 24
April 7
This newspaper is designed to keep readers informed of news, events, and activities on and around the North Portland
Peninsula. It is published solely through
advertising and subscriptions. Unsolicited photographs and manuscripts are
welcome, but will only be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed and
stamped envelope. The publisher does not
assume any responsibility to inaccuracies
in articles. Reproduction is not allowed
without written permission from the publisher and/or editor.
[email protected] * www.stjohnsreview.com * 503-283-5086
Veterans Day ceremony highlights talk by University of
Portland alumnus
Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, the senior military officer in Alaska and
a 1977 University of Portland
alumnus, will be the featured
speaker at the University’s annual
Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m.
on Thursday, Nov. 11 on campus.
The ceremony, sponsored by the
University’s Air Force and Army
ROTC programs, will recognize
campus members who have served
during times of war, including
WWII and Vietnam veterans. It will
take place after a 24-hour candlelight vigil with Air Force and Army
cadets standing guard beginning at
11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10,
and lasting until the start of the ceremony on Thursday.
The Veterans Day ceremony also
will feature a flyover of F15 Eagle
fighter jets.
Both events will be held at the
Praying Hands Memorial located in
the quad between Kenna Hall and
Christie Hall on campus, 5000 N.
Willamette Blvd.
Atkins is Commander of Alaskan Command, Alaskan North
American Aerospace Defense
Command Region, Joint Task
Force Alaska and Eleventh Air
Force, with headquarters at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
As the senior military officer in
Alaska, he is responsible for the
integration of all military activities
in the Alaskan theater of operations. As Commander of Alaskan
Command, a sub-unified command
under Pacific Command, Atkins
integrates the activities of more
than 21,000 active-duty, Guard and
Reserve members from all services and U.S. Air Forces Korea. He has
also served on both major comin Alaska.
Atkins also commands Eleventh mand and joint staffs. The general
Air Force and oversees the training was special assistant to the Supreme
and readiness of two wings and Air Allied Commander Europe during
Force installations located through- the air war over Serbia. He was inout the state. As commander of the volved in all aspects of the Kosovo
Alaskan North American Aero- campaign planning and execution,
space Defense Command Region, including pre-war diplomatic negoAtkins directs air operations with- tiations in Belgrade. Atkins is a
in Alaska to ensure defense against command pilot with more than
all hostile airborne threats. Report- 4,000 hours in fighter aircraft.
The Praying Hands Memorial
ing to U.S. Northern Command,
Atkins is the commander of Joint was built by University of PortTask Force Alaska and is responsi- land’s Class of 1948, in honor of
ble for the planning and execution the 69 University of Portland stuof all Homeland Defense operations dents killed during World War II.
within the theater, including secu- The addition of each brick wall surrounding the memorial represents
rity and civil support actions.
After serving a year as an enlist- four different battles: World War I,
ed member, Atkins received a four- the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam
year ROTC scholarship to the Uni- War, and the Persian Gulf War.
For more information, please conversity of Portland, where he earned
his Air Force commission. During tact Col. Paul E. Huffman at (503)
his career, Atkins has flown as a 943-8241 or [email protected].
demonstration pilot for the European A-10 demonstration
team and the
U.S. Air Force
Demonstra
tion Team, the
Thunderbirds.
He has com- manded
a fighter squad
ron, an opera !"#"
tions group
$%&
'%("
and two fight)
*(
er wings, and
#!
served as Vice
!"#+
,%!#% Commander, +"((-"!#,! 7th Air Force ! #-
# October 29, 2010 - St. Johns Review - Page 3
Three Roosevelt teens hit by car
On Wednesday, October 20,
2010 three teens on their way to
school at Roosevelt High School
were hit by a car at the intersection of Lombard and Ida by the
Fred Meyer store. Due to the
bright morning sun, the 36 year
old gentleman who was driving his
11-year old son to school did not
see that the traffic light had
changed to red, striking the three
teens as they crossed the street. He
immediately stopped and fully
cooperated with police.
The three teens were transported to area hospitals. Two 17-year-
old females were the most seriously injured. One had a broken leg
and the other a broken hip and jaw.
A 14-year-old female with less serious injuries was badly bruised.
