1970 Watsonville and Aptos Classmates
As you may remember, a favorite Watsonville teacher, Mas Hashimoto, passed away in June of 2022. His wife, Marcia, attended our Reunion that year when we paid tribute to him. To honor his legacy, we have purchased a Japanese Cherry Blossom tree. Permission was granted to plant the tree by Watsonville High School’s main building, and to add a commemorative plaque nearby. The tree and plaque are in place now. Thanks to all who donated to make this happen.
Mas Hashimoto 1935-2022
Mas was the seventh son in his family and was only 3 years old when his father died. The family then lost their business and became field workers. In 1942, he and his family were incarcerated by the U.S. Government at the War Relocation Authority’s “relocation camp” in Poston, Arizona. After the camps were closed in 1945, the Hashimoto family finally returned home to Watsonville.
Mas attended Watsonville High from 1949-1953, was a member of Block W, and editor of the yearbook. After graduation, he was a member of the U.S. Army’s Chemical Service Department and later earned a B.A. and a teaching credential at San Jose State. He returned to Watsonville High School as a teacher in 1960 and was the first Asian American to join the staff. He was only the second person of color on the WHS faculty and taught at WHS for 36 years, retiring in 1996. He was the advisor for numerous classes, Snow Catz and Alley Catz.
After retirement he continued to be involved in the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and other civil rights activities. He spoke about the Japanese American Interment to high school U.S. History classes in Santa Cruz and neighboring counties. In 1992, the 50th anniversary of the class of 1942 graduation, Mas arranged for Japanese American alumni to walk across the stage at the WHS graduation. This event was the first of its kind and prompted the California State Legislature to pass a bill that encouraged other high schools to do the same.
In 2001, Mr. Hashimoto authored a book, and a script: Liberty Lost – Lessons in Loyalty, detailing the “evacuation” of the Japanese in Watsonville. In 2002, on the 60th anniversary, a reenactment took place on Beach Street and at Watsonville High, involving more than thirty citizen-actors. The event was covered by more than fifty news agencies and was the first and only time such an event was undertaken.