San Francisco Bay (park)

Here is another view into the San Francisco Bay. The city of Alameda is a smaller community and it offers a more tightly-knit community than a large city such as San Francisco.
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park

park

Ocean view from the park (park)

The park is situated next to the San Francisco Bay. From the park you can look at the skyline of San Francisco.
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park

park

Towata Park Path (park)

Here is the main pathway of Towata Park.
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park

park

Towata Park (park)

Here are a few trees along the edge of the park.
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park

park

Towata Park named in honor of John S. Towata (park)

The Towatas are important members of the Alameda community. They attended town hall meetings as well as participated in numberous clubs. Mrs. Towata explains, "Johnny was quiet during the meetings, but whenever they asked him for his opinion, he would give very good ideas. So when Johnny past away, Alameda Parks and Recreation decided to name the park in his honor".
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park

park

Church (church)

Churches are important social gathering which helps in community formation. This Japanese Methodist church helps serve the Japanese community in the area. In addition, various churches have developed a business relation with the Towata Flower shop. Arrangements ranging from funeral pieces to wedding orders are referred to the Towata shop. Mrs. Towata also explains, "back in the days, people used to dress up to goto church unlike nowadays. Back then we would get lots of orders for corsages on Sunday. Johnny would be standing in the front of the shop in a nice suit handing out crosages and roses, sometimes for free. The ladies would be so happy".
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church

church

50 Years of Excellent Service (award)

Here is an award for 50 years of excellent service. Despite the large anti-Japanese sentiment during 1947, the Towata developed immediate rapport with the Alameda community and the bond is still strong to the present day.
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award

awward

Distinguish Award (award)

Here is another award. However, the dates are a bit decieving. The Towata, as all resident with Japanese ancestory, were sent to internment camps during World War II. The Towata were sent to camp Topaz where they were allowed early release. They went to Chicago for employment before finally returning back home to Alameda where they started to rebuild their lives.
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award

award

Awards (award)

Here are a few modest award plaques that show the creativity of the window display.
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award

award

Oakland Tribute Award (award)

In addition, the readers of the Oakland Tribute also recognize Towata Flower as the best foral shop during the same year.
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award

award

Second Place (award)

Here is another award. You can't win first place ever year, but coming in 2nd is still worthy of display.
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award

award

Inside Greenhouse (Inside greenhouse)

Here are some of the plants inside the greenhouse. This is made possible by the cooperation of family members coming together to afford this critical component of a floral business.
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Inside greenhouse

Inside the greenhouse

Greenhouse

Here is a picture of the greenhouse. When the flowershop was passed onto the Towata, one of the first priorities was to make a greenhouse. However, there were financial difficulties due to not being able to obtain a loan. Four family members became business partners in order to afford the greenhouse.

John S. Towata (Picture)

Here is a picture taken in the 1980's which shows some of the people that made the flowershop possible during John Towata's later years. John is on the farest left. John Towata developed the tradition of hardwork and dedidication which all employees still continue on today.
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Picture

Here is a picture taken in the 1980's which shows some of workers that made the flowershop possible during John Towata's later years. John is on the farest left.

Icebox (Ice Box)

The flowers are kept in a freezer which the Towata implimented after owning the shop. Mrs. Towata still affectionately refers to the freezer as an "icebox".

Fresh Flowers

Flowers are purchased from the flower market three times a week to ensure the freshest flowers.
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Flowers are purchased from the flower market three times a week to ensure the freshest flowers.

JR

JR is a celebrity amongst the patrons. He has been serving the shop for 12 years.
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JR is a bit of a celebrity amongst the all patrons. He has been serving the shop for 12 years.

Front Counter

Here is a picture of what it would be like to walk directly into the shop. The shop's cat, J.R., is ready to greet customers as he perches on his favorite table.
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Here is a picture of what it would be like to walk directly into the shop. As always, J.R. is on duty to greet customers walking in.

Inside view during night time

This is a picture from the inside of the shop looking out into the street during the closing hours of the shop. Again, the decoration is very inviting. As always, J.R. is on duty to greet customers walking in.
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This is a picture from the inside of the shop looking out into the street during the closing hours of the shop. Again, the decoration is very inviting. The shop's cat, J.R., is ready to greet customers as he perches on his favorite table.

Ambiance of the shop

The inside of the shop maintains a warm ambiance which attributes to the number of returning customers.
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The inside of the shop maintains a warm ambiance which attributes to the number of returning customers.

Wooden Sign

This is a wooden sign bearing the name of the flowershop. The late John S. Towata was a influential member in the Alameda community even during less tolerate times against Japanese Americans at the conclusion of World War II.
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This is a wooden sign bearing the name of the flowershop. The late John S. Towata was a influential member in the Alameda community even during less tolerate times against Japanese Americans at the conclusion of World War II.

Closer view of the front window display

The Towata Flower front window display has received many awards for its decoration. Here we see the Thanksgiving adornment. The display changes with the different themes during the year.

Entrance to Towata Flower

The front window display is decorated for the Thanksgiving holiday. The story is located next to Alameda City Hall, and has been at this location for more than 50 years.
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The front window display is decorated for the Thanksgiving holiday.