Roosevelt Administrators and
staff worked with the students on
the scene and were able to contact
parents immediately. Counselors
were also present to help witnesses and other students cope with the
disturbing and frightening experience. A safe room at Roosevelt was
opened where students who wanted a place to talk could speak with
counselors and check in with peers.
Page 4 - St Johns Review - October 29, 2010
Interning History:
Part II
[email protected] * www.stjohnsreview.com * 503-283-5086
Photo courtesy the Oregon Historical Society
Guards
assisting
new
internees
with
their
baggage.
Continued from Page 1
disbelief that this could actually be happening … it just seemed surreal.
Nobody starved at the Exposition Center. No one froze. It was mostly summer by the time of the internment so the
biggest problem was heat. And heat was
a problem!
Often times, the temperatures soared,
the housing was cramped, because after all, the buildings were designed for
animals. There were few fans, and certainly nobody had air conditioning!
They could still smell the manure and
hear the cattle being slaughtered in the
adjacent Swift rending plant. Nearly everyone found ways to make their plight
better while helping others. Most of the
time there was electricity, hot and cold
running water, and first aid. A huge effort at recreational activities was immediately begun, and soon ad hoc sporting events were featured to make the
time pass. Almost everyone believed
that they would be released and allowed
to return home at any moment.
Internees were allowed visitors. Often
neighbors would bring them food items
and other requested hygiene objects.
Guards were posted on the parameter
of the facility; however, their enthusiasm for their job was less than complete.
Like most Americans, the poor sentries
were confused as to why they were
guarding people who just months ago
were their neighbors! As a result, there
are numerous examples and records of
locals coming to the fence, laughing and
talking across the barbed wire, and often supplying liquor and beer to the internees. The big difference was that the
Caucasian could go home, the Asian had
to stay!
The facility could hardly be described
as secure for anyone determined to escape could do so. However, even if a
person wanted to do that, what would
be the point? First, they were Japanese,
so blending in with the Caucasian population would be impossible, and secondarily, most Japanese held that their
internment would be very temporary so
why escape when release was imminent? Indeed, a nearly porous surrounding allowed for contraband and communication. Often, it was the military
guards (who must have been bored to
tears with the mundane and unnecessary
duty) that transported the booze across
the barbed wire … this was especially
important on the nights when dances
were held. Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw,
and Tommy Dorsey were played on
scratchy old phonographs.
Kids like Kennie Namba (who was
seventeen when he and his family arrived at the Portland Livestock Center)
remember the whole affair as one big
adventure. He didn’t find it objectionable at all for captivity seemed far easier than working on his parents’ farm!
Delivering cabbages to local markets at
3:00 a.m., and then going to school, then
returning to work on the farm until dusk
was not the teenagers’ idea of fun, so
living in a wooden cubicle at the Exposition Center seemed like a divine promise! He would later come to understand
what the adults around him knew. But
for many kids, the entire affair was like
an outing.
While at the Livestock Center, the
ever-industrious Japanese started a publication called the “Evacuazette.” This
paper posted information and events
about activities in the camp, who was
ill, what the outside news was, and
where they could expect to land when
the dust settled. It’s absolutely amazing that this level of sophistication and
diligence could become a part of the
dingy, dirty, and rank Livestock Center
in such short order. What an incredible
testimonial it is to the people who toiled
under those nasty and unnecessary conditions.
By autumn of 1942, the permanent internment camps were mostly complete,
and the Livestock/Assembly Center of
North Portland began to empty. This
brought more uncertainty. Where were
they going? Only vague, secret and unknown locations were suggested, so the
trepidation of the Japanese was once
again heightened. (Keep in mind, many
of them had believed that they would
have been released from confinement in
a few weeks, now they were boarding
trains and headed for the nameless inland centers.)
The nearly 3,500 internees were told
to take only what they could carry, and
leave the rest. By this time, few people
had any idea of what had become of
their homes, businesses, properties, or
possessions. It was sinking in; they were
“alien enemies” and that sad lesson was
being made clear. As cattle trains pulled
along side the North Portland Livestock/Assembly Center, and the ragged
internees glanced backward to get one
final glimpse of what had been their
home for the previous four months.
