Redman Hirahara Farmstead, Historic farmstead in Watsonville, United States
The Redman Hirahara Farmstead is a Victorian farmhouse situated on around 14 acres of agricultural land along Highway 1 in California's Pajaro Valley, featuring oak and maple interior finishes. The property is currently used for organic crop production, while preservation efforts work to maintain the historical structures.
The farmstead was built in 1897 by architect William H. Weeks for James Redman, and was later purchased by the Hirahara family in the 1930s. This change of ownership connected the property to the Japanese-American history of the region.
The farmstead provided shelter to Japanese families who returned from internment camps after World War II, helping them rebuild their lives in the community. This role made the place a symbol of support during a difficult period in local history.
The property sits along Highway 1, making it easy to locate, though much of it remains on active farmland that is not freely accessible to visitors. The site's historical significance is best appreciated from the road or through organized tours if available.
During World War II internment, local citizens including attorney John McCarthy protected the Hirahara family's property rights, allowing them to retain ownership during their absence. This neighborhood support was uncommon and proved crucial to the family's ability to return and rebuild.
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