San Benito,Texas Photograph showing San Benito Light Newspaper Staff Loaded

San Benito,Texas Photograph showing San Benito Light Newspaper Staff Loaded

Unusual photograph showing the staff of the San Benito,Texas Light Newspaper taking a lunch break by consuming as much various brands of alcohol and moon shine known to mankind during Prohibition. The gentleman sitting on the ground holding a newspaper displays the headline as: JAPS TOLD NOT TO STAY IN VALLEY! Oddly enough the bartender with the dark glasses is Japanese. The make shift bar is located in the back of the building and my guess this mixed crew took a break quite often. The San Benito Light was started by Mr. H. E. Agar who is the elderly gentleman shown in the doorway wearing a hat and holding a cigar.

In the early 20th century Japanese immigrants settled in Mission, San Juan and San Benito in the Rio Grande Valley to grow vegetable and citrus crops. A second wave of Japanese arrived around 1920, many from California where they faced increasing anti-Japanese agitation. Most of these Japanese families settled in the lower Valley, as well.

Less than one percent of the population of Texas makes up Japanese Texans today.

A Rare photograph in every respect. 7 ½ x 9 inches.

Item ID: 2774

$125 USD

Please Wait...Add to Cart Please Wait...Make Offer