History Happening Now
School Renaming Honors Amy Imai
By Pamela Baird MVHA President
The Mountain View Whisman school board voted in June to rename Huff Elementary School after Amy Imai , a Japanese American woman with strong ties to Mountain View . Trustees decided to rename the school after it was learned that Frank L . Huff held beliefs that are not compatible with that of inclusion and diversity . A year of searching for possible name options determined that Amy Imai was a good selection .
Imai , who was born in 1930 , grew up in Mountain View . Her family was relocated during World War II to the Heart Mountain Detention Center in Wyoming . When the war was over the family returned to live in the area . She graduated from Fremont High School and was asked to speak at the graduation ceremony .
In 1957 , Amy married Robert Imai and had four children . She and her husband built a successful business growing carnations . At her passing in 2013 she had five grandchildren . It was her involvement in the local community that made her the obvious choice in the renaming effort . Imai was an active supporter of the Mountain View – Los Altos Union High School District . She frequently spoke to students about her experiences during the Japanese internment . The Mountain
Amy Imai
View Buddhist Temple was a focus of her many talents . She was a Dharma school teacher for 45 years , coordinated the otoki ( refreshments ) for 15 years , and was an advocate for senior needs and recreation .
As a Buddhist Amy believed that “ you live each day , good or bad , and you make the best of it .” She hoped to “ make a difference in my passing through this life .” With the renaming of the school , her legacy will be assured .
Spring 2021 Event Recap
Rengstorff house — 30 years of Beauty : transformed ! A wonderfully researched presentation about Rengstorff House was featured at the May 2 general meeting . Martha Wallace , secretary of Friends of “ R ” House , gave a fact-filled and interesting talk . Many images of life during the time that Henry Rengstorff immigrated and then prospered in northern Santa Clara County and Mountain View were presented to an interested group of listeners . The City of Mountain View is celebrating the 30 years since the house was restored and opened to the public for viewing and use as a public space .
The beautiful Victorian Italianate home Rengstorff had built is considered to be one of the finest examples of this style of architecture on the West Coast . Martha detailed the life of Henry Rengstorff and his family ’ s ownership of the house . Kristina Perino , senior recreation coordinator with the City , gave a long and twisting story of ownership , abandonment , and eventual restoration of this vital asset in Mountain View . Information was also given about the formation of Shoreline Park and the moving of Rengstorff House to its present location .
Following the formal presentation , a Q & A session followed . Ginny Kaminski , member at large of Friends of “ R ” House ,
Rengstorff House in 1990 during restoration .
and Mark Rogge , formerly of the city staff , gave additional thoughts and insight about the history and restoration of the house . The meeting can be viewed on YouTube- https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? v = jWB __ WVWTd8 & t = 726s .
A big thanks to the contributing participants . The meeting was truly an inspiring story of the perseverance of our community to save the Rengstorff House .
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