Densho Digital Archive - Angela Berry Interview

<Begin Segment 1>

FK: Angela, I think I'd like to start off by you telling me about yourself first. You know, like where you were born, when...

AB: Okay, I was born in Seattle. I'm twenty-seven years old, so I was born in 1979 to Greg and Nina Berry. And my maternal grandparents were Felix and Cion Narte and paternal Carmen and John Berry, both longtime residents. And grew up on Bainbridge Island and spent some time away but ended up finishing school in the Seattle area and just finished up with school last June.

FK: So did you graduate from Bainbridge High School then?

AB: Yes.

FK: Went through all the...

AB: Elementary, middle school, Bainbridge High School.

FK: And then you went where to school?

AB: First went to University of San Diego, and then spent some time in Florence, Italy. And then came back to the University of Washington, finished undergrad up there. Studied in Mexico for a bit. Or didn't study. Did more of a design-build project, a program with the UW's architecture school and then went back to grad school for architecture. So I've been in Seattle last three years.

FK: How did you end up in Italy?

AB: How did I like it?

FK: No, how did you end up there?

AB: Oh, how did I end up there. Just kind of wanted to do the whole live abroad for a while. And just... I was drawn to Italy because of the language initially. I was taking some Italian in my freshman year of school. So...

FK: So did you actually go to school while you were in Italy?

AB: I did, yeah. For a year I lived in Florence and yeah, studied a lot of art and art history there. So...

FK: What made you go into architecture then?

AB: When I was in Florence actually. I took quite a bit of architecture history classes, a few drawing, sketching type classes. And, yeah, I came back to Seattle and transferred. And just, just sucked me in. So that's when I got a job working for an architect on the island.

FK: What was, what was growing up on the island like for you?

AB: I loved it. I mean, I think, in hindsight now... looking back, I cherish the memories a lot more than when I was living on the island. I felt... sometimes kids that age feel a little bit isolated and want to leave the island as soon as they can. And I definitely had that sort of itch to leave. But, now, it's such a great place to live. Well, I don't live here. It was a really unique experience, both having families around and then longtime friends that you started preschool off with. And ended up finishing high school with. It's a really unique childhood. It was a great place to live.

FK: Well what, what made you feel like it was unique, other than what you've already mentioned? Was there anything else that made you feel like it was unique?

AB: Maybe just the actual physical geography of actually living on an island, I think is very, very unique. Anytime I tell friends that I grew up on an island, it was very, kind of an intriguing idea. People would want to know if we had electricity and stuff like that. And those were mostly from students from back east or living in Europe. Didn't quite get the idea of living on an island. But, just, mostly actually family, that have been here for so long. That was definitely a factor in the unique experience growing up here.

FK: Now, has anybody ever said to you, like, what ethnicity you are because you don't look entirely white or something like that?

AB: All the time, yeah. Are you curious as to what I usually get?

FK: Uh-huh.

AB: It's either "what tribe are you from" or "what island are you from." So I get... I look native to a lot of people. Or, Hawaiian, I guess. But when I was living in Italy a lot of people thought I was either from Spain or somewhere in South America. And it's interesting 'cause my little -- you know my little sister -- we'd talk about that. And she oftentimes gets, "You must be Middle Eastern. Are you Indian or..." Some guy on the bus one day said she was from Bangladesh and he wouldn't let go of it. She kept saying no. I think he was a little bit crazy. It is kind of a weird combination to be Filipino...

FK: How do you feel when that happens?

AB: It's one of those things where you don't... I don't know. Sometimes it's a compliment. Other times people are just a little bit too... it's kind of an intense sort of interaction when someone's trying to guess what you are. And you say... or oftentimes I find myself in the situation where someone will come up and say, "You look like this." And then I say, "No, actually I'm not." And then it's, really quick, "Oh, well, let me guess what you are then." And it's kind of this awkward sort of thing. Where I don't know you, I don't do that to other people. Just a very strange sort of, I don't know... I don't really have identity issues with that, but it is kind of this awkward encounter with strangers, sometimes. And like I said, on the bus it happens quite often. So...

