November 22nd Email- Some LA History

November 22nd Email:
I would take a moment to send along something not directly related to your original research on Asian dances and social activities, however, I thought it appropriate to someone who works with archival information concerning Los Angeles.

By way of introduction, my name is --------. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1970

Your mention of the Rodger Young Auditorium brought back many memories. While this story is not directly related to the dance scene, it is certainly related to the history of many families now spread throughout the United States.

In 1947, soldiers and their families, and many displaced Japanese families were returning to California following the war. At that time, housing was scarce and many landlords were engaging in rent gouging. The local government was struggling with the homeless veterans and decided to create veteran housing projects around the city. The largest and most unique was called The Rodger Young Village and was located in what now is the LA Zoo parking lot. This village consisted of 750 Quonset huts divided down the center and built to house 2 families. Somewhere between 4500 - 6000 people from all races created a small city unto themselves....my family included. There were many Japanese families living there because one of the family had served in the armed forces. The kids attended LeConte Jr. High, and John Marshall High. Glendale which was just across Riverside Drive was still segregated and would not accept minority students. Long story short, this particular time in Los Angeles history is significant and the history of it is dying with the passing of each former resident. My first home was one of those Quonset huts and I have vowed to keep the memory alive. Just thought I would pass along this information for thought.

Thank you kindly,