The Oliver Clubs: Sports and Community in Japanese American Los Angeles

Licensing

In 1917, a teacher in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles named Nellie G. Oliver began sponsoring a social and athetlic club for local Japanese American youth. Over the next twenty-five years, eight boys' clubs and two girls' clubs were formed under the leadership of the remarkable Miss Oliver, who became so interested in the children and their families that she even traveled to Japan in 1925. The Oliver sports teams excelled in baseball, football, basketball and other sports in Japanese Athletic Union league play, producing talented - and often life-long - athletes. In 1961, the Olivers re-formed to memorialize their teacher and mentor with the annual Outstanding Nikkei Athlete of the Year award for Southern California high school athletes of Japanese descent, a tradition that continued for forty years. This collection presents the story of Miss Oliver and the Oliver Clubs through multiple media, including documents such as a club history and team rosters; photographs of Oliver team members at practice and play; and clips from video interviews with several of the surviving Olivers and one of the Oliver Award winners, who is now playing in the WNBA. This Little Tokyo Service Center (www.ltsc.org) project is made possible, in part, by a grant from the California Council for the Humanities as part of the Council's statewide California Stories Initiative. The Council is an independent non-profit organization and a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more information on the Council and the California Stories Initiative, visit www.californiastories.org. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this online exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the California Council for the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Slides in this album 

History of Miss Oliver and the Oliver Clubs

Overview of the history of Miss Oliver and the Oliver Clubs, based in part on Frank Fukuzawa's research and in part on interviews with Olivers.

History of Miss Oliver and the Oliver Clubs
Contributed by: lthistory

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Suski

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Suski circa 1902, just after Mrs. Suski arrived in San Francisco from Japan. Mr. Suski was a photographer at the time, although he later went to medical school at the University of Southern California and practiced in Little Tokyo until the start of World War II. …

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Suski
Contributed by: lthistory

Miss Oliver Describes Little Tokyo

In a letter written circa 1923, Miss Oliver describes aspects of Little Tokyo. Although she seems to regard Japanese cultural traditions as exotic and "quaint," she does not refer to them as primitive, pagan, or anti-American, all of which were common epithets used against Japanese immigrants at the time.

Miss Oliver Describes Little Tokyo
Contributed by: lthistory

Miss Oliver, 1920s

Miss Nellie G. Oliver (1861-1947), kindergarten teacher at Hewitt Street School in Los Angeles and sponsor of Little Tokyo's Oliver Clubs, in the late 1920s. Courtesy Visual Communications / Kamayatsu Family.

Miss Oliver, late 1920s
Contributed by: lthistory

Miss Oliver Describes a Fundraising Carnival

In a circa 1923 letter, Miss Oliver describes one of the carnivals put on by the Olivers to raise money for sports equipment and uniforms. Her passionate belief that the children of Japanese immigrants should be considered fully American - and treated accordingly - comes through here.

Miss Oliver Describes an Oliver Carnival
Contributed by: lthistory

Miss Oliver's Farewell Party, 1925

On July 1, 1925, a farewell party was held for Miss Oliver on the second floor of the Stimson Institute on Hewitt Street in Little Tokyo. The Oliver Clubs met in this room and kept their trophies there; the Daiichi Gakuen Japanese language school met on the first floor. The …

Miss Oliver's Farewell Party, 1925
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Club Rosters

The Olivers consisted of nine clubs formed between 1917 and 1941: the Seniors (1917), First Girls' Club (1919), Juniors (1923), Second Girls' Club (1925), Midgets (1928), Tigers (1934), Cubs (1935), Mustangs (1936), and the Broncos (1939). The tenth club, the Beavers, had just begun to form in 1941. Although they …

Oliver Club Rosters
Contributed by: lthistory

The Olivers in 1925

Members of the Oliver Club in the Stimson Institute / Daiichi Gakuen practice yard in 1925. Courtesy Joe Suski.

The Olivers in 1925
Contributed by: lthistory

Joe Suski, Junior

Joe Suski describes how the Olivers Club came into existence.

Joe Suski, Junior
Contributed by: lthistory

Miss Oliver and Exercise

Joe Suski reveals Miss Oliver's attitude towards posture and exercise.

