Harada House, Civil rights site in Riverside, California
Harada House is a two-story wooden home in Riverside, built in 1884 and expanded to its current form in 1916. The house contains four bedrooms and remains preserved as a National Historic Landmark managed by the Museum of Riverside.
The house became the center of a legal battle when California challenged the family's property rights in 1916 under the Alien Land Law. This case helped weaken the laws that had prevented Japanese immigrants from owning land.
The house stands as a reminder of how Japanese American families resisted discrimination through property ownership when laws tried to prevent it. Walking through the rooms, you sense the determination of people who refused to be displaced.
The house is undergoing substantial restoration work, so checking accessibility before visiting is important to see which areas are open. Contact the Museum of Riverside in advance for current conditions and visiting arrangements.
A family friend named Jess Stebler protected the house during World War II by managing the property while the family was in relocation centers. This act of loyalty allowed them to reclaim their home after the war ended.
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