Friends of Our Lands Manzanar or “Apple Orchard”: An idyllic name for a place that witnessed much suffering

By Louis Medina

It was like an immigration raid.

The difference is that the people who were being rounded up were not foreigners but mostly American citizens—they just happened to be of Japanese descent at a turbulent time: only two months after Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, hurling the United States into World War II.

Japanese Americans were unjustly found to be guilty by association.

Executive Order 9066, issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, authorized the evacuation from the West Coast of the United States of all persons considered to be a threat to national security. In the next six months, more than 100,000 men, women, and children of Japanese descent were moved to assembly centers in the interior of the country. While the places where they were sent were euphemistically called “relocation centers,” they were actually internment camps located in faraway, windswept desert locations.

The people were only allowed to take what they could carry with them. Many sold appliances or whatever they could at dirtcheap prices to neighbors or anyone who could benefit from rushed deals. Many who were business owners lost everything when their shops were looted. Pet owners had to say goodbye to their beloved animal companions that were not allowed to come with them.

Manzanar War Relocation Center, just 6 miles south of Independence, the Inyo County seat, was one of 10 camps in the Continental U.S. where the government incarcerated Japanese American citizens as well as Japanese immigrants ineligible for citizenship during World War II.

Today this relocation center is called Manzanar National Historic Site and is managed by the National Park Service. According to the official website, nps.gov/manz, “exhibits include historic photographs and audiovisual programs, artifacts, and a scale model of Manzanar War Relocation Center crafted by people formerly incarcerated at Manzanar. A large [floor to ceiling] graphic includes the names of over 10,000 Japanese Americans who spent all or part of World War II at Manzanar.” Lots to discover (or to unearth)

About two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take a private tour of the grounds of Manzanar organized by the Maturango Museum in Ridgecrest, and led by the Manzanar Cultural Resources Program Manager, Jeff Burton.

I joined about 30 other people who participated on this archeological tour on a beautiful sunny day that nonetheless was not without wind. It can be very windy in Manzanar. We walked for part of the tour and also drove, as the entire area of Manzanar is one square mile, and there are paved roads designed to allow visitors to comfortably drive to and park near the different remains of structures, replicas of buildings and Japanese gardens that are being restored.

BRAND NEW portable, modular outdoor kitchen, and dry box, Overlander model by "TAILGATE N GO." Includes blue collapsible sink w/faucet, drain system and hand pump, Blackstone griddle, multiple shelves, cutting boards, paper towel holders, condiment & bottle shelving, Never used, paid over $2,000, asking $1,600 or offer. Call Mike 760-873-4649

You can find info etc. @ Made in Grand Junction Colorado. 18 dual axle w/trailer electric brakes & weight distribution sway control hitch, 46 gal. fresh water tank, 22 gal. gray/black water waste tanks, water & electric shore hookups, kitchen area, wet bath, outdoor shower, & more. Asking $20,000 OBO. Call 760-9656689. 18

2018 INTERSTATE Cargo Trailer converted to Toyhauler, 18 ft.

2005 TETON HOMES Experience for Sale, 5th wheel single 15,000 A/C with heat pump, single 31,000 BTU furnace, electric awning w/wind sensor, JVC DVD with surround sound, livingroom TV & 13" in bedroom, day/night shades, dbl. door refrigerator w/ice maker and so much more. Call Daryl Baisley for more info. 626-437-8234 18 helping the Manzanar experience come to life for visitors.

I had been to Manzanar before, but I learned some really startling things on this visit.

OPEN UTILITY TRAILER, 12' long, barely used only to transport golf cart to home, then sat. Was dads, now here in Independence back of my house, selling for $1,100, in great condition. Takin good care of, older model, bought in 8/02. 760-2646582, Can send pics. 21

Of the more than 112,000 persons of Japanese descent who were incarcerated in 10 war relocations centers in the Continental U.S., two-thirds were U.S. citizens. About 80 percent of those detained were living in California at the time they were rounded up.

Two of the five largest relocation centers were in California. Tule Lake, near the Oregon border, housed almost 19,000 detained persons, and Manzanar more than 10,000. The other eight centers were in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Arkansas.

