1942 5 21 Letter from Iyo to Kay

1942 5 21 Letter from Iyo to Kay

Letter from Iyo in Tanforan to Kay in Washington D.C. She sees only certain people often depending on the “neighborhood you’re in and work you do.” There is Thursday talent show and Tuesday music appreciation. Tom is now recreation leader and John is House Manager. Iyo and Kay (Uchida) opened another nursery, but can only handle 30 out of the 101 pre-school children. Kids like Kik still without schooling. Recreation centers are taking care of athletics. New barracks being built in in-field and badly needed washrooms. Population around 7500. Very difficult to do washing or take showers because of crowds and lack of hot water. Not enough food, not even for purchase. Has lost 6 lbs. Pre-natal and post natal mothers not receiving enough nourishment. Only real meal served was when new reporters came. Hospital can only take in sickest and there is shortage of nurses, supplies and facilities. Much red tape “passing the buck”. Canteen is ill-supplied. First Tanforan baby born under “shoe string conditions” without anesthesia. Public has impression of their situation as vacation with expenses paid. Must not lose faith but hard to believe reality. Suzuki’s stall #14 has old floor boards unsprayed just as horses left it with fleas and lice. Advisory council only submits recommendations and nothing changes. Pay scale is $8, $12, $16 per month (doctors get $16) but only those in charge are on payroll. She is lucky to be in co-charge of Nursery #2 with Tomi Takahashi. Earl and Blanch Bowers sent food and many things. Mr. and Mrs. Kingman visited them as well as Santa Anita Racetrack. Vernice Chamberlain brought ice cream. After rains, very muddy conditions. Stalls and dining hall leak. Hungry at night. Eddie built furniture for them. Requests Kay to shop for groceries from list enclosed.

Iyo Yamashita

May 21, 1942

English

Letter

Thursday May 21

Received both your letters yesterday - old address ones always got late - afraid I can't catch you in N.Y. Everyone enjoyed your interesting observations, comment. Hope all goes well with you both -- We are now settled more or less - can't do much with these great _ but we are far more comfortable than most sp we have company quite often almost continuously people drop by over here and on the other side. Tom had the girls over one nite - Kay, Iyo and Yoshiko Takiguchi, Billy Oshima was over too and we had an evening of Tripoly and our usual snack time. Tom made jello the day before too – and they all enjoyed so much. Took letters over to Tanakas and Uchidas. See only certain people often, depending on the neigthborhood you're in and work you do and so some people you just don't meet at all - I haven't been meeting up with your gang. Tak Tsuchiya's around - living in "Hollywood Bowl" - the circle right by Kajiwaras (They're stables in an enclosed circle) Carol is in the hospital with a high temp. – we hope it's a cold and she'll be well soon. Mr. Sawai was laid up there too with rheumatism - okay now. Everyone P...as gone tonite and Thurs. Talent Show at main social hall - grandstand place. On Tues. they have music appreciation - it was recordings last time - Tom is now recreation leader under Yosh Hibino of our district recreation center. John has taken over Hse Manager. We opened another nursery right by our place and Kay has her hands full- I enjoy my work with the kiddies and can forget the situation we're in when I'm absorbed there - tho' at times it comes out starkly because we're faced with utter lack of facilities to care for them all -- We now have these 2 gardeners' houses, 3 in one - 4 small rooms in other, we have bottle milk but otherwise - no furniture (tho' lumber is promised and won't come) and all else is from milk contribution of whatever little people have here - Can't get anything tho' there are certain supplies in store room - like a broom! This 2nd

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we undertook has about 101 pre-school children and we can only handle 30 in crowded conditions so we just close the door on the rest. You can imagine the no. of children that need recreational facilities. Even if we found places to open 5 centers all together as we plan, I don't see how we can care for them all by the above figures. We haven't touched a single new barrack on the in-field just the horse stall barracks in the part. They won't allow a survey. Kay worked a week on one (just the form) and submitted it but for some reason was refused approval to go ahead with it. We can't do anything that requires copies or forms. This is only the preschool.