Some neighbors were there to see off
their friends. A sense of helplessness
Photo courtes
was pervasive throughout the entire affair. This was another step into the
abyss, and from the Stockyard Assembly Center the Japanese were herded
into hastily gathered train cars and
shipped east while others were sent by
bus, or military transport. They were
scattered throughout ten internment
camps where many of them stayed until the fall of 1945.
The Evacuation Center quickly reverted back as a slaughterhouse and the evidence of what took place there was
erased and mostly forgotten.
By 1943 many Japanese Americans
were volunteering to serve their country. Thousands ended up in the legendary 442nd Combat Regiment, which won
more honors for valor and bravery (not
to mention the highest percentage of unit
casualties of any combat regiment) than
any American service organization of
the war. Kennie Namba enlisted in the
army and served with the 442nd too, then
was wounded. He remains proud to have
been a member of the most highly decorated military unit in WW11.
I began this article by suggesting that
the current idea of “P.C.” or “revisionist history” does a huge disservice to
truth and integrity. Many facts of history fall victim to people with distorted
political agendas that allow for total
twisting of events.
So it has become with the Japanese internment. There does not seem to be a
discussion (or certainly a text book) that
does not immediately summarize the sad
situation by concluding that the whole
affair was as simple as a group of evil,
racist going after an innocent, benign
group of Asians. A simple review of the
times and the situation will tell a far different story.
Was there racism involved with the internment? Of course there was; to say otherwise
would be inane, and dishonest, but it was mixed
with fear, uncertainty, humiliation, and outright
terror. It should be remembered that Germans
and Italians came under suspicion on the East
Coast, and although they were not rounded up
as a group, they were profiled and many were
arrested, prosecuted and some executed for
spying.
It’s hard to believe the innocent looking
Exposition Center that sits in North Portland
on Marine Drive was once the ground where
thousands of our fellow citizens were held captive and then shipped to other camps in the
western United States. Many of our North Portland neighbors know of that connection. Fewer still have any knowledge of what really
happened…their information is limited to revisionist information from high school teachers and textbooks. That information would be
far better regarded as propaganda as their reaction is so practiced that it does not stand the
test of even marginal scrutiny.
There remain volumes of evidence on this
subject, so
my pedestrian
efforts here
Photo courtesy the Oregon Historical Society
are but a footnote. Regardless, voices
cry out for
truth, and that
accuracy cannot be attained without putting
the time period in perspective. Revisionist efforts
tend to obfuscate history,
rather than
clarify reality.
My intention
was not to reThis disturbing photo was taken August 1942 at the Portland assembly center as internees were visit the entire
being herded off to Twin Falls, Idaho. Despite being uprooted and losing most of their posses- i n t e r n m e n t
sions, they cooperated and remained upbeat with remarkably good attitudes.
history story,
LIVE MUSIC
FIVE NIGHTS A WEEK!!
Just Say NO to Karaoke
[email protected] * www.stjohnsreview.com * 503-283-5086
y the Oregon Historical Society
but rather introduce some of our
neighbors to the
special relationship North Portland has to the internment debacle.
It should not make
us sad or happy,
but should serve
as a reminder next
time you set foot
on the grounds of
the Expo center.
It’s sacred territory for all the reasons I’ve outlined.
-EndEditors Note:
Paul and Mary Okamoto was a Japanese couple that lived in North Portland. They were well
liked and very industrious. When the hostilities broke out they joined the thousands of other Japanese and spent nearly all the war years
in internment camps. They had several children,
and Mary gave birth to her third son, Roger, in
the North Portland Livestock/Assembly area.
He was one of about 5,981 children born in or
on the way to relocation camps.
Later, Roger would attend Benson High
School, and was elected student body president
in 1960. Roger was a wonderful person, and
admired by his peers. He was also a patriot,
and after graduating from the University of
Washington, he joined the Marine Corps, where
he was commissioned a second lieutenant.
In the spring of 1966, Roger was on a “search
and destroy” mission outside of Da Nang in an
area that was dubbed “Happy Valley” by fellow Marines. (The reason for the oxymoronic
reference was that there was nothing “happy”
that ever happened in “Happy Valley.”) It was
in the “valley” that he stepped on a land mine.
That was the last step Roger Okamoto took.
You can visit Roger at the Vietnam Memorial
above the zoo. He rests with other fallen warriors in a beautiful serene setting befitting him
and all those who have given so dearly.
