Oral History Interview with Vivian Kara

Caucasian female, born in Florin, California on May 31, 1913 0 to farming pioneers. Vivian lived among many Japanese American families and attended school with Nisei children. She does not feel there was racism among Caucasians and Japanese. Even when schools were segregated children continued their inter-racial friendships and activities out of school. There were no inter-racial marriages until after WWII when Americans brought home foreign war brides. During evacuation and internment, her father was a director of the Florin Fruit Growers Association which oversaw Japanese farms. She was among those who visited farms to check on them. She also helped families store their possessions in one or two rooms of their homes. Vivian also drove families to the train depot to see them off to camps. She maintained friendships with many Nisei families when they returned to the area. She attended events such as the funeral of Henry Taketa and identified and talked to many of the Nisei attendees, including Congressman Robert Matsui.