Manzanar National Historic Site is a place where the US Government relocated all the people in California who appeared to be of Japanese descent during World War II. This site is the best preserved of the 10 sites which existed for that purpose in the interest of National Security. While most of the buildings have been sold and moved or destroyed by vandals, the main auditorium and cemetary, still remain among the ruins. While this site does not give you the eerie feeling of other 'prisons', it none-the-less served exactly that purpose for 10,000 men, women and children. The citizens and non-citizens who were incarcerated here appeared to have gotten along very well with agriculture, health care and manufacturing of daily essentials. The 'camp' is located between Lone Pine and Independence, California on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is quite remote, especially for 1940's standards. The government's intent in the relocation was to keep these people away from sensitive coastal areas. In that respect the government had certainly succeeded. Three years the camps remained filled, and are a reminder of our misplaced racism.
Oatman, AZ
Half way between Kingman, AZ and Needles, CA smack dab in the heart of old Route 66, lies a tiny town called Oatman, Arizona. It's ramshackle buildings and crumbling Main street only slightly hint at the fact that burros walk the town like tourists. About a dozen burros come down from the mountains daily to walk among the tourists and beg for food during the daylight hours. At night they return to the hills to forage for their natural food.
During their forays into town they follow the unsuspecting visitors expecting to receive a handful of store bought goodies. And when the food runs out, they follow their benefactors and squeal for more.
The tourists can be seen retreating to the shops to avoid the noise. The buildings, many of which were constructed on the surrounding hills, do not appear to be very sturdy. The shops floors creak as you walk through them and one wonders if the boards will hold the weight. Oatman is nothing if not a fun place to shop and watch the burros. There are few absolutely unique places to visit in this world, but Oatman certainly fits the bill. We will return someday.
Another issue of a Newsletter
called GOIN' SOUTH by
Bill and Sharon Rocheleau
710 E. Smith Street
Iron Mountain, Michigan 49801
E-MAIL (rochelea@up.net)
TO:Our Family and Friends
Anytown, USA
The Visit
Sharon and I just completed a trip into Northern California that we wanted to do last year, but found it impossible with our time constraints. A stop in Manteca to visit my brother Ed and his wife Maxine. We had a completely enjoyable time, but we were about to explode from all the food that they offered.......but we kept eating. And a side trip to Sheri and Bob's for an afternoon was a pleasant and unexpected surprise. We were hoping to be able to see them. Our Manteca trip couldn't have been nicer. Thanks Bro.......We love ya.
Yosemite National Park, etc.
Our sightseeing visit to three National Parks, (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia) in California, was restrained to a certain degree. By visiting in the winter months, some of the roads are seasonally closed because of the snow situations. This year the roads were closed, but the usual snow depths were not present until after we left the area. We were worried that we would have to purchase tire chains, which we didn't have, for the car.
So before entering the Parks, we inquired at the gate whether we needed the chains or not. Luckily we didn't need them for the 3 days that we were there. All three Parks are unique in their own way. Yosemite for its magnificent views of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Half Dome and the waterfalls that can be seen from the Valley. The views are incredible even though we have had this experience (sightseeing mountains) before. The road to Glacier Point is closed during winter. However, Glacier Point overlook is a birds-eye view of the Valley, at roughly the same height as Half-Dome. And a trip through Mariposa Grove is an introduction to the Giant Sequoias. And of course a visit to the gift shop produced more 'stuff' that we absolutely can't do without.
(February: Kings Canyon, Sequoia)
Ain't it Grand
By Sharon
Calling home to talk to our darling Grandchildren Nicole and Brady, is different this year than last. Last year Nicole enjoyed playing and 'talking' on the telephone, but this year she really carries on a conversation. It always breaks my heart when she asks, 'Can I come to your house Grandma', and I have to say no.
Then Brady (23mo) has to have his turn 'talking,' He says, 'hello.' If you ask him anything he says 'huh?' But ends with 'Wuv you'. The last time we called, Nicole asked when we'd be home. I told her 'Easter'. She wanted to know if I would bring her candy.
Manzanar National Historic Site is a place where the US Government relocated all the people in California who appeared to be of Japanese descent during World War II. This site is the best preserved of the 10 sites which existed for that purpose in the interest of National Security. While most of the buildings have been sold and moved or destroyed by vandals, the main auditorium and cemetary, still remain among the ruins. While this site does not give you the eerie feeling of other 'prisons', it none-the-less served exactly that purpose for 10,000 men, women and children. The citizens and non-citizens who were incarcerated here appeared to have gotten along very well with agriculture, health care and manufacturing of daily essentials. The 'camp' is located between Lone Pine and Independence, California on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is quite remote, especially for 1940's standards. The government's intent in the relocation was to keep these people away from sensitive coastal areas. In that respect the government had certainly succeeded. Three years the camps remained filled, and are a reminder of our misplaced racism.