Jim
Special thanks to Scott Daniels at the Oregon
Historical Society for his help.
About the Author:
Jim Speirs is a lifelong resident of
North Portland, 4th generation. He is a
published author and enjoys writing
about North Portland’s history. He was
a teacher of Political Science at Portland Community College and Chemeketa Community College and taught the
politics of World War II, Viet Nam, and
Korea at both colleges.
Jim served as a Marine Corps infantryman and spent 17 months in Viet
Nam. He still lives and works in North
Portland and recently published his first
book “Death In Spades” and is currently working on his second and third novels. This article may not be republished without the permission of the
author. Send info/comments to: PO Box
83068, Portland, Or 97283
October 29, 2010 - St. Johns Review - Page 5
Photo courtesy the Oregon Historical Society
)5((1,17(1'2'6L
)DUUHOO5HDOW\·VWK$QQXDO
+ROLGD\)RRG'ULYH
(YIXSWSQISJXLIXSYKLIWX½RERGMEPXMQIW
SYVGSYRXV]LEWWIIRMRHIGEHIWWLSVXEKIW
MRXLIJSSHFEROWEVII\TIGXIHXSFIEXER
EPPXMQILMKL4PIEWILIPT*EVVIPP6IEPX]
7X:MRGIRXHI4EYPXSJIIHXLIRIIH]XLMW]IEV
&VMRKMRXLVIISVQSVIRSRTIVMWLEFPIMXIQWXSSYVSJ½GI
20SQFEVH7XVIIX
Above: The staff of the Evacuazette Newsletter
Final Comments from Review Editor: Gayla Patton
THE EVACUAZETTE NEWSLETTER
In the final edition of the Evacuazette, (a publication born by internees apparently just after their confinement,) the staff gives thanks to those who helped
publish their newsletter. The newsletter’s content is impressive and the upbeat humorous articles are eye-opening, especially in light of the difficult situation they were experiencing.
The Evacuazette was published from May 19, 1942 until August 25, 1942,
and although the issue (pictured below) is labeled Vol. 2, Issue 4, I believe
they produced thirty issues. The final newsletter was 12 pages, each page
measured 11X17. Articles, (typed on old typewriters – many that did not include a hyphen key,) included info about dances, dinners, health services, a
crossword puzzle, women’s apparel, and humor. Remember they didn’t have
the internet or the ability to research for information outside their tall confining fences – they created it all themselves with the abilities they brought to the
internment facility. As an editor myself, I am fascinated by the size and entertainment value of their publication and the time, energy and obvious love the
14-person staff put into it. But what impressed me more than any of their
articles was their attitude and gratitude they expressed for the Internment Center, Staff, and Guards.
Howard Nomura, Chairman of the Advisory Board said: “The Caucasian
personnel has been most generous in helping and advising the evacuees. . .By
living harmoniously together in these limited quarters, we have shown to many
critics that we are and want to be good neighbors. Many of us may not meet
again for quite some time, but we will always have memories of the happy
time when we were living under the same roof.” Amazing. The editor went on
to thank the Oregon Buddhist Church for the usage of their mimeograph machines, the Facility’s officials, department heads and foremen, but most noticeable was their appreciation to soldiers in the armed forces. Through all
their tribulations it appears there was no anger towards their guards.
Another final comment from the editor: “Days of publication were always
hectic and worrisome, but the paper never failed to come out. . .we hope that
we have fulfilled out obligation to you in such a manner that the existence of
the EVACUAZETTE was not in vain.”
It’s an embarrassment the government of the 1940s felt the need to intern
our Japanese friends and neighbors. Times were much different then – they
lacked experience and knowledge and it’s obvious they were frightened after
the Pearl Harbor attack. Still, it’s a move American must look back upon,
realize their errors and never make them again.
SRIIRXV]JSVIZIV]MXIQWERHIRXIVXS[MRE
)5((1,17(1'2'6L
8LIHVE[MRK[MPPFILIPH(IGIQFIVWXNYWXMR
XMQIJSV'LVMWXQEW
4826 N. Lombard * 503-285-1119
Buy 1 entree
Get 2nd entree
1/2 off
Not valid with any other coupons. No cash redemption. Dine in only.
