FAMILY TIES
FAMILY TIES
By Estella Inda
As one of the curators for the exhibition East Side Dreams: The Untold Story of East San José, I had the opportunity to learn and hear about many different family histories. It was eye-opening for me to gain an understanding of how important these family histories are and how they have shaped the future of their families and the community. The experience also made me think about my own family history, influencing me to do what I can professionally to ensure the preservation of east side history. This is my family’s story.
My abuelo/grandfather Higinio Garza was born on January 11, 1929 in Hebbronville, Texas and my abuela/grandmother Aucencia Flores was born on December 18, 1929 in Asherton, Texas. In 1942, at the urging of a family member, Higinio’s family moved to Lorain, Ohio to work at the local steel mill. Aucencia’s family made the decision to move to Lorain when a family member informed them that laborers were needed for the growing steel industry.
“It was eye-opening for me to gain an understanding of how important these family histories are and how they have shaped the future of their families and the community.”
On February 18, 1946, Higinio bravely enlisted during World War II and was stationed in Okinawa with a rank of Sergeant, assigned to Headquarters and Base Service Squadron 559th Air Service Group as a Clerk Typist. In 1947, he received an honorable discharge after being awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal-Japan. After returning home, Higinio met Aucencia and they married on May 31, 1949. During this time, Higinio utilized his GI bill and attended technical school for three years in Cleveland while working part-time. He eventually worked as a Television-Radio repairman.
In 1962, the couple decided to relocate the family to California after Aucencia’s parents sent the different wanted ads from Sunnyvale showing a demand for television repair jobs. On August 5, they filled their 1956 Chevy station wagon with their belongings. Using a 2x4 wood beam to support the weight of the roof, their journey began. With seven children ranging from ages 1 to 13, the youngest being placed on the floorboard by Aucencia’s feet and with another on the way, they managed the six-day long road trip from Ohio to California.
“Using a 2x4 wood beam to support the weight of the roof, their journey began. ”