Miss Oliver and Exercise
Contributed by: lthistory

Community Sings at Union Church

Joe Suski recalls how Miss Oliver's efforts to teach the children of Little Tokyo to sing were taken up by Charles Kamayatsu (Senior).

Community Sings at Union Church
Contributed by: lthistory

Jack Kunitomi, Midget

Jack Kunitomi describes the different parks where the Olivers played games and the process of setting up a league with the L.A. playgrounds director.

Jack Kunitomi, Midget
Contributed by: lthistory

The Oliver Meeting Room

Jack Kunitomi describes the Oliver meeting room on the upper floor of the Stimson Institute and how it was used outside their Friday night meeting time.

The Oliver Meeting Room
Contributed by: lthistory

Jack Kunitomi Remembers Miss Oliver

Jack Kunitomi (Midget) remembers how much Miss Oliver meant to him and what she did for Japanese American kids in Little Tokyo.

Jack Kunitomi Remembers Miss Oliver
Contributed by: lthistory

The Olivers Basketball Team, 1927

The Olivers basketball team in the Stimson Institute / Daiichi Gakuen practice yard in 1927. Joe Suski is on the far left of the back row, Gene Sakamoto on the far right. Also in the back row is David Miyamoto (second from left), Masao Itano (middle), Mas Kaizoji (third from …

1927 Olivers Basketball Team
Contributed by: lthistory

An Interview with Miss Oliver, Circa 1924

Miss Oliver was interviewed circa 1924 as part of the Survey on Race Relations, a sociological study examining the experiences of "Oriental" - Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and Sikh - immigrants and their children on the West Coast of the United States. It is clear from her statements that, however progressive …

Interview with Miss Oliver Circa 1924
Contributed by: lthistory

On the Radio

Joe Suski (Junior) remembers Miss Oliver fondly and explains how she was connected with an appearance by some Olivers on local radion in the 1920s.

On the Radio
Contributed by: lthistory

Jack Kunitomi and Union Church

Jack Kunitomi recalls how he "helped" the construction workers building the Union Church on North San Pedro in Little Tokyo in the early 1920s.

Jack Kunitomi and Union Church
Contributed by: lthistory

Little Tokyo Entertainment

Joe Suski (Junior) recalls what he and his family did for fun in the early 1920s in Little Tokyo.

Little Tokyo Entertainment
Contributed by: lthistory

Juniors Basketball Team, late 1920s

The Oliver Juniors basketball team pose for a picture in the Daiichi Gakuen practice yard, late 1920s. The two young men kneeling in front are Gene Sakamoto on the left and Joe Suski on the right. On the far left in the back row is Paul "Yaz" Yazaki. In the …

Juniors Basketball Team, late 1920s
Contributed by: lthistory

Miss Oliver's Story Activity

Jack Kunitomi describes how Miss Oliver's round-robin storytelling activity worked.

Miss Oliver's Story Activity
Contributed by: lthistory

Becoming Oliver Midgets

The Midgets proudly proclaim themselves an Oliver Club, 1929. Jack Kunitomi is in the center of the back row. Courtesy Joe Suski.

Becoming the Oliver Midgets
Contributed by: lthistory

Making New Oliver Clubs

Joe Suski explains how additional Oliver clubs came to be formed every few years.

Creating New Clubs
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Juniors Baseball Team, 1929

The Oliver Juniors baseball team, 1929 Class "B" champions among L.A.'s Japanese American youth baseball teams. The manager was Jimmy Yamamoto, Joe Suski (middle row, fourth from right) was the captain, and Kenji Kurahara (front row, left) was the mascot. Gene Sakamoto (back row, far left) was the team's coach. …

Oliver Juniors Baseball Team, 1929
Contributed by: lthistory

Walking Miss Oliver to the Streetcar

Joe Suski describes the ritual surrounding escorting Miss Oliver to the streetcar after the Friday night club meetings.

Walking Miss Oliver to the Streetcar
Contributed by: lthistory

Jack Kunitomi's Little Tokyo Childhood

Jack Kunitomi remembers growing up near Central Avenue in Little Tokyo.

Jack Kunitomi's Little Tokyo Childhood
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Midgets in the Practice Yard

The Oliver Midgets pose in the Stimson Institute / Daiichi Gakuen practice yard in the late 1920s. Jack Kunitomi is third from the right in the back row. Courtesy Joe Suski.

