Preserving History
A story about alums and other community members making strides to reinvigorate Japantown in Salt Lake City [“Restoring Historic Japantown,” Summer 2022] prompted many to share their own histories and experiences.
My grandfather owned the Rocky Mountain Times. I believe it was the first Japanese newspaper. My father was born there. My grandparents were some of the founders of the Japanese Church of Christ as well. My family was a big part of the Japanese history in Utah, so this article was very interesting, and the preservation of their history is so important.
ELEANOR MISHIMA (IIDA), EL CERRITO, CA
I am 86 years old. I was 7 in late 1942 and was incarcerated in Topaz. I lived the Japantown lifestyle for 15 years (age 15 to 30) until it was destroyed in 1965. There were many businesses, including JW Brewer Tire Co., the Colonial Hotel, a series of dry cleaners, SL Judo Club, two barbershops, California and Family Markets, a series of office spaces, an appliance store, GW Amusement, Mihoya Confectionary, and a series of restaurants…. The committee has done a marvelous job in research.
TED NAGATA BFA’59 MFA’60, SALT LAKE CITY
A Campus Romance
From meeting in the marching band to a proposal on campus, Michael Nielsen and Sara Wilson share a love for one another—and the U [“Love at First Note,” Summer 2021].
As a Utah alum, I also bleed red. Loved hearing about your fun proposal and want to wish you years of happiness. Congratulations!
JOHN HANSEN BS’70, BOUNTIFUL, UT
A Precious Resource
Great and timely article [“A Delicate Balance,” Summer 2022]. Sustainable planning and design opportunities at a city and community scale are abundant. Natural resource management and tourism are integral parts of Utah’s future. However, popular parks, monuments, and public lands have been successfully advertised to the planet without commensurate planning to address the consequences.
PAUL FUHRMANN, CEDAR CITY, UT
Social Spotlight
Take a stroll down historic 25th Street in Ogden and you may bump into a new sculpture commemorating U basketball legend Wat Misaka BS’48. He helped the Utes win the storied 1944 NCAA and 1947 NIT championships. And in 1947, he became the first person of color to play professional basketball. This horse with a tribute to Misaka sits in front of Tona Sushi, which is now in the building where Misaka grew up.
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