MISC. AUTO & PARTS

TIRES (4) General LT 275/55/R20 Grabber A/T, cost new $880, only used 450 miles, too big for my vehicle, will sell for $700, 760-872-1934. 21

4 FALKEN / Wildpeak 295/ 60R20 tires & 4 LRG 20”6 x 135 bolt pattern, 800 miles of both sets, $900. Call Nick at 775-2920951 or Noel at 760-937-2891. 19

1990 TOYOTA PICKUP 4x4, 3.0

This archeological tour helped me to understand what became of Manzanar when World War II ended. After the incarceration camp was closed, the U.S. government sold a lot of the buildings. According to display panels at Manzanar, a number of structures became homes, motels and social halls in Owens Valley and Mojave Desert communities. Other buildings were torn down, and as one wanders the Manzanar grounds, one can still find lots of the rusted nails that once held the barracks together. (These and other objects, by the way, MUST NOT be disturbed and MUST BE LEFT WHERE THEY ARE for the sake of posterity.) Whatever was not dismantled was buried, and whatever was not buried, the wind took care of covering with dust and sand.

Manzanar was laid out army style with rows and rows of flimsy barracks—little better than field tents—made of tarred paper stretched over wooden frames. Their construction was rushed and crude, and let in the blistering heat in summer, the bone-chilling cold in winter, and the dust that was a constant year-round because of the incessant winds in the area. In fact, the Japanese name for Manzanar, written phonetically in Chinese characters, means “place full of sand.”

V6 5 speed, unknown mileage on rebuilt motor, chassis is rough, parts truck. No title or registration $400 OBO, 760-209-3500. 21

Burton and his team of volunteers have done much work unearthing buried basements, parks, gardens and structures, thus

WHITE UTILITY, ATV, GOLF CART, open flat bed trailer, hardley used, very nice condition, older; second set of tires, enquire 760-264-6582. Asking $1,100, 21

NEW FACTORY SEALED 42piece Craftsman Socket wrench set, 1/4” & 3/8” drives; inch & metric sockets, extension bars, Hex Bits, Star bits, Screwdriver Bits; Retail at Sears, item # 99941, $49.95. Selling

Erected quickly on the site of an abandoned town, Manzanar, in the three years of its existence from 1942 till 1945, became a mini-city. It ended up having 800 buildings altogether, including family barracks, buildings for laundering

ROYAL GOURMET 8 BURNER

BBQ Large 8 Burner Propane BBQ, with cover, used once, 2 fold out side tables, 60 Burgers or 120 Hot Dogs at once. 90”x24”x38 Bought new 1 year ago for $500, just done use it, like new condition. $295 obo 760-9140359. 13 (4)

WOOD BURNING STOVE Bedroom or shop size wood burning Stove made by “Gold Oak Channon Emory Stove Company, Quincy Illinois”, $100 760-914-0359. 13 (4)

REMINDER-SAVE the Date for our ‘’EPIC YARD SALE’’.... make your plan to come to 632 Tuttle Creek Road, in the Alabama Hills! Date of SALE is April 8 & 9 at * AM. Beverly Vander wall, bjvw1945@ me.com, 760-920-1430 Lone Pine, CA. 13

SAVE THE DATE- MAKE YOUR PLAN ! on April 8 & 9 at 8:AM

We are having an EPIC Yard Sale !!! 27 years of precious junk, & some very good & useful everythings. There will be something for everyone. It is all good stuff & we are selling it cheep or free. Please come & help us haul it to a new home. You will find us at 632 Tuttle Creek Road in the Alabama Hills, Lone Pine. It will be EASTER weekend, so don’t forget! Bring a friend or 3. Weather will be good !! 760-920-1430 632 Tuttle Creek Rd. Lone Pine 93545 please run this on March23, 30 & April 6, 2023. 12 (3)

2 PALLETS of pellets $260 each. You pick up. Call Connie at 760-258-7508. 11 (3)

CHESS SET. Handmade marble chess board with a full set of uniquely hand-carved chess pieces. Black and coral/salmon colored. Also includes a full set of matching checkers. The solid, heavy-weighted board is 13 1/2” by 13 1/2” and 1/2” thick. A well-made beautiful set that is like new. $65. (760) 872-4204. 11 (2)

CUSTOM dressage saddle -

Beautiful Custom Revolution

ENCLOSED cargo trailer, 7’x14’, tandem axle,) 0 miles on new wheels and tires. Wood paneling inside. Does not leak, locks up tight.Brakes and lights work. $5200. (760) 258-5360. 13 (3)

FLOOR Jack for sale...lightly used NAPA 3 &1/2 ton FLOOR JACK. Call 760-9201430. 13 (2)

FOR SALE:

2- Leather Couches great condition ( 7’-6” & 6’-0”) Brown call for price...

