1908: Neighbors are angered by a Japanese man renting a home at Walnut & Delaware
Item
-
Title
-
1908: Neighbors are angered by a Japanese man renting a home at Walnut & Delaware
-
Description
-
Berkeley Daily Gazette, September 25, 1908 Pages 1 and 8, "Residents are Aroused"
RESIDENTS ARE AROUSED
Those residing in the beautiful resi dence section of town at Walnut and Delaware are thoroughly aroused at the action of Frank E. Armstrong in renting his house to Japanese. Armstrong's statement regarding his neighbors: "Let them rise up and pro-test. I don't give a d- what they do," has filled his former friends with righteous indignation. Armstrong' statement that the Japanese is wealthy is not credited.
That J. L. Linscott, who is a prop erty owner in this district and resides at 1908 Shattuck, is highly displeased with the prospects of Japanese moving into the neighborhood is evinced by the following:
"I certainly don't approve of having Japanese move into the neighbor-hood. I am surprised at Mr. Armstrong renting his house to them. I know I would not rent'one of my houses to a Jap. I would like to see Armstrong. If he is not too unreasonable I would like to try and find a buyer for him to buy him out."
C. A. Colmore, who resides at 1741 Walnut street, does not approve. He had the following to say: "I certainly cannot understand Armstrong's action in renting to Japanese. I think it shows a lack of consideration for his neighbors, and a lack of civie pride. Armstrong built my house for me some time ago, and he also built a couple of houses for my brother-in-law, He built the house that Mr. Orr lives in, and Mr. Orr bought it of him. I certainly do not approve of having Jap-lanese move into the neighhorhood, as it sets a precedence and later on we are liable to have a Japanese quarters in that district. I know that it they do come in there, I will simply move my house off and find a new location for it where I won't be molested, and then sell the lot for what ever I can get for it."
Mrs. John Scunck, who is a large property owner and resides at 1743 Walnut street was grieved when she learned that Armstrong had rented to Japanese. She said: "I think Mr. Arm strong could have rented to white peo ple. He built my house for me, and I will say that I do not approve of hav. ing Japanese for neighbors. We have a house down on Dwight way which we were offered $60 rent for by some Japanese, but in justice to the neighbors, we refused to let them have the place, and rented to a white family for just half what the Japanese offered us, $30."
S. A. Hulin, another large property owner said: "I am friendly to Armstrong and hence the more pained and surprised at his action. Armstrong's house would not tent for over $50 a month, but the Japs I see he says are to pay him $75. I hope Armstrong will reconsider his action."
"I am very sorry to hear that Japanese are geing to move in across the street," said Mrs. H. C. Baldwin,'"and I know one thing, if they become objectionable we will simply move away.
Henry Lederer, who resides at 2112 Delaware street, just across from where the Japanese will live if they move into Armstrong's house, said:
"I do not approve of the Japs coming into the neighborhood- of course not. If they are anything like those who live down on Berkeley way, I will move."
"Japanese are an undesirable class let citizens," said Mrs. Fletcher, who lives at 1803 Shattuck street in 'one of Hulin's houses. "We intend to move if the Japs come in."
The Armstrong barn situated on the back of his lot has long been the source of annoyance to his neighbors and many complaints have been lodged with the police, fire and sanitary de partments. John W. Orr, whose hand some residence and well kept grounds at the corner of Walnut and Delaware, are a pleasing sight to all visitors, has been the chief complainant and be. tween him and Armstrong there is bitter feeling. Orr's place Is one of the best kept in Berkeley while Armstrong's next door is not so attractive.