Second entre of equal or lesser value. Expires: Nov 12, 2010
nicolaspizza.homestead.com
Open: Tue-Thur: 11:30am - 9:00pm; Fri: 11:30-10:00pm;
Sat: noon - 10:00pm. Closed Sun and Mon to be with family
The final edition of
the Evacuazette. It
was an impressive
12 pages and
included sports,
health, and entertainment news all
written, typed and
printed by the
residents using a
mimeograph
machine borrowed
from the Oregon
Buddhist Church. It
was informative,
interesting, and
upbeat created in
difficult conditions.
()L[[LY-\[\YLMVY(SS6YLNVUPHUZ
^P[O1VOU:^LLUL`
&DQGLGDWHIRU'LUHFWRUDW
/DUJH(DVW0XOWQRPDK6RLO
:DWHU&RQYHUYDWLRQ'LVWULFW
1VOU:^LLUL`PZ
HUHK]VJH[LHUKKLMLUKLY
VM[OL(TLYPJHU>H`VM3PML
=V[PUNPZOPYPUN
/PYL1VOU:^LLUL`I`]V[PUN
=V[LMVY1VOU:^LLUL`
*HSS VYQZ^LLUL`'NTHPSJVT
Page 6 - St Johns Review - October 29, 2010
[email protected] * www.stjohnsreview.com * 503-283-5086
COMMUNITY EVENTS/MEETINGS & OPPORTUNITIES
npGreenway meeting to
discuss trail
On, Monday November 8, 2010
at 7:00 pm the npGreenway group
will meet to discuss and watch a
video of the trail planned along the
east bank of the Willamette River
from the Eastbank Esplanade to the
Columbia River at Kelley Point
Park. Organizers want to hear from
the community and listen and discuss the compatibility of the trail in
regards to wildlife habitat in an urban setting. Audubon Society Conservation Director Bob Sallinger
will speak. Refreshments will be
available.
The meeting will be at the Portland Water Pollution Lab at 6543 N.
Burlington Ave.
The Oregon Department of
Transportation (ODOT) recently
approved a loan so that the Portland
Bureau of Parks & Recreation can
move the North Portland Greenway
Trail Master Plan study up from
2012-13 to now. This means citizens won’t have to wait until 2012
for the planning work to begin on
the Trail. The Planning process is a
crucial first step for development of
the Trail.
Kip Wadden in Bureau of Parks
and Recreation has already proceeded with readying the project in
expectation of the loan and will
project manage the study. The Bureau of Parks and Recreation will
be looking into hiring staff or consultants for some of the expertise
needed on this complex project.
There is much more paperwork and
behind the scenes work to do, some
of which typically takes 4-6 months
to complete before the project begins in earnest with public involvement. Nonetheless, this is an important milestone for realization of the
greenway trail in North Portland.
North Portland
Community-Building
Grants Announced
$20,000 will be made available to
neighborhood and community
based organizations building community in the North Portland Neighborhood Services district. An additional $4,000 will be made available
to community driven anti-graffiti
REVIEW
CLASSIFIEDS
30 Words/$15
503-283-5086
Send ad with payment to:
The Review,
PO Box 83068,
Portland, Oregon 97283
BAZAARS
ST JOHNS OLDEST CHURCH HOLIDAY BAZAAR. Handcrafted gifts, tea
towels, afghans, aprons, antiques,
books, records, baked goods and candy. Delicious lunch, sandwiches, soups
and desserts. 7528 N. Charleston. Fri.
Sat. Nov. 12 and 13. 9am - 5pm.
CLASSES
Yoga Classes for 55 and over.
Revitalize mind & body. Improve focus, release stress while increasing
strength & flexibility. Class is ongoing
- join anytime. Thursday 9:1510:15am at the University Park Community Center. 9009 N Foss Ave. Call
503-823-3631 for more information.
VOICE & PIANO LESSONS
Jensen’s Voice & Piano Studio offers
lessons with college credits available.
For an appointment or more information call Pauline at 503-286-1168.
efforts in North Portland. This grant
is funded by the Portland Office of
Neighborhood Involvement, North
Portland Neighborhood Services,
Portland Parks and Recreation and
Portland International Raceway.
Grants will be awarded through a
competitive process and reviewed
by a committee of community representatives.
Goals of the grant program are to
provide neighborhood and community organizations an opportunity to
build community through projects
and programs, create and sustain
partnerships, attract new and diverse
members.
