Hiroshima citizens’ group publishes book on house-building efforts of American Floyd Schmoe after A-bombing
Nov. 7, 2014
by Michiko Tanaka, Staff Writer
A citizens’ group in Hiroshima called “The Society for the Remembrance of Floyd Schmoe’s Houses for Hiroshima Project,” headed by Yoko Imada, has published a book at its own expense to tell the story of Mr. Schmoe (1895-2001). Floyd Schmoe, a peace activist from the United States, built houses for A-bomb survivors in Hiroshima after the war. For the book, the group members compiled the facts they have gathered since the group was established ten years ago, hoping to “spread the spirit of Mr. Schmoe, who took action for peace.”
Running 159 pages, the A5-size book is titled Houses of Hiroshima: Floyd Schmoe and His Friends. It relates his achievements, along with volunteers from Japan and the United States, in building 21 houses at various locations around the city of Hiroshima from 1949 to 1953. It also includes photos and letters connected to Mr. Schmoe. Through essays contributed by people who were involved in the house-building project, the book conveys Mr. Schmoe’s deep humanity.
Since the group was established in 2004, the members have sought to learn about Mr. Schmoe by visiting people with some connection to his life. Ms. Imada has been fascinated by his story, explaining, “He felt sorrow over the atomic bombing, carried out by his mother country, and showed a sense of atonement through action. His efforts helped change the perspective of Hiroshima citizens toward the United States, paving the way for reconciliation.” On November 1, the group will change its name to “The Society for Learning from Floyd Schmoe.”
In addition to donating copies of the book to city libraries located in all wards of Hiroshima, the group plans to sell the book, priced at 972 yen, at the shop located within Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Among the buildings which Mr. Schmoe helped construct, only one remains, a former community center in Nihonmatsu, Eba, in Naka Ward. Two years ago the building reopened as “Schmoe House,” an annex to Peace Memorial Museum, which exhibits materials involving foreign nationals who lent their support to the reconstruction of the city. To mark the second anniversary of the opening, from November 1 to 3, members of the group will explain about the exhibits between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.
A memorial lecture will also be held at Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, located in Naka Ward, at 2:00 p.m. on November 8. At this event, also free of charge, Ms. Imada will share pictures that the group has collected.
(Originally published on October 31, 2014)
A citizens’ group in Hiroshima called “The Society for the Remembrance of Floyd Schmoe’s Houses for Hiroshima Project,” headed by Yoko Imada, has published a book at its own expense to tell the story of Mr. Schmoe (1895-2001). Floyd Schmoe, a peace activist from the United States, built houses for A-bomb survivors in Hiroshima after the war. For the book, the group members compiled the facts they have gathered since the group was established ten years ago, hoping to “spread the spirit of Mr. Schmoe, who took action for peace.”
Running 159 pages, the A5-size book is titled Houses of Hiroshima: Floyd Schmoe and His Friends. It relates his achievements, along with volunteers from Japan and the United States, in building 21 houses at various locations around the city of Hiroshima from 1949 to 1953. It also includes photos and letters connected to Mr. Schmoe. Through essays contributed by people who were involved in the house-building project, the book conveys Mr. Schmoe’s deep humanity.
Since the group was established in 2004, the members have sought to learn about Mr. Schmoe by visiting people with some connection to his life. Ms. Imada has been fascinated by his story, explaining, “He felt sorrow over the atomic bombing, carried out by his mother country, and showed a sense of atonement through action. His efforts helped change the perspective of Hiroshima citizens toward the United States, paving the way for reconciliation.” On November 1, the group will change its name to “The Society for Learning from Floyd Schmoe.”
In addition to donating copies of the book to city libraries located in all wards of Hiroshima, the group plans to sell the book, priced at 972 yen, at the shop located within Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Among the buildings which Mr. Schmoe helped construct, only one remains, a former community center in Nihonmatsu, Eba, in Naka Ward. Two years ago the building reopened as “Schmoe House,” an annex to Peace Memorial Museum, which exhibits materials involving foreign nationals who lent their support to the reconstruction of the city. To mark the second anniversary of the opening, from November 1 to 3, members of the group will explain about the exhibits between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.
A memorial lecture will also be held at Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, located in Naka Ward, at 2:00 p.m. on November 8. At this event, also free of charge, Ms. Imada will share pictures that the group has collected.
(Originally published on October 31, 2014)
