Charles Yoshikane Taguchi (Poston
326-12-B) was born on September 16, 1925 to Japanese immigrant parents, Sumitaro
(1876)and Tome (1888) Taguchi. His father was the manager of a fish market in
Reedley in the 1930s, while his brother, Shigeshi worked as a clerk in that
store.
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| Charlie Taguchi, 1944 |
Following the bombing of Pearl harbor and
signing of Executive Order 9066, Charlie, his parents, and siblings: Shigeshi
Fred, Sumiko Betty, Masami Johnnie and Namijiro Bobbie were evacuated to the
Poston Arizona concentration camp 3.
They arrived on August 7, 1942, when the temperature was over 125 degrees.
Charlie attended high school and graduated from the Poston 3 High School
in 1944. While at Poston, Charlie was
the Entertainment chairman, and head of the Movie Department. He left the Poston, Arizona concentration camp on July 25, 1944 and went to New York City, staying
at the Greater
New York Relocation Hostel. His parents and sister Bobbie remained at
Poston until August 8, 1945, when they returned to Reedley.
Charlie married Chiaki Osumi, and they adopted
their daughter, Gaye. Charlie was the owner of the Reedley Camera Shop for many
years in downtown Reedley. His wife,
Chiaki taught Adult Education sewing night
classes. Charlie served on the Reedley City Council from 1978-2002, for 24 years. Charlie had written
letters to his former Poston High School teacher, the former Miss Barbara
Washler though the years.
Charlie Taguchi died November 27, 2012 in Reedley at the age of 87.
He was preceded in death by
his wife, Chiaki; and sister, Betty Taguchi (2005).
Sources:
http://www.reedleyexponent.com/articles/2012/11/29/news/doc50b7d7939491d214705612.txt
