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Hirata Suitcase
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| Accession #: | 4134.22 |
|---|---|
| Title: | Hirata Suitcase |
| Object Type: | Suitcase |
| Participants: |
Hirata, Jun (Junko) (user)
Hirata, Kazuma (user)
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| Physical Description: | Leather suitcase with brass fittings and green leather bordered lining. |
| Description: | Train stations bustled with activity from the 1880s through the 1930s, when people and freight moved mostly by rail. The Northern Pacific line connected the Inland Northwest to the transcontinental system in 1883. Dozens of feeder lines crossed the region, and a town named Hillyard formed around the Great Northern repair yards. Most railways made their money moving freight and raw materials. More residents meant more farm, lumber and mine production - and more freight. Railroads advertised in other countries as a way to encourage immigration and further increase the flow of people and products via rail. Kazuma "Frank" Hirata immigrated to the United States in 1895 and carried this suitcase back to Japan for his 1920 wedding. He later managed a Japanese farmer's cooperative and hotel in Spokane. Although Spokane's Japanese population did not face internment during World War II, leaders such as Hirata were individually held in Department of Justice camps. |
| Category: | History |
| Subjects/Topics/Concepts: |
Carrying & Storage (Personal Artifact->Personal Gear), Storage (Tools & Equipment->Container), Japanese (Diversity->Asian)
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| Geographical Reference: | Japan (International->Asia); Spokane (Washington->Spokane County) |
| Dimensions: |
Object H x W x L 7 1/2 x 15 x 28 "
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| Materials/Techniques: |
leather (Material)
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| Marks/Inscription: |
"Keikano," interior label. "Kazuma Hirata, Spokane, Wash.," paper tag on handle.
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| Related Exhibits: | |
| Credit Line: | Gift of Motoko Hirata, 2006 |
To order a reproduction, inquire about permissions, or for information about prices see:
https://www.northwestmuseum.org/collections