Deadline for applications is November 1, 2010 at 2:00 pm.
Applications are be available at
www.npnscommunity.org and
www.portlandonline.com/ONI.
Call to ALL ARTISTS. . .
When Scrooge awoke, it was
dark… darkness that blocked
the light… looking out from his
bed he waited, listening for the
heavy chimes of distant bells...
He was waiting... for the first of
three Spirits… to show him the
Light of Christmas.
With that, all artisans of North
Portland are being called upon.
Do you know the light of Christmas? Do you have the Spirit!??
If so, then here is the challenge.
Any medium is welcomed to create an artistic piece that reflects
the Spirit of St. Johns Victorian
Era. A Period Lamp post must be
reflected in the art. These pieces
will grace the walls of the North
End Gallery, in St. Johns. The art
must be ready to be hung or displayed. Your art, will be sold by
Silent Auction in a 50/50 split: ½
for you and ½ for coffers, funding the return of Period Lamp
posts, to St. Johns like the same
Ghostly Lights that grace the St.
Johns Bridge.
A $5.00 entree fee applies to all
art to off-set the costs of the event.
For more information contact:
Melissa Green, Curator at 503394-8838. Or Email:
[email protected]
So, put on your Top Hat and remember to add those Ghostly
Lights!
OBITUARIES
In Memory of Family & Friends
WILLIAM “Bill” VAUGHN
GREENE, JR.
December 13, 1941 ~ June 20, 2010
“Bill loved life. He was a very caring person to all that knew him, and
he had a smile for everyone with a
special twinkle in his eye!” William,
68, of Vancouver, WA, passed away
at home on June 20, 2010 at 11:00
p.m. He was born on Dec. 13, 1941
in Fort Smith, AR to Annabelle (Colbank) and William V. Greene, Sr. He
graduated from Roosevelt Memorial High School in Portland in 1960.
Bill served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam conflict. He was a
man of many talents: oil painting,
ceramics, making glass, beads and
jewelry. He was an avid member of
the Scouts and was very proud to
become an Eagle Scout and a Sea
Scout.
Bill was active in the local Scottish Rite, North Bank Lodge No. 182,
Director of SW Washington Clowns,
Afifi Shrine, a member of Henry
Wentworth Chapter No. 250, OES
(currently serving as Associate Patron), and Martha Washington Chap-
ter 42. He bred and showed Boston
Terriers for several years and was a
member of the Boston Terrier Association. Special thanks to his family
and friends and all the Masons and
Eastern Star members. Bill is survived
by his mother, Annabelle Greene;
brother, **Jerry (Yvonne) Greene;
Love of his life of 10 years, Maxine
Sullivan; and his extended families.
He was preceded in death by his father, William V. Greene, Sr.
** Sadly shortly after William’s death his
Brother Jerald (Jerry) lost his four year
battle with Cancer.
GERALD “JERRY” ALLEN
GREENE
Nov 22, 1947- Oct 10, 2010
Jerry was born to William Vaughn
and Anne Greene October 10, 2010.
Sadly, just four months after the
passing of his brother William, Jerry
lost his battle with cancer at his home
in Dallas, Oregon at the age of 62.
Jerry graduated from Roosevelt
High School in Portland and soon
after joined the United States Navy
where he served on the U.S.S. Intrepid. During his time in the Navy, he
earned two Bronze Stars, Navy Unit
Commendation Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal and the
Vietnam Campaign Medal (with Device). Jerry later continued his education and obtained his license in
jewelry design and goldsmithing. In
his later life, Jerry split his time between logging and creating custom
jewelry.
Jerry is survived by his mother,
Ann Greene; his wife, Yvonne
Greene; Sister-in-law Maxine, his son
Gary Greene; his son Nick Greene and
daughter-in-law Angela Greene; his
son Matt Greene; his step-children
Kirk and Garrett Kimberly; and his
grandchildren, Cortany, Alyssa, Jeffery, Kaelynn. Lindsey, Daniel. Preceding him in death was his father
William Greene and brother William
Greene Jr.
Jerry was a gentle and quiet man
who was well loved by all.
