1. Topics

Living conditions

All of the camps were constructed according to the War Department's specifications, which included barbed-wire fences, guard towers, and armed guards around the perimeter. The camps were organized in "blocks" consisting of twelve to fourteen barracks, a mess hall, communal showers and toilets, laundry facilities, and a recreation hall. Each barracks was divided into four or six rooms with each room housing one family, no matter how large, and there was no running water. The furnishings that Japanese Americans found on their arrival were canvas cots, a potbellied stove, and a single bare light bulb. The thin walls offered little protection from the harsh weather, which ranged from 110 degrees in the summer to 25 degrees below zero on winter nights. The flimsy construction allowed no privacy and made normal family life difficult. Camp inmates improved their own living conditions by creating interior walls and partitions, constructing furniture from scrap lumber, and planting gardens.

World War II (283)
Concentration camps (2384)
Living conditions (1897)

Related articles from the Densho Encyclopedia :
Arts and crafts in camp, Community analysts, Manzanar Children's Village

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1897 items
Requisition from Block 12 to Engineering Division, Heart Mountain (ddr-csujad-55-733)
doc Requisition from Block 12 to Engineering Division, Heart Mountain (ddr-csujad-55-733)
Form for the Engineering Division to replace outside lights in Block 12 at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Signed by acting manager, Shoji Nagumo. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0735
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-733/
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, November 10, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-314)
doc Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, November 10, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-314)
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting. Includes discussion on liquor in the camp, fences, unemployment, wages, Fair Labor Practice committee, and formation of a Crafting Committee. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0316
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-314/
Letter from Kenneth Hori to George, June 3, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-2554)
doc Letter from Kenneth Hori to George, June 3, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-2554)
Correspondence from Kenneth Hori to George regarding the weather in Arkansas, school, movies once a week including "Cisco Kid and the Lady." See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2661
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2554/
Block 207 log (October 24, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1135)
doc Block 207 log (October 24, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1135)
Recording log covering daily activities and events in Block 207 at Poston II incarceration camp. Includes the following topics: I. Staff, II. Block Activities, III. Emergencies, IV. Visitors, V. Memorandums, VI. Remarks, VII. Miscellaneous, and VIII. Managers Notes. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1137
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1135/
Block 207 log (January 12, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1209)
doc Block 207 log (January 12, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1209)
Recording log covering daily activities and events in Block 207 at Poston II incarceration camp. Includes the following topics: I. Staff, II. Block Activities, III. Emergencies, IV. Visitors, V. Memorandums, VI. Remarks, VII. Miscellaneous, and VIII. Managers Notes. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1211
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1209/
Block 207 log (January 21, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1218)
doc Block 207 log (January 21, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1218)
Recording log covering daily activities and events in Block 207 at Poston II incarceration camp. Includes the following topics: I. Staff, II. Block Activities, III. Emergencies, IV. Visitors, V. Memorandums, VI. Remarks, VII. Miscellaneous, and VIII. Managers Notes. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1220
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1218/
Housing form no. 3 revised, Form C-WRA-35 (ddr-csujad-55-730)
doc Housing form no. 3 revised, Form C-WRA-35 (ddr-csujad-55-730)
Form for housing at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Form C-WRA-35. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0732
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-730/
Petitions from Temporary Council of Block Chairmen on behalf of the Japanese nationals of Heart Mountain Relocation Project (ddr-csujad-55-878)
doc Petitions from Temporary Council of Block Chairmen on behalf of the Japanese nationals of Heart Mountain Relocation Project (ddr-csujad-55-878)
Petition request for medical supplies, food for those on a special diet, release of non-propaganda Japanese films, clothing allowances, release and shipment of cameras and long-wave radios, increased vegetables, spending money, communication with relatives in Japan, equal treatment as Germans and Italians, and repatriation instructions. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-878/
Mary Clark in her garden and an aerial view of Ft. Missoula main area (ddr-csujad-55-1340)
doc Mary Clark in her garden and an aerial view of Ft. Missoula main area (ddr-csujad-55-1340)
Black and white photographs depicting Mary Clark in her garden and an aerial view of the Fort Missoula Department of Justice Internment Camp. From the Mary F. Clark scrapbook, "Before I Forget, 1942-1947" page 11. See also sac_jaac_1334 through sac_jaac_1529. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1342
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1340/
Block 207 log (November 17, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1155)
doc Block 207 log (November 17, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1155)
Recording log submitted by Kazuo Kushida, a manager, and Mabel Okino, a secretary, covering daily activities and events in Block 207 at Poston II incarceration camp. Includes the following topics: I. Staff, II. Block Activities, III. Emergencies, IV. Visitors, V. Memorandums, VI. Remarks, VII. Miscellaneous, and VIII. Managers Notes. See this object in the California State …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1155/
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, November 13, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-315)
doc Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, November 13, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-315)
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting. Includes discussion on Heart Mountain U. S. O. Committee, fences, coal, funerals, and clothing allowances. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0317
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-315/
Letter from Ruth Takagi to Mrs. Margaret Waegell, April 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-73)
doc Letter from Ruth Takagi to Mrs. Margaret Waegell, April 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-73)