Oliver Midgets in the Practice Yard
Contributed by: lthistory

Weathering the Depression

Joe Suski (Junior) describes the methods by which his family survived the Depression.

Weathering the Depression
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Opponents

Jack Kunitomi lists the various teams the Olivers played, and the towns - many a long distance from Little Tokyo - where the Olivers went to play. These games provided the young men from Little Tokyo with an opportunity to meet other Japanese American youths from throughout the state.

Oliver Opponents
Contributed by: lthistory

Olivers Baseball Team in Guadalupe, 1930

The Oliver Juniors traveled to Guadalupe, California to play the local Japanese American team, the Packers, at a game sponsored by George Aratani. At far right is Joe Suski; third from the right is Frank "Match" Kumamoto and to his left is Frank Kito. Third from the left is Joe …

Olivers Baseball Team in Guadalupe, 1930
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Juniors' Unbeaten Season

The Oliver Juniors football team earned a great deal of acclaim with their unbeaten season in 1932. They beat Epworth 13-0, San Pedro 6-0, and Hollywood Showa 6-0. The team of local Hawaiians forfeited, and the Juniors went on to slam Gardena 25-0. The Juniors won the intersectional game against …

Oliver Juniors Unbeaten Season
Contributed by: lthistory

Playing Soko Athletic Club

Joe Suski remembers the long ride up to San Francisco to take on the Soko Athletic Club for the Japanese American state football champions in 1932.

Playng Soko Athletic Club
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Club Football Team, Christmas Eve 1933

Members of the 1933 Oliver football team (mostly from the Juniors and Midgets clubs) in the Stimson Institute/Daiichi Gakuen practice yard, Christmas Eve 1933. The tanks in the background held gas that was piped to cooking stoves throughout the Little Tokyo neighborhood. Courtesy Joe Suski.

Oliver Club Football Team, Christmas Eve 1933
Contributed by: lthistory

Olivers Post-Game

Jack Kunitomi (Midget) describes the post-game routine for he and his fellow Oliver pals

Olivers Post-Game
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Midgets on the Field

Coaches (?) or managers shake hands before an Oliver Midgets game in the early 1930s. Courtesy Joe Suski.

Oliver Midgets on the Field
Contributed by: lthistory

The Oliver Practice Yard

Joe Suski describes the Stimson Institute / Daiichi Gakuen practice yard.

Oliver Practices
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Practices in the Stimson Institute Yard

Jack Kunitomi describes the hazards of practicing football on the gravel yard behind the Stimson Institute / Daiichi Gakuen yard.

Practice in the Stimson Institute Yard
Contributed by: lthistory

Olivers at Play, 1933

Young Olivers practice their football skills in the Stimson Institute / Daiichi Gakuen yard, 1933. Courtesy Joe Suski.

Olivers at Play, 1933
Contributed by: lthistory

The Development of the Japanese Athletic Union

Joe Suski recalls how the informal Japanese American youth leagues organized by Mas Satow from the YMCA gave way to the Japanese Athletic Union.

The Development of the Japanese Athetlic Union
Contributed by: lthistory

Harry Yamamoto, Cub

Harry Yamamoto recalls athletic highlights from the Olivers' glory days on the field.

Harry Yamamoto, Cub
Contributed by: lthistory

Punch, Cookies, and the Social Graces

Harry Yamamoto (Cub) describes Miss Oliver's generosity and how she pushed the young men to organize socials with the local Japanese American girls' clubs.

Punch, Cookies, and the Social Graces
Contributed by: lthistory

Cubs at the Beach

Members of the Oliver Cubs enjoy a trip to the beach, probably at Terminal Island in San Pedro, California, in the mid- to late 1930s. Courtesy Joe Suski.

Cubs at the Beach
Contributed by: lthistory

A Family Affair

Harry Yamamoto reveals his family's commitment to the Oliver Clubs.

A Family Affair
Contributed by: lthistory

"Miss Oliver Was Like a Saint"

Harry Yamamoto describes how Miss Oliver's kindness to Japanese Americans stood out in the pre-World War II era, when Japanese Americans faced discrimination in housing, employment, and public spaces.

Miss Oliver Was Like a Saint
Contributed by: lthistory

Ets Yoshiyama, Bronco

Ets discusses lettering at Polytechnic High School and the Olivers' reputation in sports.