<Begin Segment 2>

FK: Well tell me about your immediate family.

AB: Both sides? Or mostly...

FK: Yeah. Uh-huh.

AB: Well, as I mentioned, both have lived on Bainbridge for a long, long time. I guess I'll start with my dad's side. My grandma's family are Croatian and they came for the mill originally, Port Blakely and Port Madison. But she grew up... she was born on the island and grew up over in Eagle Harbor. And she is a long time islander.

FK: What was her maiden name?

AB: Rerecich. And she... her uncles were fishermen and so they fished right in the Seattle area and up in Alaska. And she met my grandpa, who is originally from Alaska but came to Seattle I think when he was one or two and he grew up in, on Queen Anne. Then he made his way to Bainbridge to be with my grandma and they lived here for a long, long time. And then my mom's side, my grandpa Felix came over when he was eighteen. Actually no, I take that back. He left the Philippines when he was eighteen and then went to work on the pineapple plantations in Hawaii. And then I think he spent two years there and then came into Seattle to work, work on the island for the strawberry farming, but then also in Alaska in the fishing canneries. So he was, I think, on Bainbridge in 1924 or twenty-six or so. And then my grandma Cion came when he went back to visit his family. And then married and came... all four lived on Bainbridge the rest of their lives.

FK: Tell me about your mother and your father.

AB: Both of them were raised on Bainbridge, too. [Laughs] My roots are here, really. They, same thing, they went to elementary school, went, graduated from Bainbridge High School. My dad and mom met on the ferry actually, coming home to visit their family. My dad was flying and my mom was a flight attendant, actually. They didn't meet on the plane, they met on the ferry coming home to visit their parents. But they... you know, they lived away. Same kind of deal, lived away for a while. Lived in California for a short time and then up in Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island, 'cause my dad was in the navy. That's where he learned to fly. But then when it was time to have kids and everything, they had property near Strawberry Hill and so they built their house there. Lived here for almost twenty-five years of so. And then recently just moved. But longtime islanders too.

<Begin Segment 3>

FK: Now as far as your grandfather Felix, what do you remember about him when you were younger?

AB: [Laughs] Papa Fiki?

FK: Uh-huh.

AB: We spent a lot of time -- we as in my sister and cousins -- down at my grandparents' house. Parents that worked and... he was always out in his fields. He was really, really a funny old man. [Laughs] That's what I remember about him. I don't know. He would go out and just be outside all day and be totally happy. I don't know. He had a lot of cats. I remember that about him. He just really loved us. He would take us around and we'd help him pick the berries, whether it was strawberries or raspberries or blackberries. But, yeah, he was... both sides of my grandparents became kind of the second parental figures in our lives. They were always around and we spent a lot of time, a lot of time with them.

FK: Can you elaborate more on "he was a funny old man?" [Laughs]

AB: Mostly because of the relationship with... you know, my grandma. He was just... he did his own thing. I don't know. He was just very happy, very happy all the time, very witty. And just, I don't know, would play with us and just... he was just a unique character. He was... I mean, physically, he was really skinny and we always thought that was really funny that he was just our skinny little grandpa. He joked around. He was always very happy and very simple, and just had a good time with his family.

FK: I know you interviewed him when you were in high school, right? Is that right?

AB: Yeah.

FK: And what do you, what do you remember about what he told you as far Hawaii or coming over here to Seattle and coming to the island?

AB: There's a couple stories that kind of stick out. Well, one story that I always remember about him and the Philippines, 'cause I, we don't really know too much about what his life was like there 'cause he left at an early age. He left when he was eighteen. But apparently he was a really good swimmer. And I spent a lot of time swimming too, so he would always say, "You get it from me." Because I was good swimmer and a good diver, I guess. And... where was I going with this? You asked, oh, about how he came over, or....

