The history of koi keeping in the USA.

[bekko]

My mother-in-law had a friend who was somehow connected with, or jumped on the bandwagon of, shipping fish in plastic bags. That was when she lived in Southern California. Somewhere around here is a 1957 newspaper article about her friend shipping fish. Sometimes we collect things. I'll see if she can find the article.

-stev

[Louie]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nancy M. I spent the last hour talking to Joa Akiyama, there where 3 locations for Pacific Koi & Goldfish. 1st location was on westminster/edwards street, which is about 1 mile from the current location. His father Henry K Akiyama opened it in 1928. He was beeding koi at that facility, they where also importing from Japan, the fish where shipped over in wooden barrels. They usually lost half of the shippments before arriving here. Joe recalls one shippment when it arrived was completely frozen. Joe also recalls his father going out peddling his koi & goldfish in the back of his truck, he would drive up to LA, and go to all the fish and pets stores trying to sell his koi. They moved to the Mall location in 1934 they where renting at that time, then the war hit and they where put into the internment camp in Poston Arizona which was an indian reservation. Joe then was drafted into the service for 2 years. When he returned from the war and his sister and parents where released form the camp. they went back to doing the koi bussines. In 1945 they purchased the land where the mall sits. In 197o they sold the land to Sears. Sears then built the mall and sold off portions of it, to the city. In 1972 Joe purchased the land that is thecurrent location, and reopened Pacific Koi & Goldfish, in 1990 Joe retired and the store was closed for 5 years. In 1996 Ken reopened under the name of Eastern Nishikigoi.

Nancy,
In 1996 I remember going to Ken`s home and puchaseing koi. I belive he had two other locations in westminster before he ended up at his present place of busniess.
Louie

[lypope]

I remember stopping in at Pacific Koi and Goldfish often in the 1980's just to admire the fish. I kept trying to talk my husband into converting the swimming pool to no effect, as he had a teenage son who loved to swim. I felt fairly strongly that I'd enjoy koi more than the boy...

Nancy, I can't wait to see your article. I used to do a lot of writing in my "previous life" and if you want any help, just holler!

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by Louie Nancy, In 1996 I remember going to Ken`s home and puchaseing koi. I belive he had two other locations in westminster before he ended up at his present place of busniess. Louie

Louie
Ken started at his house on Zane Circle , then moved to the warehouse location, then to Goldenwest. Unless Ken does not know when he opened up Eastern, then maybe you are right. I am just going by what I was told.

[Brian]

Quote: Originally Posted by markgardner p.s. Mondo lists the name of the store in New York, I don't have it to hand at the moment, sorry.

I believe the name that you're referring to is "Nara Shoukai".

[dick benbow]

This has been a thoroughly fun thread to have been a part of. Thanks JR for starting it and for all the additions......
I didn't get involved till the early 70's but was fortunate enough to have a hand in establishing two koi clubs and a Northwest Association of koi clubs here. Too bad we can't turn to the history channel