RIVERSIDE, Calif. (CNS) — A house in the heart of Riverside that stands as a symbol of early 20th century challenges of Asians trying to preserve their property rights amid anti-immigrant sentiment is now a state landmark.
The Harada House, located at 3356 Lemon St., was designated by the California Office of Historic Preservation as Historic Landmark #1060 in the state. City officials announced the designation Wednesday.
“This is a universal desire. The state historic landmark status provides acknowledgement of the Harada story, encompassing lessons of immigration, civil and housing rights,” said Naomi Harada, granddaughter of the original owner of the two-story property, Jukichi Harada.
The dilapidated house was added to the federal register of National Historic Landmarks in 1990, and the Museum of Riverside, which is the steward of the property, had for years sought state recognition.
“The Museum of Riverside is pleased to add the state landmark designation to recent progress made toward opening Harada House,” museum Director Robyn Peterson said. “Riverside is rich in historic sites. Recognition of the presence and significance of historic sites benefits all communities fortunate enough to possess such unique resources.”
“Harada House, recognized for a positive reason — the triumph of the Harada family in the face of an unjust state legal proceeding — embodies an inspiring story,” she added.
In 2020, the Washington, D.C.-based National Trust for Historic Preservation placed Harada House on its list of “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” because of the property's condition. That same year, the National Park Service awarded a $500,000 grant to the museum to jumpstart renovation of the downtown property.
According to the city, the museum is in the process of selecting an architectural firm to oversee the rehabilitation work, as well as design the Harada House Interpretive Center slated to be erected adjacent to the house.
The property will not be open for public tours until the project is completed, which will likely take years, officials said.
In 1916, Harada House was at the center of a civil case, California v. Jukichi Harada et al., that stemmed from the 1913 California Alien Land Law, barring Asians from property rights. The actual owners of Harada House were the American-born children of Jukichi Harada and his wife, Japanese immigrants, and they ultimately prevailed in challenging the constitutionality
of the law.
“My grandfather had purchased the property after losing a son to diphtheria. He wanted a healthier and safer home for his family,” Naomi Harada said.
The entire Harada family was placed in an Army-run internment camp during World War II after war with Japan was declared. The family returned to the home in 1945, and one of the Harada children, Sumi Harada, remained there until her death in 2000, not long after which, the city took over the property.
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