西家資料は、湯浅銀之助と西兄弟にかかわる資料で、さまざまな写真や年賀状などのはがき、感謝状、トロフィー、渡航案内などがあり、渡米先で西兄弟が経営した植木園の様子や日系社会への貢献、叔父の銀之助との交流がみてとれるものである。
湯浅銀之助(1869-1926/龍門村荒見、現?紀の川市荒見出身)は、旧?那賀郡から渡米した一人で、西九一郎?安喜良兄弟の叔父である。1890年（明治23）にミカンの販路拡大の為に渡米した千田三郎に随伴して渡米した後、サクラメントで果樹園の仕事に従事した。1897年（明治30）雑誌『新日本』を創刊し、1902年(明治35)日米新聞と交渉し支社を設置して主任となり、その後『羅府日米』の創刊に尽力している。南カリフォルニア在留日本人のリーダーで南加和歌山県人会の初代会長であり、羅府日本人会会長、南加中央日本人会会長などの要職に就いている。日系人による漁業振興にも貢献し、羅府缶詰会社社長を務めた。
西九一郎（1886-1965/龍門村荒見、現?紀の川市荒見出身）は、西譲助の長男として生まれる。1905（明治38）に叔父である銀之助の呼び寄せで渡米する。サンフランシスコに上陸後2年間、南カリフォルニアの植木園で働き、1908年（明治41）にバサデナ市でローズ植木園や庭園業を経営した。1907年（明治40）に渡米した弟の安喜良も経営に加わり、終戦後はロサンゼルスで植木造園業を行い、各種要職についている。
About the Nishi family archives –Ginnosuke Yuasa and the Nishi brothers–
The Nishi family archives contain materials related to Ginnosuke Yuasa and the Nishi brothers, Kuichiro and Akira, including various photographs, postcards such as New Year’s cards, letters of appreciation, trophies, and travel guides. These documents provide insights into the situation of the plant nursery (horticultural) business run by the Nishi brothers in their destination in the United States, their contributions to the Japanese community, and their interactions with their uncle, Ginnosuke.
Ginnosuke Yuasa (1869-1926, born in Arami, Ryumon Village, now Arami, Kinokawa City) was one of the emigrants from the former Naga District to the United States and the uncle of the Nishi brothers, Kuichiro and Akira. He accompanied Saburo Senda to the United States in 1890 (Meiji 23) to expand the market for mikan mandarin oranges. After arriving, he worked in a fruit orchard in Sacramento. In 1897 (Meiji 30), Yuasa published a magazine titled Shin-Nihon (lit. new Japan) and negotiated with the Nichibei Shinbun, the Japanese-American News, in 1902 (Meiji 35) to establish a branch office, becoming its chief. He then made efforts in the establishment of Rafu Nichibei newspaper. He served as the head of Japanese living in southern California, and the first president of the Nanka Wakayama Kenjinkai. He also held important positions such as the president of Rafu Nihonjin-kai (Rafu Japanese Association) and the president of Nanka Chuo Nihonjin kai (Southern California Central Japanese Association). He also contributed to the development of the fishing industry by Japanese emigrants and served as the president of the Rafu canning company.
Kuichiro Nishi (1886-1965, born in Arami, Ryumon Village, now Arami, Kinokawa City) was born as the eldest son of Josuke Nishi. In 1905 (Meiji 38), he emigrated to the United States at the call of his uncle, Ginnosuke. After landing in San Francisco, he worked in a nursery in Southern California for two years and in 1908 (Meiji 41), he established a rose nursery and garden business in Pasadena. His younger brother, Akira, who emigrated in 1907 (Meiji 40), also joined the business. After the war, they engaged in nursery and landscaping business in Los Angeles and held various important positions.
デジタル展示室
| No. | 資料 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 「湯浅銀之助と西兄弟」スタジオ写真 |  |
| 2 | 年賀状「謹賀新年」 |   |
| 3 | 西ローズ園 |  |
| 4 | 感謝状（南加和歌山県人会） |  |
| 5 | トロフィー（南加和歌山県人会） |  |