FK: Yeah, what do you remember about him in the Philippines?

AB: Oh, that's the one story that I remember is that he's a good, good swimmer. And then he came over for the opportunities in the U.S. A lot of folks were coming over at that time.

FK: Did he say anything about his time in Hawaii, working in the pineapple fields?

AB: I don't remember that so much. I do remember him talking about being on a boat and feeling very sick. And I asked if he was a little bit scared leaving so early and he wasn't scared at all. It was just what everyone was doing. And he said he went with his friends and... but you know, thinking about it, when you're only eighteen, that's.... especially when travel was a lot different back then.

FK: So what did he do when... when he got to Seattle, what did he do?

AB: When he came to Seattle, originally, it was for the opportunities that were being advertised in the papers to work in the salmon canneries in Alaska. But then at that time I think there was also the advertisements for farmhands on the fields here. I don't really have too many stories about that time in Seattle. Just that splitting time between Alaska and here and the different seasons.

FK: Did... I know he became a foreman in Alaska. Did he ever talk about how he became a foreman?

AB: I don't know too much, no. I don't know.

FK: When he came...

AB: My uncle would know.

FK: Okay. Your uncle...

AB: Felix.

FK Okay, all right. Felix Junior.

AB: Felix Junior.

FK: Right.

AB: He might know more about that story because he spent time over there.

FK: Now when he came to the island, what did he tell you about coming to the island?

AB: You know, the only really memories that I have is him talking about the, you know, Mama-moto, and meeting the family and he'd talk about working in the farms all day and I don't know about his first experience on the island so much. But I do know that it was to come work on the farms.

FK: Do you know about what year that was that he...

AB: I think 1926 stands out in my head. I'm not... if he spent... okay, so 1906 is when he was born. Yeah, I think roughly around 1925, '26, he came to Bainbridge.

FK: Did he, did he talk much about what it was like to work on the berry farms at all?

AB: Yeah, he would say it was long, long days and a lot of work. And I know that, I mean, from experience, that strawberry picking is not an easy task. And so he wouldn't complain. He would just say that it was a lot, a lot different. And, he would say how the island has changed quite a bit from the farmlands before.

FK: He seemed to have a special relation with Mama Kitamoto. What did he... did he talk about that as far as that? Or did your grandmother ever talk about that?

AB: Oh yeah. My grandma, when she came over she was one of the first Filipino women on the island, so she said it was a very, very hard time for her because she didn't know where she was going. She was just... she was twenty-one or so and came. She definitely said that Mama Kitamoto helped her out and taught her what she should do when the phone rings, that she should say "hello." Taught her certain phrases early on when they first came. And, so right, so the Kitamoto family is who my grandpa had worked for. And, did you want me to ta'k more about...

FK: Sure.

AB: ...that relationship? Is that?

FK: Uh-huh.

AB: Okay. So when the Japanese were interned, quite a few Filipino farmers took over some of the Japanese farms while they were away and cared for the farms and so that partnership was established. And, so my grandpa had worked for the Kitamoto family. And when they... upon their return, I believe, and I don't know the details, but I think that he was given some land to start his own farm or... you know more than I do. I'm not sure.

FK: Now, do you remember your uncle Elalio?

AB: I don't. No, no.

FK: You don't. Okay.

AB: No.

<Begin Segment 4>

FK: And what did... I know your dad started out keeping the berry farming up, but then during the war, do you know what he decided to do as far as employment and so forth? Not your dad, but I mean your grandfather, sorry.

AB: My grandpa. No, right, right, I understand.

FK: Got a little mixed up there.

AB: So I do know that the Filipino Farmers Association was established at that time and it was kind of... what he told me, was this organization to establish some sort of, not camaraderie, but just kind of support where they organized all of their tools and supplies and... but I do know there was sort of a lull during that period where it was just too difficult to maintain. I think maybe one season or two seasons? Do you know? I'm curious. No. But, I mean, initially they were able to maintain the farms. But there was kind of a period where, because of the wartime, that it did fall.