Ets Yoshiyama, Bronco
Contributed by: lthistory

Recruiting

Harry Yamamoto (Cub) reveals how he went outside Little Toky (and broke some JAU rules) to recruit the best players for Oliver teams.

Recruiting
Contributed by: lthistory

The Los Angeles Nippons, 1935

The Los Angeles Nippons semi-pro baseball team in April 1935. Oliver Junior Joe Suski is fourth from the left in the front row. Suski played baseball at L.A. City College and then UCLA before joining the Nippons. Courtesy Joe Suski.

Los Angeles Nippons, 1935
Contributed by: lthistory

Playing for the Los Angeles Nippons

Joe Suski (Junior) recalls his days playing for the semi-pro team, the Los Angeles Nippons.

Playing for the Los Angeles Nippons
Contributed by: lthistory

Batting Champion

Jack Kunitomi describes winning the JAU batting championship in 1936.

Batting Champion
Contributed by: lthistory

Edward Wada, Bronco

Ed Wada reminisces about being a Bronco, playing football at Heart Mountain, and what being an Oliver has meant to him.

Edward Wada, Bronco
Contributed by: lthistory

A Little Tokyo Tragedy

Ets Yoshiyama recalls a friend who was killed by a train while riding his bike at the corner of First Street and Alameda in Little Tokyo. The many streetcar and train tracks that criss-crossed Little Tokyo made the streets quite dangerous for children, one of the reasons that Miss Oliver …

A Little Tokyo Tragedy
Contributed by: lthistory

Discrimination in Hiring

Harry Yamamoto discusses how he first learned that college-educated Japanese Americans were not hired at jobs for which they were qualified, and how this discovery prompted him to focus on starting his own business instead.

Discrimination in Hiring
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Cubs at Los Angeles Coliseum

Members of the Oliver Cubs stand on the field of Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, late 1930s. Courtesy Joe Suski.

Oliver Cubs at Los Angeles Coliseum
Contributed by: lthistory

The Nicknames

Harry Yamamoto explains how some of the Olivers ended up with their colorful nicknames.

The Nicknames
Contributed by: lthistory

Raising Funds

Harry Yamamoto describes the many methods the Olivers invented to raise funds for their uniforms and equipment.

Raising Funds
Contributed by: lthistory

Raising Funds II

Joe Suski (Junior) describes the methods by which his family survived the Depression.

Raising Funds II
Contributed by: lthistory

Ronnie Sugiyama

Harry Yamamoto describes his fellow Cub and business partner, Ronnie Sugiyama. Ronnie was also a former member of the Koyasan Boy Scout troop and a major advocate for the Scouts. He passed away in the fall of 2006.

Ronnie Sugiyama, Cub
Contributed by: lthistory

December 7, 1941

Ed Wada remembers where he was when he heard that Pearl Harbor had been bombed by the Japanese.

December 7, 1941
Contributed by: lthistory

Pearl Harbor Day Ballgame

Joe Suski remembers playing a game with the Nippons against the Paramount Studio Cubs the afternoon of December 7, 1941.

Pearl Harbor Day Ballgame
Contributed by: lthistory

Reaction to Pearl Harbor

Ed Wada's brother-in-law faces the hysteria unleashed in the military by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

The Reaction to Pearl Harbor
Contributed by: lthistory

The Wada Family Evacuates

Edward Wada's family was able to retain their property following internment thanks to the kindness of their neighbors, the Weibecks.

The Wada Family Evacuates
Contributed by: lthistory

Ets and Babe at Heart Mountain

Ets Yoshiyama, left, and Babe Nomura, right, in the internment camp at Heart Mountain, Wyoming in June 1943. Ets is wearing his Oliver Bronco jacket. Babe, though not an Oliver, was a standout Japanese American athlete, eventually playing football for San Jose State. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Ets and Babe in Heart Mountain
Contributed by: lthistory

Lil' Yokums Team at Heart Mountain

The Lil' Yokums Girls Basketball Team, 1943 champions in the internment camp at Heart Mountain, Wyoming. The team was coached by Babe Nomura and Oliver Bronco Ets Yoshiyama. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Lil' Yokums Team at Heart Mountain
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Broncos in Heart Mountain Internment Camp

