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From Japan to Canada
current
Japan

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Riyomon Teramura was born in Shiga-ken, Honshu, Japan on November 28th, 1901. In 1930 Riyomon married Tomechiyo Hikida. A few months after their wedding, Riyomon immigrated to Canada, arriving in Vancouver on May 18th. Tomechiyo remained in Japan with Riyomon's mother and sister.

Riyomon settled in the Okanagan, working at the Vernon Orchards for several years. In 1935, he returned back to Japan to bring Tomechiyo back to Canada with him, and the couple settled in Winfield.

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Riyomon Teramura
1930
Japan

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Tomechiyo Hikida was born January 20th, 1907 in Shiga-ken, Japan.

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Tomechiyo Hikida Teramura
1930
Japan

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Riyomon and Tomechiyo Teramura arrived in Winfield in 1935.

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Riyomon and Tomechiyo Teramura Arrive in Winfield

Credits:
Ruby Teramura Ohashi
Roy Teramura
Lake Country Museum, interview 2011

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Riyomon Teramua worked for a short time at Winfield Irrigation. In 1936, Riyomon and Tomechiyo began working at the Ohashi farm, which was owned by Riyomon's half-brother, Teijiro Ohashi. They continued working there until they leased their own property in 1941. The Teramuras purchased the Ohashi farm in 1952 and farmed it until 1975.

Tomechiyo and Riyomon had four children, Hanako 'Ruby' (1936), Roy (1939), Harry (1943), and Betty (1949).

Tomechiyo Teramura passed away April 1st, 1975. Riyomon Teramura passed away August August 25th, 1975.

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The Teramura family
1940s
Winfield, BC

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Riyomon Teramura's half-brother, Teijiro Ohashi and his wife Fusa, emigrated from Japan earlier, arriving in Winfield prior to 1920.

Tomechiyo Teramura (centre right) is pictured here with Mr. Masahe 'George' Takenaka (Seimatsu Takenaka's brother), Mrs. Fusa Ohashi, and Teijiro and Fusa's adopted daughter Ayako Tsuji.

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Mr. Masahe Takenaka, Fusa Ohashi, Tomechiyo Teramura, and Taka Tsuji
1930s
Winfield, BC

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Growing up in Woodsdale Flats

Credits:
Ruby Teramura Ohashi
Roy Teramura
Lake Country Museum, interview 2011

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The Teramura farm was located in the Woodsdale Flats area of Winfield, with rich bottom land for growing vegetables and cash crops. Vernon Creek flowed nearby, into Wood Lake at the north end of the property. The family grew a variety of cash crops and planted berries.

Their first home was a small wooden house with a living room, dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms. The house was lined with tar paper for insulation.

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The Teramura's house
1940s
Winfield, BC