The educ-director supposedly came Tues. but nothing heard. Kids like Kik still without schooling. The recreation centers are now taking care of the athletic end, indoor games incl. They have little to work with tho' leaders are conscientious and resourceful making own checker boards, etc. Donations of equipment are coming in from the outside in dribbles but there is an immed. need and the office here has furnished nothing to speak of. Can't get the lumber to build or make things. New barracks are going up in the infield and more washrooms being built (need badly). Population around 7500 more perhaps since last of S.F. came in today or so. You'd be surprised at the crowds. Can't get washing done - always run out of hot water or places filled. Have to time everything right to take shower, dishes, wash. Area mess halls better than "bread line" but we still don't get enough to eat and the leaders are now working to get sanction for a canteen which carries the necessities of food and otherwise so people can purchase the lack - e.g., milk. Only children under 3 get whole milk and 4-12 get skimmed milk and it's limited.

I've lost 6 pds. There are so many pre-natal and post-natal mothers here too who need more

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nourishment than they're getting. We know all this is costing the gov't money but we certainly didn't ask to give up our livelihood and be dependent on hand-outs. Here we can't even buy milk even if we have the money to spend. It's better than at first since we do get fresh vegetables as carrot, cabbage, beets, lettuce, mostly (quantity very 1imited); meat such as can corned beef, coup1e sman slices ham, cold meats, roast beef (one 2x3" and 4" piece) had (boiled) egg twice since I came. Boiled potatoes and bread we get, rice not cooked too well; dessert is jello, dried fruits, or pudding that's like colored com starch (appetizing look but hardly edible) - we had fresh fruit cocktail for dessert tonite - 2 tablespoon (Chiz says 1 tbsp). We bring our ration of2 slices of bread each, home and eat at nite with "the stuff' you send. Earl sent u:; a carton of snack food. Miss Blauch Bowers (?) ( did I tell you) sent many things to John. We've also had fish such as canned salmon, one small storage smelt, some white fish - get it 2 or 3 times a week. The one real meal we had was the day some officials, news reporters were here - we had roast pork - and that morning was the only time we had a small pat of butter with flapjacks. Scare sugar and canned cream [are] always already in the much-diluted coffee, and since yesterday no sugar with cereals or coffee and mush mostly. We've had quarter-piece of grapefruit for breakfast now and then. Jam portion with breakfast tablespoonful. They do have special diets for children 1-3 but it isn't much and for sick people (Masa works there but the supplies to work with [are] limited considering the need again).

Hospital is slowly getting things but accommodations aren't enuf too many sick and can only take in the very bad ones, e.g. measles, too many cases to bring into hospital so couldn't bring in any of them and difficult to observe strict quarantine; many diarrhea cases in the in-field but they couldn't be cared for; There are several hundred chronic patients at barrack homes for whom Dr. Azuyama wants to organize nurse visitation but the hospita1 is short of nurses - esp. R.N. so aides are being trained. Now have very inadequately equipped 20 bed unit and maternity ward is in process of being built -

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Very serious cases cannot be handled here and to to the San Mateo Co. Hosp. First Tanforan baby was born on shoestring condition - no anesthetics, etc. Have 17 babies coming up this month. One woman from Irvington was 5 days post-partum - came from hosp. directly with one cotton blanket on baby, being told they would have everything here –but they didn't have one diaper or baby blanket. Had to send out for. It's much better now - slowly coming along, the hospital but we just wait for everything i.e., lumber for the maternity ward. You put in an order e.g., rubbing alcohol, just a couple of bottles but
it never comes. No one knows who is responsible - we're just told army red-tape. We're puzzled - things that seem so simple to do don't seem to get done and there is much "passing the buck." The canteen is the biggest gripe - they never have enough of anything to sell - the few candies, cigarettes, oranges, and pop are all that's handled __ newspapers and tha you have to stand in line 10-20 deep before they open in order to buy nothing but newspapers the last few days. And these aren't luxuries except cigarettes maybe but a supplement to our deficient diet. This water unboiled, doesn't agree with
most people. Kik vomited 4 times during a nite. I think it was water so we want "pop" instead of drinking water.

