CONCLUSION (Return to T.I.)

The end of Terminal Island as we knew it began on Dec. 7, 1941. Amid the chaos and confusion of the next few months, little did we realize that the final chapter of our colorful history was being written.

Few families returned to work to Fish Harbor after the war. Among those who did, and their boats, were: George Fukuzaki of the Nancy Rose; Michihiko Ryono, El Capitain; Yohei Suzuki, Redeemer; Tatsuichi Hashimoto, Ubuyu Maru; John Michio Ryono, Patriotic; Frank Manaka (Monterey), Western Explorer; Sato, Johnny Boy; Nakagawa, Pacific.

Some of the ladies returned to cannery work, but the friendly atmosphere of the pre-war days was absent. The work force now commuted from different cities.

We are the only Nikkei community to have lost our hometown. After the war, others had their homes and hometowns to return to and they could resume their social and business activities. But Terminal Islanders had no central starting point to start their new lives after the war. That made most of us bitter, but not hopeless.

Actually, something our Isseis never thought possible happened. We relocated and assimilated quite well. Terminal Islanders have achieved much within a short period, and our progeny are making their mark throughout society. From a cozy community of fewer than 2,000, we are now represented throughout the United States and in foreign nations. I can name Terminal Islanders and families in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, Minnesota, Illinois, and Washington. There is a small New England village, Chepachet, R.l., where the village elders and a few young people still call me by my Japanese name, Chikao.

Today we have a Terminal Island society that is completely different from the “You-ra, Me-ra” society of yesteryear. Far from the days of wearing overalls and walking on the warm sand to Mildred Obarr Walizer Elementary School, we now wear gray slacks, striped ties, and navy blue blazers. However, our Terminal Island qualities of compassion, spirit, and connection are firmly implanted in us.

We will be there, somehow, someway, to help each other in time of need.

Thank you very much for your patient tolerance and gracious understanding in reading this book. I would also like to thank my family and relatives for their help and support in the writing of this book.

C.R.R.