FK: I think it was hard to find pickers, for one thing.

AB: Yeah, labor and then just being able to sell and transport.

[Interruption]

FK: So when your grandfather came down and then he worked for the Kitamotos and he looked after the farm, did he ever talk about what it was like after the war? After, after we came back?

AB: In terms of the farming or just in general?

FK: Yeah, yeah.

AB: A bit. I remember him talking about how... and maybe that's when more of the Strawberry Hill area, was developed, following the war? Is that correct? I know that there was that lull during the war. And as you said, that's where he learned his skills in the, in the shipyard, when he became an electrician. But, as far as I know, that's when it kind of picked up again, but it never was the same as prior to the war. I know he had mentioned that before, but... I'm not sure.

FK: Now he also farmed on New Brooklyn, didn't he? And can you tell me something about that?

AB: It's actually, I believe, where our house was built. He had some property up there. And, I'm not sure how many people he had working for him or anything, or how long that lasted. But, yeah, he had some land. And part of it was donated for Strawberry Hill Park, I believe. But I don't know the, the acreage or the details on that. He divided the land between his six kids and so there's all... there's plots of land where the farms used to be up there.

FK: So you have five uncles and aunts?

AB: One aunt, yeah. Six kids. Two, just my mom and my aunt, stayed on Bainbridge and lived here. My uncle... well I guess he's back and forth too. But two of his kids actually built homes on that land and kids grew up on Bainbridge. Or, grandkids grew up on Bainbridge.

<Begin Segment 5>

FK: Now I understand you're working on a memorial thing for your masters?

AB: Yeah. I actually, I finished up last June. So this was... yeah, last year I was working on a thesis design project. My site was actually over Wyatt and Weaver and it's the Nakata family's property. The Nakata family owns the Town and Country supermarket and they're looking into creating an organic farm there eventually that would supply the Town and Country Market on Bainbridge. And so I was looking at that site for some type of interpretive -- never really called it quite a memorial -- but kind of a visitors center. But a memorial to the farmers and specifically the Japanese and Filipino partnerships... that were created right around, right around the war. I just got my masters and did complete that project. But it was hypothetical.

FK: What inspired you... what inspired you want to head in that direction for your thesis?

AB: My grandpfather, actually. I'll tell you the story actually. I was coming home -- this was I believe when I was living in Mexico -- and I came home. It was the summer I remember. And I thought, okay, I'll pick up the Bainbridge Review. And I read an article and it had to do with an island mother not wanting, I believe they were calling it the Leaving Our Island program or the curriculum or unit that was being taught in the middle school. I think at Woodward. Either Woodward or Sakai. And how this unit... they were spending too much time on the subject and for someone who had lived on Bainbridge Island and my grandpa's history and life here.... it hit home. And the Kitamoto family... Mama-moto was kind of like my grandma too. She was always over. So that's initially what sparked the idea, was that the island has changed so significantly and in just my lifetime. I can't imagine how my grandmas -- or the two surviving now -- for them to see the changes. I think it was just this issue of... Bainbridge is now kind of this high end destination spot for developments and everything. And I just thought it would be a great way to help preserve that. The big question was... sustainability is a big buzzword in the building, construction industry, with architects and designers. And I was trying to play with this idea of, well, is it also possible to also sustain the history of the community through this memorial or this center that I was designing. So, that's, that was the inspiration. And also Jones & Jones had designed an actual memorial for the site where the Japanese were physically taken from the island, right at the ferry dock on Taylor Road, the old ferry, ferry terminal. And so I used that as kind of the starting point for my design. I wish I had some... a map or something that I could show you. But, the memorial or the visitor center that I worked on for the Nakata property was more about the return to the land as opposed leaving the land. And so, sometime I'd like to share it with you.

