Census Data

Note: The borders of Bannock and Bingham counties both changed during the time period being researched. This may account for some fluctuation in county by county numbers.

Census data for Southeast Idaho Nikkei population, 1900-1940:

Nikkei_Charts.pptx

Above is a presentation of basic demographic data.

Japanese_Census_Raw_Data.xlsx

Above is the collected population data for Bannock and Bingham counties.

Animated map of Southeast Idaho Nikkei population change, 1900-1940.

Above is a map made by Dwain Garbett from the location data found in the 1900-1940 census. It was made using QGIS 3.10 and animated with GIMP 2.10.14.

Map of Japanese-owned businesses in Pocatello

Pocatello was founded in the 1880s as a hub for several railroad lines. By the end of the century, passenger and freight trains arrived and departed in all directions of the compass, 24 hours a day.[1] Thousands of Japanese, Chinese, African-Americans, Italians, Greeks, and Mexicans all came to Pocatello as railroad workers between 1890 and the 1920s, most settling in a vibrant residential and commercial district east of the main rail yards, often called "The Triangle."

Over 300 Japanese immigrant men lived in Pocatello in 1900. The majority clustered in an area around First and Second avenues and East Center Street.[2] Many left railroad work to set up their own businesses and provide much-needed services. In the period from 1900 to 1940, an assortment of Japanese-owned businesses appeared, such as laundries, cafes, barber shops, pool halls, doctor and dentist offices, and a fish market.[3] One of those businessmen was Roy M. Hanaki, who began taking portraits in 1923 and continued to operate for 50 years. His business, Idaho Photo Studio, was located at 445 E. Center.[4]

[1] City of Pocatello, “Chapter 11: Special Areas or Sites, Union Pacific Railroad.” Accessed April 24, 2020. https://www.pocatello.us/DocumentCenter/View/335/Chapter-11---Special-Areas-or-Sites-PDF. [2] George Shiozawa, “About Local Japanese.” Robert Sims Collection on Minidoka and Japanese Americans, Box 49, Folder 9, Boise State University Special Collections and Archives.[3] Polk City Directories for Pocatello, Idaho, 1900-1940.[4] George Shiozawa, “About Local Japanese.”

This map is made by Dwain Garbett and Nancy Shiozawa from the location data found in the 1900-1940 Polk City Directories. It was made using QGIS 3.10.

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