Enough of the young men from the Oliver Broncos club were interned at Heart Mountain, Wyoming, that they were able to field a few teams to play as Olivers. This is the 1942 roster for Broncos on the 145-pound team. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Broncos in Heart Mountain Internment Camp
Contributed by: lthistory

Santa Fe Internment Camp

Ets Yoshiyama (Bronco) had an uncle who was a doctor in El Paso, Texas. As a community leader, he was picked up by the FBI and held for the duration of the war at the prison camp in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Ets describes what it was like to visit …

Santa Fe Internment Camp
Contributed by: lthistory

Pledge of Allegiance

Harry Yamamoto (Cub) explains the difficulty he experienced in coming to terms with the U.S. government's decision to intern Japanese Americans.

Pledge of Allegiance
Contributed by: lthistory

Miss Oliver Visits Manzanar

Jack Kunitomi describes Miss Oliver's visit to the Manzanar internment camp and her other efforts on behalf of interned Japanese Americans.

Miss Oliver Visits Manzanar
Contributed by: lthistory

Miss Oliver Writes to the Department of Justice

In 1944, Miss Oliver wrote a letter to the Justice Department's Enemy Alien Control Unit on behalf of Empei Fujita, father of Mustang George Fujita and Bronco Henry Fujita, to advocate for transfer from the Santa Fe prison camp to Heart Mountain, where the rest of his family was interned. …

Miss Oliver Writes to the Department of Justice
Contributed by: lthistory

Bringing Sports to Camp

Joe Suski describes being in charge of recreation at the Santa Anita Assembly Center and in Heart Mountain internment camp.

Bringing Sports to Camp
Contributed by: lthistory

Manzaknights Club at the Manzanar Internment Camp

Several Olivers, including Jim Yamaguchi and Hank Sakae (Broncos), joined the Manzaknights Club in the internment camp at Manzanar, California. This picture may have been taken in January 1944. Standing left to right, top: Ray Mochizuki, Nob Hino, Harry Kikuta, Ralph Lazo (a Mexican American who followed his friends into …

Manzaknights Club, Manzanar Internment Camp
Contributed by: lthistory

Kunitomi Family's Military Service

Jack Kunitomi describes his family's military service and some of the hardships related to the wartime draft

Kunitomi Family's Military Service
Contributed by: lthistory

Miss Oliver Writes to Heart Mountain

Miss Oliver wrote a letter to the Heart Mountain Sentinel, to which she evidently subscribed, in March 1944. Many of the Olivers were interned at Heart Mountain, and Miss Oliver relied on the paper to keep her informed of their activities. Courtesy Harry Yamamoto.

Miss Oliver Writes to Heart Mountain
Contributed by: lthistory

The Baseball Career of Jim Yamaguchi

Ets Yoshiyama describes the baseball career of Jim Yamaguchi, first Nisei to play for a Big Ten school.

The Baseball Career of Jim Yamaguchi
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Baseball in Japan

Oliver Junior Joe Suski and the rest of his Government Section baseball team during the Occupation of Japan around 1946. Joe, a member of the Military Intelligence Service, is second from left in the back row. Courtesy Joe Suski.

Oliver Baseball in Japan
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Football in Japan

Oliver Junior Joe Suski plays football with fellow servicemen in Hibiya, Japan circa 1945. From left are Joe, his friend "Whitey" Lewis, Bob, and "Carp." Courtesy Joe Suski.

Oliver Football in Japan
Contributed by: lthistory

Miss Oliver's Grave

Miss Oliver's gravesite in Inglewood Park Cemetery, Los Angeles, California. The reconstituted Olivers had hoped to erect a marker to her, but the cemetery rules did not allow it.

Miss Oliver's Grave
Contributed by: lthistory

Remembering Miss Oliver

December 21, 1960 article about Miss Oliver in the Kashu Mainichi newspaper, written by George "Horse" Yoshinaga. He spoke with Soichi Fukui, an honorary Cub and Little Tokyo businessman, and Frank "Match" and Flora Suski Kumamoto (Juniors and Girls' Club, respectively) before writing this editorial. This article motivated former members …

Remembering Miss Oliver
Contributed by: lthistory

Re-Launching the Olivers

Joe Suski (Junior) reflects on the experience of losing track of Miss Oliver and the importance of honoring her memory.