FK: Sure. What, what did you want your design to say to someone who didn't know anything about what went on here?

AB: In one sentence?

FK: Take whatever you want to take.

AB: It was... it's that there was once quite a bit of farmland here. And there's a whole rich history, not just in the actual farming, but how minorities of the island made their way here and that was my, the driving force behind it. And, Wyatt and Weaver, the Nakatas' property, on Wyatt, that's the main road to get to the south end of the island. And it's also the main road to get to the Taylor memorial. And so the idea was so as you're passing to get to the Southern end... it's prime location. It's top land there where lots of developments could be. But Town and Country wanted to preserve that. So my gesture was to highlight that farmland where, when they eventually develop the organic farm, have some sort of place where you'd want to stop. Or, if you don't want to stop, and you're just passing -- again, I wish I had my models or a visual -- but the initial gesture was these rolling hills and the landscape, the manipulated landscape. The sort of symbolism in that was the rolling strawberry fields that once were so evident in a lot of the island's topography. But then also, the two sort of buildings that I had placed within these, within this landscape, was symbolic of the Japanese and the Filipino cultures and the fact that they were resting in between these sort of rolling hills is kind of this return presence in the land. It's just something figurative in the landscape that would be a permanent reminder of once, what once was, I guess you could say.

FK: You said it was hypothetical. What did, what did people that saw it think? Or was there a chance that something like that would happen?

AB: The feedback?

FK: Yeah.

AB: Well, the way it worked, or works is... all of our design projects are hypothetical. But I invited some of the Nakata family members to my thesis presentation, which is a public defense. I got quite a bit of feedback on it. The tough thing is they're not sure when it's gonna be developed or anything. But, it's a possibility to have some sort of visitor center or something along those lines when they do actually develop that land into the farm. I also have people that have heard about my project have mentioned other, other sites that are possibilities. Which is great. Anything would be wonderful to have that. And I'm just drawn to that that site on Wyatt and Weaver, for the location.

FK: What other sites were suggested to you?

AB: There's one just past Winslow Way, I think Lucy had mentioned it. I'm not quite sure where that's located. I'm sorry I don't, I don't know. I haven't been there or anything. But again, they Wyatt and Weaver site is just...

FK: So, so what did your instructors say to you about your project?

AB: Well, I worked with two professors for, gosh, six months or so. And they really, really got into it. They helped shape my education so they helped shape the design in a lot of ways with their feedback. But it wasn't just them. I went and visited John Paul and he helped me quite a bit. I met him once a month or once every other month or so. Also, I got feedback from other students of mine. Even just friends that grew up on Bainbridge too. Also from Larry Nakata, he was involved. One of my former employers was really helpful too. It was a lot of fun. Maybe if it does work out down the road, that would be great. But, just the whole process was really great.

FK: So what direction do you want to take your Masters in Architecture in?

AB: Right now I'm working for an architect in Seattle who mostly does a lot of public work. We're working on a wastewater treatment facility and I'm actually gonna start on a pumping station on Tuesday. Right now I'm just doing that for the experience I think. He was an architect that has been in Seattle for quite a while. And he actually just passed away unfortunately. He was the first African American architect in the Pacific Northwest who really established himself in the area. The type of work that they do, I really enjoy it. It's very industrial and not glamorous work, but I'm drawn to that sort of, sort of work. But then on the other hand, something along the lines of what Jones & Jones and their work... something that has more to do with memorials and museums and that sort of type of work is probably where I'll head next. I'm not too into the high end residential. I spent some time working for an architect that does a lot... has a lot of clientele in that area. And I don't, I don't think that's what for me right now. Yeah, it's fun so far, I like what I do.

<Begin Segment 6>

FK: If you had a message for people who are living on the island now, as far as your own experiences on the island and so forth, what message would you like to give them?

AB: Let's see... in terms of the farming history? Or in terms just the island in general?

