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Domoto (Toichi) papers
M1414
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
Japanese
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Toichi Domoto papers
creator:
Domoto, Toichi, 1902-
Identifier/Call Number: M1414
Physical Description:
9.5 Linear Feet
(7 manuscript boxes, 6 print boxes, 2 record containers, 1 map folder)
Date (inclusive): 1860-1996
Abstract: Japanese American Toichi Domoto (1902-2001) was a noted horticulturist who began in his family's Domoto Brothers Nursery and
later founded his own nursery in Hayward, California.
Toichi Domoto was the son of first generation immigrants from Japan who settled in California. Arriving in 1883, his father
and uncle worked first as laborers and within a year were able to lease and then purchase a few acres of land in Oakland,
founding the Domoto Brothers Nursery in 1884. They first specialized in the cut flower trade, and later, as pioneers in California's
nursery business, they were responsible for the first plant importation of many important Japanese horticultural varieties
of camellias, tree peonies, and chrysanthemums. They eventually specialized in trees, shrubs, climbing vines, roses, palms
and ferns. Born in 1902 in Oakland, Toichi studied at Stanford University and the University of Illinois before joining his
father's and uncle's business. He later bought 27 acres of land in Hayward and started his own nursery. His first catalog
featured camellias and tree peonies, as well as magnolias, water iris, flowering quince and bonsai. He was interned with his
family during World War II, but returned to his Hayward nursery and continued living there until his death in 2001.
The collection contains family and business correspondence, legal advice concerning the Alien Land Law of 1913, early nursery
business records, early nursery catalogs (from the Yokohama nursery, the Domoto Bros. nursery, and Toichi Domoto's nursery),
photographs of the Domoto family and early nursery business, class notes and subject files.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Marilyn Domoto Webb and Douglass Domoto, 2004.
Open for research; material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the
Head of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, California 94305-6064. Consent
is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission
from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner, heir(s) or assigns. See: http://library.stanford.edu/spc/using-collections/permission-publish.
Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research
and educational purposes.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Horticulture -- California -- History
Japanese Americans -- California -- History -- 20th century
Domoto, Toichi, 1902-