Search Results | Densho Digital Repository

img Issei-owned grocery store (ddr-densho-25-8)

Matahichi and Kisa Iseri immigrated from Kumamoto-ken, Japan, in the early 1900s. They became successful berry farmers in the White River Valley and also ran a small grocery store on their property. The World War II incarceration forced the Iseris to close both businesses. After the war, the Iseris settled in Ontario, Oregon, and worked as …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-8/

doc Letter regarding parole appointment (ddr-densho-25-56)

This letter to Matahichi Iseri informed him of his appointment to meet with his parole officer.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-56/

doc Letter to an Issei man from the U.S. Quartermaster General (ddr-densho-25-60)

Mitsuo (Mike) Iseri, son of Matahichi and Kisa Iseri, was killed in action during World War II. As his closest relative, Matahichi Iseri received a letter from the U.S. Quartermaster General of the Army asking him to complete a form entitled "Request for Disposition of Remains," which enabled him to arrange for the funeral of his …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-60/

doc Seasonal work leave program letter (ddr-densho-25-33)

As part of the seasonal work leave program, Matahichi Iseri and his family worked as farm laborers in Weiser, Idaho, from 1943 until 1945. They later applied for extensions, and this letter from a relocation officer was sent to Matahichi Iseri along with the family's extensions of leave.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-33/

doc Civilian Exclusion Order No. 79 (ddr-densho-25-45)

Prior to mass removal, exclusion areas were described in civilian exclusion orders posted by Lieutenant General John DeWitt of the Western Defense Command. Civilian Exclusion Area No. 79 included a portion of South King County, Washington. Maps detailing the prohibited area were also posted.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-45/

doc Letter from Issei man to his family (ddr-densho-25-67)

After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the FBI under the Department of Justice began arresting aliens of Japanese, German, and Italian ancestry. These aliens, although they had not been charged with specific crimes, were considered "dangerous" by the U.S. government, and were interned in special Justice Department camps.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-67/

doc V-mail letter (ddr-densho-25-41)

While Mitsuo (Mike) Iseri was in the army in 1944, he sent this V-mail letter to his parents.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-41/

doc Letter regarding parole status (ddr-densho-25-118)

Letter to Matahichi Iseri from an immigration officer, requesting that he meet with an immigration inspector in Ontario, Oregon.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-118/

doc Mother's Day letter (ddr-densho-25-43)

In 1944, Matahichi and Kisa Iseri's son, Mitsuo (Mike) Iseri, was in the army and was stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-43/

doc Letter regarding parole conditions (ddr-densho-25-55)

This letter informed Matahichi Iseri that under the conditions of his parole, he was barred from returning to the West Coast.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-55/

doc Agreement to lease land (ddr-densho-25-92)

This agreement to lease land was signed by A. J. Charleston and Matahichi Iseri. In the early 1900s, many states, led by California, enacted alien land laws. These laws aimed at Issei farmers prevented ownership of land by "aliens ineligible for citizenship." As a result, many Issei leased land from white farmers. In 1920, California enacted …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-92/

img Family photograph (ddr-densho-25-89)

The Iseri family. Front (left to right): Mae, Matahichi, George, Kisa with Dan on lap, Alice, and Masato. Back row: Mitsuo (Mike) Tom and Mun.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-89/

doc Letter from Friends of the American Way (ddr-densho-25-61)

In this letter, the Friends of the American Way, an activist group sympathetic to Japanese Americans, expressed its condolences to Matahichi and Kisa Iseri following the death of their son, Mitsuo (Mike) Iseri, who had served in the military.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-61/

doc Letter regarding parole agreement (ddr-densho-25-53)

Letter from the Department of Justice to Matahichi Iseri regarding his requirements as a parolee. On December 7, 1941, the FBI began to arrest Japanese nationals who were considered "enemy aliens." An alien enemy hearing board was created, which determined whether the individual was to be released, paroled, or interned. Matahichi Iseri was paroled in 1942 …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-53/

doc Letter regarding parole termination (ddr-densho-25-117)

This letter from a Department of Justice officer to Matahichi Iseri informed him that as of November 15, 1945, his parole status as an enemy alien had been terminated.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-117/

img Family portrait (ddr-densho-25-3)

The Iseris were a prominent Japanese American family in the White River Valley. Front (left to right): George, Matahichi, Oscar (in front of Matahichi), Dan, and Kisa holding Carl. Back: Alice, Tom, Mitsuo (Mike), Mun, Masato, and Mae. Matahichi Iseri and his wife, Kisa, started farming in Thomas around 1914. They also ran a small grocery …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-3/

doc Letter regarding travel permit (ddr-densho-25-108)

In 1945, Matahichi Iseri applied for a travel permit to visit friends at the Minidoka concentration camp in Idaho. His permit was denied, since his reason for wanting to visit did not fit into any of the permit categories.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-108/

img White River Valley sumo club (ddr-densho-25-6)

Sumo wrestling was a popular sport among the Issei and Nisei. This team from the White River Valley was in Tacoma for a tournament. Front row (left to right): Sam Katsura, Tom Marutani, Tom Hirai, Tony Tsujikawa, D. Kagitani, Frank Takeshita, George Hirai, Mitsuo (Mike) Iseri, unidentified, Ted Takeshita, and Ted Tsukamaki. Back row: Matahichi Iseri, …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-6/

img Memorial for Tsukasa Iseri (ddr-sbbt-6-9)

Attendees of the Tsukasa Iseri's memorial, held at the Buddhist Mission (Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-sbbt-6-9/

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