Pathfinder forerunner,
'The Otsego School,'
helped three imprisoned
Japanese-Americans during WWII
By RICHARD McDONOUGH • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com
An Edmeston school for children with Down syndrome welcomed three Japanese Americans in 1943, who had been imprisoned by the Federal Government for no other reason than their heritage.
The Otsego School provided employment opportunities for these three women.
The school in Edmeston has evolved through the years. Its successor is Pathfinder Village, which today provides a variety of educational and support services for people with Down syndrome.
The Oneonta Daily Star reported June 17, 1922, “The Chesebrough place at Edmeston has been remodeled and will soon be opened as the Otsego School for (children with Down syndrome).” The article indicated Susanne Jones and Florence Chesebrough were in charge of the school.
In early 1943, the Otsego School welcomed three new employees – Mary Hiroshige, Hisae Jeanne Mori and Rose Yasui.