People are willing to finance an adequate canteen on a co-operative system which worked wonderfully well at Missoula but the issue has so far been side-stepped by authorities here. We've been patient and have for the most part made the most of everthing but we begin to wonder fi the proper heades are uninformed or misinformed. We can take the inconveniences and the lack of certain things and people aren't complaining - you should see the window boxes, gardens, furniture and ciever devices made from nothing - but in many instances something could be done without sacrifice or little cost to the gov't. if inefficiency and red-tape were cut out. We don't mind the carpenters working out here getting $24 a day but what gets me is the misimpression the general public has of our situation (of course they have only the papers to by - and visitors can only look out toward the new ba.lacks - what is beyond the tree hidden) - vacanti on "With expenses paid !!

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All this unorganized news thing - as fast it come to me is being written for your information so that you might know the facts as they are if asked. Be careful not to exaggerate when repeating. I have put in details to make it accurate as possible - as of this moment. Things change daily. Don't Worry your head about it all because I'm sure that General DeWitte and others have heard by now. We have leaders amongst us who would know best what course to take - I hope. Did you know about Clarence Sadamune who climbed the fence out, got to S.F., tried to join the army (2 older brothers in army) or navy, was refuse, so write to WCCA office to ask exemption from camp and try to get gov't work - He was sent back to Tanforan You know just he - his father was here at first but sister - mother too came later. Then suddenly the whole family was given one hour to pack to leave for Parker, Arizona - They had several (couple?) hours as it turned out but could take just bare baggage - had t leave rest her. Clarence took poison in the WCCA office when he was told they could make no exception. His mother is Portuguese? And he doesn't look Japanese. He recovered from the poison but he'll never get over all this. I had just met him before it happened - he's Torca's (?) friend. Another woman was sent to Stockton. There's been a boy too - Someone we know "cracked up" one nite. They came to call Chiz. She's all right now. Many a Nisei go around muttering the preamble of the Constitution, the bill of Rights, etc.

We mustn't lose faith now but it's hard to beliefthis relief. We had a card from Ted since they reached camp in Fresno - says it isn't bad but it isn't good - it's hot and will get hotter in those barracks - Neck tired from packing - Bob has some sort of jobgrounds coordinator.

It's amazing how busy I keep and time passes - everything takes so long to do – you know why- I washed my hair once but it's still full of dirt and soap. The water is so hard you can't make suds and no vinegar and rinse. It just won't wash. Need plenty of water softeners -

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sal soda helps - there must be something better not so harsh. Could use bleach for laundry - and cold starch. Could use heaters, stoves in barracks, irons (?) _

Oh yes - Barracks 13 and 14 have been condemned by the San Mateo Co health authorities - you know why. 14 with those dirty stalls just opposite with rat poison all around and children playing in front of their houses not even a stone's throwaway. The Suzukis' stall in 14 has old floor boards unsprayed just as the horses left it. Fleas and lice.

Took letter to Mrs. Tanaka - says she sensed ask (?) not sending it out therefore had T wire since she hadn't received an answer to her letter t Mr. Moriyama either. Hard to pay Mrs. Tanaka for wire she sent in your behalf so trust you have something for her - We're trying to have a Town Hall under the educ. Program but we can't have any meeting unless the main office passes approval on each topic. So it is with everything - We can't do, write or say any1hing - (as far as democratic gov't goes) meetings unless it’s submitted, approved. We have an advisory council but they merely submit recommendations and wait and most of the time nothing happens. It's supposed to be self government but I can't see it.

There are dozens of firms wanting to come in and sell us goods and services but they're turned away by the office. The weather changes suddenly day to day - it's either too hot or too cold. We've had rain during the nite twice since. The wind blows and we've had 1. V. weather. The pharmacist has a drug store now but he sells only one commodity - guess - Kotex. I've still got my cold - it hangs on - mild case of whooping cough some say - If it wasn't for Chiz "finagling" I wouldn't have been able to get cough medicine - I couldn't sleep for it - the cough. John and Eddie talking. I just pick up pieces to write about and it goes on and on: "What are you going to do about it? I quit!"

