The Loss of a Flourishing Richmond Industry
Over one dozen nurseries owned by Japanese American families flourished in Richmond from the 1910’s until the forced relocation and incarceration of their community in 1942. This area (bounded roughly by Cutting Boulevard, 45th Street, San Pablo, and the Santa Fe Railroad) held the most intense concentration of Japanese American families and their nurseries, which specialized in growing carnations, roses, and other cut flowers, primarily for the wholesale market.
After Japanese Americans were forced to leave behind their homes and businesses in Richmond and incarcerated, many of their nurseries in were vandalized and fell into disrepair. A few, such as the Ninomiya’s in North Richmond, found friends or neighbors who cared for their nurseries on their behalf while they were imprisoned.
However, a comparatively high percentage of the original owners were able to return and revive their nursery businesses in Richmond. After reclaiming their businesses, the Oishi and Sakai nurseries were operated by members of the original families until the properties were sold ca. 2006.
This area has been redeveloped as housing and a park, featuring a handful of historic nursery buildings that were relocated and have been restored for adaptive reuse. The development, called “Miraflores," holds a series of interpretive elements that tell the story of the nursery families and other aspects of community history.
Note: None of the original greenhouses remain in this area. The location has been redeveloped into a park and housing. Visitors may explore the Miraflores Sustainable Greenbelt park trail. Please always be mindful while parking and exploring any area.
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
*
Audio Stop: Japanese American Nurseries
This audio program provides a look at the historic site where many of the Japanese nurseries were located in Richmond, as well as the new development to memorialize this history.
Credit / Author:
NPS/Luther Bailey
Date created:
08/01/2023
Audio Transcript
Over one dozen nurseries owned by Japanese American families flourished in Richmond from the 1910’s until the forced relocation and incarceration of their community in 1942. This area (bounded roughly by Cutting Boulevard, 45th Street, San Pablo, and the Santa Fe Railroad) held the most intense concentration of Japanese American families and their nurseries, which specialized in growing carnations, roses, and other cut flowers, primarily for the wholesale market.
After Japanese Americans were forced to leave behind their homes and businesses in Richmond and incarcerated, many of their nurseries in were vandalized and fell into disrepair. A few, such as the Ninomiya’s in North Richmond, found friends or neighbors who cared for their nurseries on their behalf while they were imprisoned.
However, a comparatively high percentage of the original owners were able to return and revive their nursery businesses in Richmond. After reclaiming their businesses, the Oishi and Sakai nurseries were operated by members of the original families until the properties were sold ca. 2006.
This area has been redeveloped as housing and a park, featuring a handful of historic nursery buildings that were relocated and have been restored for adaptive reuse. The development, called “Miraflores," holds a series of interpretive elements that tell the story of the nursery families and other aspects of community history.
Audio Stop: Japanese American Nurseries
This audio program provides a look at the historic site where many of the Japanese nurseries were located in Richmond, as well as the new development to memorialize this history.
Credit / Author:
NPS/Luther Bailey
Date created:
08/01/2023
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service