Reviving the Oliver Clubs
Contributed by: lthistory

The Olivers Return

Following George Yoshinaga's December 1960 editorial calling on the Olivers to honor their former mentor, members of the various clubs met on June 21, 1961 to discuss a plan of action. These are the minutes from that meeting. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

The Olivers Return
Contributed by: lthistory

First Meeting Minutes, Part Two

Continuation of the minutes from the first meeting of the re-formed Olivers Club, June 21, 1961. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

First Meeting Minutes, Part Two
Contributed by: lthistory

First Meeting Minutes, Part Three

Conclusion of the minutes from the first meeting of the re-formed Olivers Club, June 21, 1961. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

First Meeting Minutes, Part Three
Contributed by: lthistory

Second Oliver Meeting Minutes, Part One

The re-formed Olivers met for a second time on July 31, 1961 to finalize their plans for an annual reunion dinner combined with the presentation of an award to an outstanding Japanese American high school athlete in honor of their mentor, Miss Nellie G. Oliver. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Second Oliver Meeting Minutes, Part One
Contributed by: lthistory

Second Oliver Meeting Minutes, Part Two

Conclusion of minutes from the second meeting of the re-formed Olivers Club, July 31, 1961. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Second Oliver Meeting Minutes, Part Two
Contributed by: lthistory

The Origins of the Oliver Award

This August 1961 newspaper clipping describes the origins of the reconstituted Olivers as an award-granting association. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Origins of the Oliver Award
Contributed by: lthistory

The Oliver Award Selection Process

Joe Suski explains the process set up by the Olivers to select a winner for the Outstanding Nikkei High School Athlete of the Year Award.

The Oliver Award Selection Process
Contributed by: lthistory

Invitation to First Olivers Reunion

The invitation to the first Olivers Clubs reunion dinner and award banquet in 1961. Gift of The Oliver Committee, Japanese American National Museum (2006.76).

Invitation to First Oliver Reunion
Contributed by: lthistory

First Oliver Award

Kenji Takai, a basketball player from Garfield High School, receives the very first Oliver Outstanding Nikkei Athlete of the Year Award on October 28, 1961 at the old San Kwo Low restaurant in Little Tokyo. Kenji is in the middle, receiving the award from John Ando, first president of the …

First Oliver Award
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Award Winners, 1961-2001

List of all forty-two winners of the Oliver Outstanding Nikkei Athlete of the Year Award for Southern California between 1961 and 2001.

Oliver Award Winners, 1961-2001
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Award Winner Masato Sakamoto

Masato Sakamoto, a gymnast from Los Angeles High School, won the Oliver Award in 1965. He is shown here holding the small trophy, which he kept, and the large Oliver trophy on which the names of all Oliver Award winners were engraved. The Oliver Trophy is now on display in …

Oliver Award Winner Masato Sakamoto
Contributed by: lthistory

Invitation to 1966 Award Banquet

The invitation sent to all Olivers for the 1966 award and reunion banquet at Rudi's Italian Inn. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Invitation to the 1966 Award Banquet
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Award Winner's Appreciation

Ron Fujikawa won the Oliver Award in 1966 for his excellence on the football field at Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. He wrote this note of appreciation to George Fujita, head of the award committee, from Stanford University. As the handwritten note by Jack Kunitomi indicates, he is …

Oliver Award Winner's Appreciation
Contributed by: lthistory

Invitation to 1970 Oliver Award Banquet

Invitation to the 1970 Oliver award and banquet dinner, with guest speaker Willie Davis, the All Pro end for the Green Bay Packers. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Invitation to 1970 Award Dinner
Contributed by: lthistory

Principal's Letter of Appreciation

A letter of appreciation to the Olivers from Paul Berger, principal of Fountain Valley High School. Berger's student, Ken Shibata, won the 1971 Oliver award for football, so Berger and his wife attended that year's Oliver banquet. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Principal's Appreciation for Olivers
Contributed by: lthistory

Thanks of an Award Winner, Part One

A letter of thanks from Perry Morita, 1976 Oliver Award winner in football from Servite High School. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Thanks of an Award Winner, Part One
Contributed by: lthistory

Thanks from an Award Winner, Part Two

Conclusion of thank you note to the Olivers from Perry Morita, 1976 Oliver Award winner from Servite High School. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Thanks of an Award Winner, Part Two
Contributed by: lthistory

Choosing the Oliver Award Winners

Ed Wada describes fellow Bronco Jim Yamaguchi's role in choosing the candidates for the Oliver Award each year. Yamaguchi was just one of several Olivers who went into teaching.

