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Covering cities in California, 1867-1970

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Local History Blog

Looking Back: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month 27 Years Ago

Image: This photo shows a portion of the audience in attendance at the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Celebration at the old MLK Main Library on May 12, 1990.

In the month of May we observe Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month . This year, the San Jose Public Library has held celebrations at Village Square and Seven Trees Branch libraries. The purpose of this observance is to honor the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to our nation’s culture and progress. Image: The program cover for the libary's Asian/Pacific American Heritage Celebration on May 12, 1990. The program was designed by librarian June Hayashi (first director of the library's Partners In Reading program) and myself. Image: Contents of the program show a timeline of the day's scheduled...Read more...

Author:

Ralph Pearce

Post date:

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 - 5:22 PM

Looking Back: Fuzzy Shimada, a Local Bowling Legend

Image: Fuzzy demonstrates his winning form in this shot from 1965. Photo courtesy of the United States Bowling Congress.

Last month we explored the phenomenon of the once popular bowling alley disappearing from the San Jose landscape. This month we recognize local bowling legend Rokuro “Fuzzy” Shimada. Fuzzy was the sixth son of a Japanese immigrant, and came from a large sports-loving family. Born in Vacaville on October 26,1921, Fuzzy was given the name Rokuro, with “roku” being Japanese for the number six. In the fall of 1936, the Shimada’s moved to Santa Clara. The family leased property and grew strawberries on Reed Avenue near what is now Lawrence Expressway. Image: Looking down Reed Avenue west of Lawrence Expressway,...Read more...