This special episode of Nebraska Stories follows the efforts of Nebraskans of Japanese heritage to preserve Scottsbluff’s Japanese Hall — a social hall built in 1928 that served as a hub for cultural, religious, and educational gatherings. At the heart of the story is third-generation Japanese American Vickie Sakurada Schaepler, whose determination, alongside many others, helped save this historic landmark. The program documents key milestones, including the hall’s relocation and archival research conducted at the Cheyenne County Historical Society.
Interwoven with the preservation effort is the story of Father Hiram Kano, whose life reflects the broader experiences of the Issei, the first generation of Japanese immigrants to Nebraska. From his early years as a farmer and community leader, Kano went on to become an ordained Episcopal priest before being incarcerated in an American internment camp during World War II. His journey, which later included a path to U.S. citizenship, speaks to the challenges and resilience of Nebraska’s Japanese American pioneers.
The episode concludes with the hall’s grand opening and dedication at Gering’s Legacy of the Plains Museum in June 2024.
Producer
Kay Hall