Choosing the Oliver Award Winners
Contributed by: lthistory

Olivers Editorial

In this 1983 newspaper clipping, Rafu Shimpo sportwriter Chris Komai discusses the fact that the Olivers Club will eventually cease to exist. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Olivers Editorial
Contributed by: lthistory

Olivers Golf Tournaments

Reservation form for the 15th annual Olivers golf tournament in 2000. Many of the Olivers, ever interested in sports, had taken up golf during their later years, which gave the club officers the idea of putting on a golf tournament every year to raise money for a scholarship to accompany …

Scholarship Golf Tournament, 2000
Contributed by: lthistory

Tribute to Miss Oliver

As part of his collection of Pacific Citizen columns on Little Tokyo's history during its centennial celebrations in 1984, Harry Honda asked Henry Mori to write an article about the Olivers - this clipping was the result. Mori was a newspaper columnist who became an honorary Oliver through his support …

Tribute to Miss Oliver
Contributed by: lthistory

Letter from Oliver Award Winner, Part One

Letter of thanks written to the Olivers by 1988 Oliver award winner Jade Hiramoto, who excelled in both basketball and volleyball at North Torrance High School. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Letter from Oliver Award Winner, Part One
Contributed by: lthistory

Letter from Oliver Award Winner, Part Two

Conclusion of Jade Hiramoto's letter of thanks to the Oliver Club in 1988. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Letter from Oliver Award Winner, Part Two
Contributed by: lthistory

Olivers Booklet, Part One

Frank Fukuzawa researched and wrote a pamphlet on the history of Miss Oliver and the Oliver Clubs in 1990, on which this online exhibit is based. The first half, linked here, provides an extensive history of Miss Oliver and her family, as well as of the Stimson Institute where the …

Olivers History Booklet by Frank Fukuzawa
Contributed by: lthistory

Olivers Booklet, Part Two

Frank Fukuzawa researched and wrote a pamphlet on the history of Miss Oliver and the Oliver Clubs in 1990, on which this online exhibit is based. The second half, linked here, provides a list of all the members of the Oliver teams, along with updates on the occupations and residences …

Olivers Booklet, Part Two
Contributed by: lthistory

1993 Oliver Award Banquet

Olivers and friends attending the 1993 Oliver award and reunion banquet. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

1993 Oliver Awards
Contributed by: lthistory

Enjoying the 1993 Olivers Reunion

Olivers and friends enjoying lunch at the 1993 award and reunion banquet. At center is Jack Kunitomi (Midgets). Beyond him are the boards filled with Oliver-related photos and news clippings that Jack brought to each year's banquets, so that wives, friends, and others could catch up on the story of …

Enjoying the 1993 Oliver Reunion
Contributed by: lthistory

The Work Behind the Oliver Award

Ets Yoshiyama recalls how he became involved in the re-formed Olivers Club, and the roles played by various other members in organizing the award and reunion banquet each year. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

The Work Behind the Oliver Award
Contributed by: lthistory

The Work Behind the Oliver Award...(continued)

Ets Yoshiyama continues his reminiscences about re-starting the Oliver Club in the 1960s. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

The Work Behind the Oliver Award...(continued)
Contributed by: lthistory

Jim Yamaguchi and Ets Yoshiyama, Broncos

Jim Yamaguchi and Ets Yoshiyama, Oliver Broncos and lifelong friends. Ets was a strong all-around athlete, while JIm played baseball for Northwestern University. Jim Yamaguchi followed in Miss Oliver's footsteps, becoming a high school math teacher in Los Angeles. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Jim Yamaguchi and Ets Yoshiyama, Broncos
Contributed by: lthistory

1998 Oliver Banquet

Natalie Nakase accepts the Oliver Outstanding Nikkei Athlete of the Year Award at the 1998 Oliver reunion banquet. Natalie was a basketball player at Marina High School, and went on to play for UCLA. She is now working on a WNBA career. Courtesy Jack Kunitomi.