2- Glass reptile terrariums 42” ($100.00) & 36” ($80.00) lights and screen lids, great condition. Brand new “Lifetime” Basketball Back board with mounting bracket still in the box never opened- $120.00. If you are interested Please call Craig and I will send photos etc... 760.914.0476. 12 (3) buffalo leather dressage saddle for sale! This saddle offers a comfy, “buckled in” yet still close contact ride and is one of my favorites I’ve owned so far. It has always been kept covered and clean, and there are no major scratches or scuff marks. The specifications according to stamp and measurement are: 17.5” seat, 16” flap, current tree setting: 6.5” (adjustable), 100% wool flocking. $1700 OBO, call or text 760-616-4101. 13 (3)

WOOD Bedroom Set: Dresser 61”x20”x35”; 2 night stands 24”x16”x25”; 1 headboard 62”x59”x3”; mirror 30”x44” complete set $100 or best offer. Call Carol at 760 2635040. 13 (2)

USED LG microwave larger in size for countertop. Still working when I replaced it. I believe the watt rating is 10001100. Measures 12 3/4” tall by 24 1/2 wide asking $50. Call 775-770-4826 for any questions, thank you. 11 (4)

FIREPLACE insert, Buck Stove (Big Buck 28000), 2-door, firebox opening 14”H x 20”W, trim 33”H x 47”W. Comes with circulation fan and manual. $800. Call 760-873-6052. 12 (4)

DOUBLE recliner love seat. Good condition not worn out or junk. Got new furniture. 90.00 dollars...first 70 dollars takes it. 11 (3)

QUEEN pine poster bed with matching dresser, mirror and night stand. Excellent condition. Perfect for cabin. $800 for the set. Contact 760-9376337. 12 (3)

SONY Blu-ray Disc/DVD Player, brand new, still in box. Wi-Fi built-in for Netflix, YouTube + various streaming services. High speed HDMI cable included. $75.00, call 760-873-3692, please leave message. 12 (4)

I HAVE 26 old windows and wooden frames from a remodel of a home built in 1933. Some opaque with age others not as much. Could be used for craft or possibly greenhouse, limited only to your imagination asking $300. Measure approximately 18” tall 34” wide. Call 775-770-4826 to see or pick up, thank you. If no answer please leave message. 11 (4)

HONDA Generator. EU3000is. Less than 3 hours of run time. Comes with installed wheel kit and cover. $2,100. Call 760-937-8326. 11 (4)

FRANCISCAN 5 string banjo. Barely used, excellent condition. Comes with hard case, finger picks, shoulder strap, extra strings and instruction booklet. $300. Lanikai tenor ukulele. New, barely used. comes with soft case. $100. (760) 709-1033. 09 (3)

PS5 DISC version. Hardly used since I bought it. Comes with the following games: Assasins Creed Valhalla, Godfall, Village, Demon Souls. Also comes with second controller as well as dual charging station, everything works perfectly asking $800. Call 775-770-4826 and if no answer please leave message, thank you. 11 (4)

BRAND NEW weight bench that lies flat or at an incline. Bench also includes ability to do leg extensions. Have following weights (plates) 25 pounds X 2 45 pounds X2 as well as following dumbbells

10 pounds X2, 15 pounds X2 20 pounds X2 and 25 pounds X2 all brand new and never used asking $750. Call 775770-4826 for any questions. If no answer please leave message, thank you. 11 (4)

SPRAYTECH EPX2155 Piston Pump Sprayer. Is in good condition and has only been used for a few projects around the house. Included with the sprayer is two 50 foot hoses, two 36 inch nozzle extensions, a power roller and a Spraytech G-10 XL High-Capacity Spray Gun with numerous tips of various sizes and filters. Asking $800 call 760-387-2715. 11 (4)

HUMMINGBIRD FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHS. Three photographs in one frame attractively arranged and decorated. Purchased from Millcreek Wildlife Reflections. Center photo signed by James Jones. 40 1/2 x 15 3/4. $100. 760.873.7961. 10 (4)

CRAFTSMAN contractor tablesaw 3 hp, 10 inch. Cast iron table with upgraded Exact Rip fence. Works good $200, call or text 760.331.7865. 09 (3)

DEWALT D24000 10 inch Wet Tile Saw with stand. Only used a few times for projects around the house. It is in good condition with manual and in the original box. Asking $500 Call 760-387-2715. 11 (4)

WINDOW Shutters in very good condition. 2 shutters 60” tall & 16” wide 2 shutters 36” tall & 30” wide, $30 each. filing cabinets $20 each Please call /text 760-937-2347 Photos will be provided. 10 (4)

FURNITURE pieces- restored items: 4 small side/end wooden lamp tables assorted colors, non matching. Dresser- antiqued gray with mirror. Hutch- 3 drawer open shelf. Text for pics, prices negotiable. 760-920-9979. 08 (4)