FK: How about both.

AB: About both?

FK: Uh-huh.

AB: Well, I think the farming is so important. Just... I don't think anyone is really aware of kind of the magnitude of how the war changed the landscape of Bainbridge Island. So I mean I would want people to know about that history. As far as a message, I always, I mean... it's really hard. It was really hard to read that in the paper. That someone who, I found out, was not from here.... it's just... I would just hope that people would want to learn more about where they're living, I guess. And not forget, forget to look back, I suppose. And then in terms of the other question... was just more of the island in general, I guess?

FK: Uh-huh.

AB: Gosh, I'm not sure. For kids growing up on Bainbridge? Oh wow. Enjoy it. [Laughs] Yeah, I don't know. I mean I have cousins that are still in school here. I think it's just a lot different than when I was here, already. And that was ten years ago.

FK: You know, I've sensed over the years that there've been some conflict between kids that were Filipino and kids that were Indipino. Do you have any feelings about that or any things you'd like to say about that?

AB: You know, I'm aware of those sorts of conflicts, but I never experienced it firsthand. The only thing I can really say is, when I was in high school, there was an organization and... I don't know. I mean, sometimes I felt like it was difficult because I wasn't full Filipino, which... I mean I never felt any sort of discrimination or anything. That's not it. But, you know... it's kind of weird because I didn't completely identify with... I, yeah, no. That's not true. I mean, I always felt welcome with other Filipino kids, but it is... I mean and I think a lot of kids go through that maybe. I never had any issues with the Indipinos or Filipino kids that... during my years growing up here.

FK: Now if there was any message that you wanted to give to kids now as far as the kids that are now in Bainbridge High School, and they have that identity problem... was there any message that you would like to tell them?

AB: Don't get wrapped up in those issues. I don't know, I don't know, Frank. Embrace everyone. I mean, I don't know. I'm the type of person that just... I don't know. If you can, you know, offer me some... something along the lines of friendship or if you're an interesting person, I just... yeah, I've never had issues with others. And again, that's part of the unique situation on Bainbridge Island. But, I guess in recent years I have heard of some racial issues on the island and it's... I guess it's everywhere. I'm blown away by that. It's just... yeah.

FK: What do you... you know there are, sometimes, there are racial issues. What do you, what do you think causes that? Why do you think some people are so stuck on ethnicity or racial problems? Or see that as a negative type thing? Is there any reasons you think?

AB: Fear maybe?

FK: Fear?

AB: I don't... yeah, 'cause there's both sides. One side is, you have so much pride. Or not.. that's not the right word either. But, you stick to being around your type of people and I think that's a downfall in a sense. 'Cause that's not how this country was founded. And this was just basic, general social issues. But, I kind of felt like, when I was reading this article about this woman that... who was very opposed to this... maybe there was some sort of sense of fear. And that... I don't know what her agenda was. But maybe... I don't know. It's a big question mark. I don't understand. I don't know.

<Begin Segment 7>

FK: Is there anything else that's important to you that you'd like to say as far as your family or your relationships with the Japanese community or anything? Is there anything else you'd like to say?

AB: I'm thankful. I'm mean, I'm very thankful that I had such wonderful grandparents that had a great lifetime here with a lot of great, great friends. Right now it's just my two grandmas that are surviving, both of my grandparents.

FK: As your grandmothers get older, are there some things that you're concerned about or that you try to do as far as...

AB: [Becomes emotional] Whoa. I don't know where that came from. My grandpa John just passed away. So, it's pretty new. Wow, sorry... I'm sorry.

FK: That's okay.

AB: He just passed away right at Thanksgiving, actually. I don't even know what you asked me. I'm sorry.

FK: Oh, I asked, as your grandmothers get older and... are there any concerns you have for them or any things that are important to you as far as your grandmas...