Handwritten correspondence from Ruth Takagi to Margaret Waegell discussing Takagi's family and working conditions in the camp. Takagi discusses an upcoming move and teaching position at the Tule Lake incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_00077
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-73/
Tri-State High School handbook (ddr-csujad-55-1948)
doc Tri-State High School handbook (ddr-csujad-55-1948)
Handbook for Tri-State High School at Tule Lake incarceration camp. Includes sections on administration, history of Tri-State high school, faculty and assistants, general regulations, student government, class officers, calendar of events, campus, graduation requirements, subjects, clubs, publications, and sports. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1951
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1948/
Camp II (ddr-csujad-55-44)
doc Camp II (ddr-csujad-55-44)
Map of buildings and services at the Poston incarceration camp including housing areas, offices, stores, schools, ball fields, and roads. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_00048
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-44/
Block 207 log (September 30, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1115)
doc Block 207 log (September 30, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1115)
Recording log covering daily activities and events in Block 207 at Poston II incarceration camp. Includes the following topics: I. Staff, II. Block Activities, III. Emergencies, IV. Visitors, V. Memorandums, VI. Remarks, VII. Miscellaneous, and VIII. Managers Notes. Includes remarks about the 207 mess hall. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1115/
Block 207 log (September 21, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1107)
doc Block 207 log (September 21, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1107)
Recording log covering daily activities and events in Block 207 at Poston II incarceration camp. Includes the following topics: I. Staff, II. Block Activities, III. Emergencies, IV. Visitors, V. Memorandums, VI. Remarks, VII. Miscellaneous, and VIII. Managers Notes. Includes brief remarks on lumber. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1107/
Document outlining shortage of apartments at Heart Mountain (ddr-csujad-55-729)
doc Document outlining shortage of apartments at Heart Mountain (ddr-csujad-55-729)
Note outlining the number of families, number of apartments required, number of current apartments, and number of apartments required for schools at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0731
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-729/
Letter from Bruno Miller to Larry R. Elwood, Liaison Officer, Internment Camp Crystal City, July 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-1393)
doc Letter from Bruno Miller to Larry R. Elwood, Liaison Officer, Internment Camp Crystal City, July 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-1393)
Correspondence from Bruno Miller, internee, to Larry R. Elwood, Liaison Officer at Crystal City Department of Justice Internment Camp regarding Miller's request for larger living quarters to accommodate his growing family. From the Mary F. Clark scrapbook, "Before I Forget, 1942-1947," page 60. See also sac_jaac_1334 through sac_jaac_1529. See this object in the California State Universities …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1393/
Block 207 log (November 22, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1160)
doc Block 207 log (November 22, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1160)
Recording log submitted by Kazuo Kushida, a manager, and Mabel Okino, a secretary, covering daily activities and events in Block 207 at Poston II incarceration camp. Includes the following topics: I. Staff, II. Block Activities, III. Emergencies, IV. Visitors, V. Memorandums, VI. Remarks, VII. Miscellaneous, and VIII. Managers Notes. Includes brief comments on the "Camp 1 …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1160/
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, November 27, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-326)
doc Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, November 27, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-326)
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting. Includes discussion on coal, personal property, community enterprises, and resignation of chairman. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0328
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-326/
Block 207 log (September 29, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1114)
doc Block 207 log (September 29, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1114)
Recording log covering daily activities and events in Block 207 at Poston II incarceration camp. Includes the following topics: I. Staff, II. Block Activities, III. Emergencies, IV. Visitors, V. Memorandums, VI. Remarks, VII. Miscellaneous, and VIII. Managers Notes. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1116
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1114/
Block 207 log (November 29, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1167)
doc Block 207 log (November 29, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1167)
Recording log submitted by Kazuo Kushida, a manager, covering daily activities and events in Block 207 at Poston II incarceration camp. Includes the following topics: I. Staff, II. Block Activities, III. Emergencies, IV. Visitors, V. Memorandums, VI. Remarks, VII. Miscellaneous, and VIII. Managers Notes. Includes brief comments on the "Camp 1 situation." See this object in …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1167/
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, October 23, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-299)
doc Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, October 23, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-299)
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting. Includes a follow up discussion on the allowances for winter clothing at Heart Mountain incarceration center. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0301
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-299/
Petition from the Community Council of Heart Mountain War Relocation Center, on behalf of Japanese nationals, regarding petitions submitted (ddr-csujad-55-885)
doc Petition from the Community Council of Heart Mountain War Relocation Center, on behalf of Japanese nationals, regarding petitions submitted (ddr-csujad-55-885)
Petition on behalf of Japanese nationals at Heart Mountain incarceration camp regarding release of non-propaganda Japanese films, clothing allowances, food allowances, and equal treatment as Germans and Italians. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0887
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-885/
We do or we don't: fire prevention-week Oct. 3rd to 9th, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-1094)
doc We do or we don't: fire prevention-week Oct. 3rd to 9th, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-1094)
Bulletin promoting fire prevention week at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. Includes tips for fire safety in barracks and camp facilities and promoting the purchase of war bonds. Includes text in Japanese. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1096
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1094/
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