1998 Oliver Banquet
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Award Winner Natalie Nakase

Natalie Nakase, a basketball player for Marina High School, won the Oliver Outstanding Nikkei Athlete of the Year award in 1998. She went on to play basketball with UCLA, coach Japanese American youth basketball, and train with the WBNA. She discusses what it meant to her to win the Oliver …

Oliver Award Winner Natalie Nakase
Contributed by: lthistory

Oliver Award Winners Express Appreciation

Ets Yoshiyama recalls how several past award winners attended the final program in 2000 to express their appreciation for the organization's efforts on behalf of Japanese American athletes.

Oliver Award Winners Salute the Oliver Clubs
Contributed by: lthistory

Japanese American Baseball Legends

0n June 10, 2000, the Los Angeles Dodgers honored several Japanese American baseball legends, including former Olivers Joe Suski (Juniors) and Ets Yoshiyama (Broncos), at Dodger Stadium. Joe is on the far right; Ets is fifth from the right. Courtesy Jack Kunitomi.

Japanese American Baseball Legends
Contributed by: lthistory

Japanese American Baseball Legends

Ets Yoshiyama describes being honored as a Japanese American Baseball Legend at Dodger Stadium in June 2000.

Japanese American Baseball Legends
Contributed by: lthistory

Program from Final Olivers Luncheon

Program from the last official Olivers award and reunion banquet on July 29, 2000 at the Quiet Cannon Restaurant. The Olivers handed out one last award in 2001, in conjunction with the annual JACL honors dinner, but did not put on an awards banquet that year. Courtesy Ets Yoshiyama.

Program from Final Olivers Luncheon
Contributed by: lthistory

The Final Olivers Reunions

The surviving Olivers at one of their last reunions in the early 2000s. Back row, left to right: Jack Kunitomi, Haruo Kuma, Shiro Nagata, Mas Yoshiyama, Jim Yamaguchi, Edward Wada, Tosh Yashimoto, Chick Kawasaki, Haruo Fujitsubo, Yas Kamei, Kenji Taniguchi, and Harry Yamamoto. Middle row: Freddie Funakoshi, Elmer Suski, Ronnie …

The Final Olivers Reunions
Contributed by: lthistory

The Olivers Reunions

Ed Wada (Bronco) looks ahead to the final Olivers luncheon.

The Oliver Reunions
Contributed by: lthistory

Medal of Honor

Harry Yamamoto reflects on what Miss Oliver meant to him and other young Japanese Americans in Little Tokyo.

Medal of Honor
Contributed by: lthistory

The Impact of the Olivers

Joe Suski (Junior) reflects on what being an Oliver has meant to him.

The Impact of the Olivers
Contributed by: lthistory

Southern California Japanese American Basketball Leagues

The important role of sports in the Japanese American community that the history of the Oliver Clubs represents continues today, as seen in this overview of the numerous basketball leagues for Japanese American youth in contemporary Southern California. Courtesy Mike Murase.

Southern California Japanese American Basketball Leagues
Contributed by: lthistory

May 19, 2007 Olivers Event

The audience gathers at the May 19, 2007 community forum unveiling the Olivers exhibit. Photo courtesy Takao Suzuki.

May 19, 2007 Olivers Event
Contributed by: lthistory

The Olivers Examine Their History

Members of the Olivers, along with family and friends, examine the physical exhibit dedicated to their story, May 19, 2007. The exhibit is located in the lobby of the DISKovery Center in the Far East Building, Little Tokyo. Photo courtesy Takao Suzuki.

Olivers Examine Their History
Contributed by: lthistory

The Olivers, 2007

Members of the Olivers pose for their portrait outside the Olivers exhibit, May 19, 2007. The Oliver Trophy can be seen in the window behind them. Standing, from left to right are: Tets Morimoto, Jack Kunitomi, Edward Wada, Chick Kawasaki, Kimbo Kunitomi, Frank Shoda, Kaname Kawamura, Joe Suski, and Frank …

The Olivers, 2007
Contributed by: lthistory

The California Story Fund

"The Oliver Clubs: Sports and Community in Japanese American Los Angeles" was funded in part by a California Story Fund grant from the California Council for the Humanities. For more information, visit www.calhum.org.

California Story Fund
Contributed by: lthistory

Little Tokyo Service Center

The Little Tokyo Service Center initiated and supervised The Olivers Project. For more information, visit www.ltsc.org.

Little Tokyo Service Center
Contributed by: lthistory


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