Family item recovered after 65 years

[DCMatt]

I've posted a couple of times about the upcoming "treasure hunt" in California for members of my wife's family.

Well, yesterday we recovered our first family item - and we haven't even started looking yet! Let me explain...

My wife's grandparents rented a farm in central California from about the mid 1920's until 1942. As a first generation immigrant, her grandfather was not allowed, by law, to own property. He was Japanese.

In early 1942, the government notified the family that they must report to a relocation assembly center and ultimately to an internment camp in New Mexico. Each person was allowed to take one suitcase full of belongings. Everything else was sold or abandoned.

Before leaving, the family buried personal items behind the house. We have gotten permission from the property owners to search for the buried items. The "hunt" is scheduled for the weekend of February 24 - 25.

Now, on to the recovered item...

The same family still owns the property after all these years. When we contacted them, word got around in their about our "hunt". Apparently, a family member has a pearled jewelry box that was left in the house when the Tanaka's were forced to leave. They will meet us at the property on the day of our hunt to return it to the family.

Is that COOL or what!?!

This item is especially precious because it belonged to my wife's grandmother. She was in a tuberculosis hospital when the family left the area. They never saw her alive again. This box is all we have from her.

Were hoping that the actual hunt is HALF this good! I'll keep you posted.

DCMatt

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[Dimeman]

Great story. I hope that you all find something there. Good luck!!!!

 

[RON (PA)]

Very Nice story. I hope you find a lot during your hunt and that you both find what you are looking for. Please let us know how your hunt turns out.

 

[Calworks]

Don't forget if yuo need help to contact those of us in the area.

 

[packerbacker]

You have to wonder if they would have put everything in one hole or dug holes all over. I would guess it was all in metal containers back then. Good luck in your search. I'm way North of that area but you would be welcome to use my detectors. I'm in Red Bluff.

 

[DCMatt]

Packerbacker,

The family says it was all in one hole. No boxes, cans, bags, cases... Just stuff in hole.

I think I have a contact for a local club. I'll be in touch with them this week.

Thanks for the offer of your equipment. We may need it. Or it might not help at all. We don't REALLY know what is buried or if it can be found with a metal detector.

Check out my posting in the California forum. It gives more info about what we're up against and what we're hoping for...

DCMatt

 

[EDDE]

GOOD THINGS TO COME ITS A SIGN

 

[diggummup]

I remember reading one of your other posts regarding your wife's family history in California and the upcoming hunt for buried possesions.I gotta agree with Dekalb,this is an early sign of good things to come from this "hunt".I can't wait to see what you guys unearth over there.Good luck and good hunting.

 

[WV Hillbilly]

Surely ther's something in that hole that would make a beep stick talk . Touching story + wish you well . HH I'm going to check out your other thread now .