[email protected] - www.stjohnsreview.com - 503-283-5086
North Portland Meetings
Listings are free. Send them to:
[email protected]
===============================================
Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Association
General meeting: 6:30 PM 3rd Thursday of Jan, April, July,
Oct. at Kenton Firehouse, 2209 N Schofield
Board meeting: 6:30 PM 3rd Thursday of Feb, March, May,
June, Aug, Sept, Nov, Dec. at Kenton Firehouse, 2209 N
Schofield. Web site: www.arborlodgeofportlandland.org.
Chair/Co-Chair/President Christine Duffy:
[email protected]
_______________________________________________________
Bridgeton Neighborhood Association
General meeting: 7:00 PM, General meeting 3rd Monday of the
month at Columbia High School, 716 NE Marine Dr.. All
correspondence to: c/o Bridgeton Neighborhood Association,
417 N Bridgeton Rd, 97217. Web site: www.bridgetonpdx.com
Chair/Co-Chair: Leslie Sawye [email protected]
_______________________________________________________
Cathedral Park Neighborhood Association, Friends of
General meeting: 7:00 PM, 2nd Tuesday of the month at BES
Water Lab, 6543 N Burlington
Board meeting: 4th Monday of the month.
BES Water Lab, 6543 N. Burlington. All correspondence to:
c/o NPNS, 2209 N Schofield, 97217
Chair/Co-Chair/President Barbara Quinn
[email protected]
________________________________________________________
Hayden Island Neighborhood Network
General meeting: 7:00 PM, 2nd Thursday of March, June,
Sept,& Dec. Former Hayden Island Yacht Club, 12050 N Jantzen
Ave.
Board meeting: 7:00 PM, 2nd Thursday of the month following
general membership meeting. Former Hayden Island Yacht Club,
12050 N Jantzen Ave. All correspondence to: c/o NPNS, 2209 N
Schofield, 97217. Web site:http://www.haydenisland.us
Chair/Co-Chair/President Roger Staver [email protected]
______________________________________________________
Kenton Neighborhood Association
General meeting: Third Thursdays 2x yearly. Call for schedule.
Board meeting: 7:00 PM, 2nd Wednesday of the month. Kenton
Fire House, 8105 N. Brandon.
Web site: www.HistoricKenton.com
Chair/Co-Chair Angela Moos [email protected]
________________________________________________________
Linnton Neighborhood Association
General meeting time and location: 1st Wednesday of every odd
month (Jan., Mar., May, July, Sept., Nov.) 7 PM - 9 PM Linnton
Comm. Center, 10614 NW St. Helens Rd
Board meeting time and location: Does not meet regularly.
Only held when needed: 3rd Wednesday of even months (Feb.,
April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.), 7 PM - 9 PM Linnton Community
Center, 10614 NW St. Helens Road.
All correspondence to: Linnton NA, C/O Brian Hoop, 10249
NW 109 Ave, 9723. Web site: www.linnton.com/
Chair/Co-Chair/President Brian Hoop [email protected]
____________________________________________________
Overlook Neighborhood Association
General meeting: 7-9 pm, 3rd Tuesday of the month. Kaiser
Town Hall, 3704 N. Interstate Ave, (Aug meet is picnic at Pause,
5101 N. Interstate)
Board meeting: 7-9pm, 1st Tuesday of the month. Overlook
House, 3839 N Melrose Dr, Open to public. All correspondence
to: 2209 N. Schofield, Portland, OR 97217
Email:[email protected] Web site:
www.overlookneighborhood.org
Chair/Co-Chair/President Kent Hoddick H: (503) 286-9803
_____________________________________________________
Portsmouth Neighborhood Association
General meeting: 1st Tuesday 4x yearly. New Columbia VillaThe Fountain Room, 9118 N. Newman.
Board meeting: 7:00 PM, 3rd Tuesday of the month. New
Columbia Villa, The Fountain Room, 9118 N. Newman. All
correspondence to: PO Box 83694, Portland, OR 97203
Web site: www.portsmouthneighborhood.com
Chair/Co-Chair/President Greg Wilhelm [email protected]
_____________________________________________________________
St Johns Lions Club
General Meeting 1st & 3rd Tues each month
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm @ Pattie’s Home Plate, 8501 N Lombard.