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Sunday eve
Just heard Mr. Kitano is in Highland Hospital under the army's care there – maybe mother can look him up - Julia finally got exemption. He hasn't had his operation yet and will probably be there quite awhile. He won't have to come here late wither being '

Gosh, I'm hungry - just had dinner you know. I can't go on like this indefinitely. Yesterday we ate well - army inspectors were here. Scrip books are sold now - can't spend any cash. They're in $250 bklets with various denominations included. Not a thing to buy tho - just newspaper. Things would be impossible if you have to manage baggage yourselves - or arranged to have sent. There is a rumor that after this month they won't allow food to be brought in - maybe just those which require cooking or heating. The army claims they'll make the food so good we won't have to eat outside mess hall but I can't begin to see it. Again who knows your guess is as good as mine - leave it to your discretion. There may be a store with everything and there may not - Study enclosed list carefully. Segregate list before shopping and check.

Please try to pick up Maso's shoes - leather sole light brown flat oxfords - little more heel than my Miss Chief(?) - like Chizz. EI Centro, Mr. O. King. Try Roos Bros. It's pretty urgent for her. All our shoes are sure taking a beating. They've thrown huge gravel all over the roads.

Mr. and Mrs. Kingman came yesterday and were abie to visit with us for a moment. This is the first and she had a good look _ . She'd been t Santa Anita too - says it's better here in certain respects. We've been contemplating ordering a roast turkey from Drake for Eddie's birthday if you could pick it up - but wlless someone were iliiving you here - yeah, what a drefull!

Tom's birthday we had ice cream and cookies! Nurse went out to Co. Hosp on maternity case. Last day for new employment was yesterday so I don't see that you can get a camp job - but what matters. Most of us are doing something but you know the scale $8, $12, and $16 per month according to skill. Doctors' get $16. Kay has put me in co-charge of nursery #2 with Tomi Takahashi so from tomorrow I'll have a job officially. Only those in charge are on the payroll tho' we have about 10 girls assisting each place, working in shifts up tp till now for lack of space and facility. Guess I'm lucky

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tho' the pay is certainly no incentive for work. One is lucky if one can be occupied at something he likes to do. There probably are openings still in the educ. Field tho' I love the idea of the setup - because it'll be very limited and _ shoestring as that is only an assembly center and also educ. Bring under the City and State jurisdictional - it's now vacation time or will be soon - therefore little will be set up or done.
Vernice Chamberlain was there too - brought couple gallons ice cream to have with all her friends. Tom had some - she couldn't come inside tho'.

Mon.

We had a pat ob butter this mom. - that's why it rained all nite and it's still raining this morning. Just like tr.te day we al1~ved - only worse - the mud. Maybe there'll be a mud holiday for nursery school.
John is busy with complaints of leaky stalls - people couldn't sleep and in mess hall you sort of sit between the leaks.

Tues.
R'cd letters from NY. No mention of Chiz reversible rain coat to shop and enclosed ck (15.50) in your other letter. No food or nourishment at Canteen yet - Still raiding own cupboard at nite from hunger. They're building a shower-washroom right nixt our barrack on the other side - which wiii help us a lot. Some new iron boards in the laundry - the few there was were home-made. We now have some lovely furniture – designed and executed by Eddie. We're getting sprinkling of sugar again, now

Wed.
Am mailing under separate cover a copy of "report on education" - for Dr. Brown's perusal - I asked copby be made for her since it would best explain what has been done heretofore. It got a late start due to fact that the Educ Director only arrived last week or so but thru organization work of Ernie Takahashi and Rev. Goto I think what I hear a good deal has been done considering the handicap and peculiar circumstance under which we work.

Our nursery is still laboring under sadly limited facilities but we do the best we can better than none. Kay is sick with cold but mostly tired from overwork I think – Nervewracking to try to get anything done here. Things sent take ages to receive here now since police inspection holds. They're piled up with incoming pkgs. Also get lost I understand.

Regards to all -

[Not signed, but letter probably written by Iyo]