Nimi Storefront Mosaic

Nimi Storefront Mosaic

Description

Title Proper Nimi Storefront Mosaic
Date(s) of material from this resource digitized 1918
General material designation
From this series, LOI has digitized a textual record.
Scope and content
The series contains one object; the tile mosaic that was laid outside the front of the Nimi Shoten on 331 Powell Street in Vancouver, BC. The mosaic was laid in the ground at the entranceway of the Nimi Shoten located on 331 Powell Street in Vancouver, BC. It was subsequently rescued by the owner's son, Bob Nimi, in 2010 during the city's renovation of the street.
Name of creator
Toragoro Nimi came to Vancouver in 1905 at the age of 15. He started working in sawmills and planer mills in Vancouver. Then his brother followed. In 1918, Toragoro and his father bought a drug store at 331 Powell Street in Vancouver. It was named "Nimi Shokai". Asians were not allowed to dispense western medications at that time; only Japanese-style herbal medications. So, Nimi Shokai sold non-prescription and Japanese herbal medications, Kodak cameras, film, 78 records of popular songs, pancake makeup, Shaffer pens, gift items, and binoculars.
Immediate source of acquisition
The digital copies of the records were acquired by the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective between 2014 and 2018.

Structure

Digital Objects (1)

Metadata

Title

Nimi Storefront Mosaic
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Terminology

Readers of these historical materials will encounter derogatory references to Japanese Canadians and euphemisms used to obscure the intent and impacts of the internment and dispossession. While these are important realities of the history, the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective urges users to carefully consider their own terminological choices in writing and speaking about this topic today as we confront past injustice. See our statement on terminology, and related sources here.