Everyone is welcome
________________________________________________________
St Johns Neighborhood Association
General meeting: 7 pm, 2nd Monday of the month. St. John's
Community Center, 8427 N. Central
Board meeting: 7 pm, Last Monday of the month.
St. John's Community Center, 8427 N. Central All correspondence to: 8316 N. Lombard, Box #441, Portland, OR 97203.
Chair/Co-Chair/President Babs Adamski [email protected]
____________________________________________________________
University Park Neighborhood Association
General meeting: 7:00 PM, 4th Monday of the month. Portsmouth
Trinity Lutheran Church, 7119 N. Portsmouth.
Board meeting: 7:00 PM, 2nd Monday of the month. Portsmouth
Trinity Lutheran Church, 7119 N. Portsmouth.
Web site: www.universityparkneighbors.org
Chair/Co-Chair/President Fletcher Trippe
[email protected]
____________________________________________________________
Share your community events with others by posting
them in the REVIEW. Not-for-profit events & notices
are welcomed.
Send to: [email protected]; mail to:
PO Box 83068, Portland, Oregon, 97283.
October 29, 2010 - St. Johns Review - Page 7
Business card ads
call 503-283-5086
PRICING:
Run 1X: ads is $30.00
Run 1 month (2Xs): Ads are $28 each ($56 total)
Run 2 mns (4Xs): Ads are $27 each ($108)
Run 3 month (6Xs): Ads are $26 each ($156)
Run 4 mns (8Xs): Ads are $25 each ($200)
Run 6 months (13Xs): Ads are $23 each ($299)
Run 1 year (26Xs): Ads are $20 each ($520)
MAYTAG
Red
Carpet
Service
Michael D. Mellum,
D.M.D., P.C.
Nicholas R. Mellum
D.M.D.
Family and Cosmetic
Dentistry
Serving St. Johns since 1974
8910 N. Kellogg St. 503-286-4492
Jensen’s
VOICE & PIANO STUDIO
High School and College
Credits Available
Call for an appointment: (503) 286-1168
St. Johns Newest Sr. Adult Care Home
Two Locations!
Garden Place
For Your Loved Ones
Bonnie Gill
Owner/Operator
5903 N. Houghton St.
503-247-7103
This space
AVAILABLE
for your business card
Call 503-283-5086
Page 8 - St Johns Review - October 29, 2010
[email protected] * www.stjohnsreview.com * 503-283-5086
Homowo African Arts & Cultures and
The Obo Addy Project announce a
free information fair
“North Portland Meets Africa”. This fun-filled event will
take place Saturday, November 13th from noon to 4pm at
the St. Johns Community Center, 8427 N. Central, Portland,
Or. There will be representatives from a number of groups
who can tell you about the rich continent of Africa and its
people as well as the programs and services available in
Portland.
African food and free workshops will be available
throughout the day. Bring the whole family and learn about
your neighbors while having fun and bring your dancing
feet!
This event is sponsored by Metro and the Multnomah
County Cultural Coalition.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church holds
annual Christmas bazaar
Homemade pies, jam, and craft items can be found Saturday, November 6th, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s Annual Christmas Bazaar at 7600 N. Hereford Aretha Bazaar
opens at 9am and runs until 4:00pm.
Two raffles will occur—one for a queen-sized quilt, the other a three foot tall Rainbow Bunny—made by church member and professional seamstress Mona Ackley. A silent auction is also planned.
During the day, a lunch
and dessert menu will
be available, in addition Post your upcoming Holiday
to all the goodies in the Bazaar & event Information
Bake Shop.
for just $15. Call 503-283-5086
HOLIDAY 1” ADS
Announcements
Precision
Ö Birth
Ö Death
Ö Weddings
Ö Birthdays
Ö Graduations
and more!
Up to 100 words
and can include a
picture
Knowledge
Integrity
Compassion
Lombard Dental
$25 each
Send to: PO Box 83068
Portland OR 97283
¨ Cosmetic, Restorative
(see page 2 for deadlines)
& Implant Dentistry
¨ Laser Technology
¨ Metal-free Dentistry
¨ ZOOM2 Teeth Whitening
Visit our website to learn more . . .
www.lombarddental.com
New Patients of All Ages Welcome!
Jess Blankenship D.D.S.
Gerald Kennedy D.M.D.
(503) 289-0230
3506 N. Lombard