Goerke-Shrode, Sabine

Sep 30, 2001

Abstract: In the early 20th century, Japan born Issei (immigrants born in Japan) and American born Nisei (the children of the Issei born in the United States) played a major role in Vacaville's economy. They leased and operated a majority of the fruit ranches, formed a small economic district nicknamed Japantown along Dobbins Street, bought houses, sent their children to local schools, ran a Buddhist Church and a Methodist Church, operated a sumo wrestling team, baseball and basketball teams, and in general seemed to be fully integrated as American citizens.