AB: Oh yeah. In terms of my family, just that they're loved and we're here for them. But, I was just... my grandma actually drove me here. And, it's kind of her thing. "Oh, look at what's going up here. Look. Remember I... that used to be this and this." And it's kind of this tour of what was. Here, this is my dad's mom who, the one I mentioned was, or grew up on Eagle Harbor where she used to row to get to school. I don't know... just that they both have spent their whole lives here and I hope they just continue to enjoy it as much as it's changed. And, yeah. I don't... I'm sorry. I don't usually... so emotional.

FK: That, that's great. Can you think about why you maybe are emotional at this time?

AB: Oh yeah, like I said, my grandpa just passed away.

FK: Yeah.

AB: My other grandpa. I don't know... I just feel blessed. 'Cause they were both really great. And lived very modest lives, but really great lives. It's amazing, I actually just spoke at the service and there's three hundred something people there and that was kind of the big... the theme of the day. How could someone who wasn't wealthy -- wealthy in terms of material items, and had sort of limited power -- how could he command such a presence at his service? This is my dad's side. My grandpa Fiki was the same way. And... I don't...

FK: Well, they probably both...

AB: Wow, I didn't even really cry too much when I was speaking, I don't know.

FK: They were both very powerful internal people.

AB: What's that?

FK: They were both probably powerful internally.

AB: Yeah.

FK: And sometimes that's more authentic than... yeah.

AB: Oh, sure, sure.

<Begin Segment 8>

FK: I wanted to ask you what you thought about the World War II Japanese American Memorial at Eagledale, and what your, what your feelings were about that and just give me your take on that memorial.

AB: I've seen a presentation and I've seen the models for it and some plans and renderings and everything about it seems very appropriate. And it's going to be a beautiful, beautiful space in general. I'm not sure. How far are they along? Are they getting closer? Or is it... is there a scheduled opening yet?

FK: Yeah, pathways and roads are all in. If you haven't been out there, you can go out there on Monday. We're gonna go out there after a luncheon we have. So, but I don't know if that's possible for you. It's at 2:30 or so we're gonna go out there.

AB: Oh, okay.

FK: You can see what's gone on so far. Do you, do you feel like... one of the things we think is important is to have a section of that memorial, whether it's in the interpretive center or not, on people that helped us during that time and so forth. And, and it seems like almost every Japanese family had some Filipino person looking after their farm and looking after things. And how do you feel about that being part of the memorial and the relationship between the Filipino families and the Japanese families?

AB: I think it's a wonderful idea. It's very... it's an honor for all the Filipino farmers. I mean, I knew that there was gonna be the visitors center but I didn't realize there was going to be something that was dedicated towards the Filipino...

FK: Well, we think that's, that's part of our... what's gonna to end up in the interpretive center.

AB: Yeah. It's a really nice gesture.

FK: Well, it's more than a gesture, 'cause it's true. [Laughs] I mean it's obvious that it's, it was very helpful to us. Anything else you'd like to add?

AB: Sorry, I'm all shaken up.

FK: That's okay. Anything you want to ask me?

AB: Ask you? Yeah, when is the opening? Is there going to be...

FK: We're doing it in phases, so...

AB: Oh, okay.

FK: Yeah, the next phase will be the memorial wall. And we just got enough funds to do that. So that's probably gonna start in the spring and hopefully it will be done before the end of the year.

AB: Okay.

FK: And the phase after that is to do the pier off the end and then the interpretive center last. It's gonna be a few years because we still have to raise a lot of money to do that.

AB: Sure, sure...

FK: But it's a beautiful place.

AB: Yeah.

FK: So if you get a chance, just go ahead and go out there.

AB: I was there for the blessing actually. And that was a nice day.

FK: On March 30th we'll have the, another ceremony 'cause it will be the sixty-fifth anniversary.

AB: Okay.

FK: And that's another thing you could come to.

AB: Okay.

FK: Well, I appreciate everything you've done and I'm glad you did that paper on your grandfather.

AB: Thank you.