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 (277)
Concentration camps (1771)
Living conditions (1870)

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

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1870 items
War ration book one, OPA form no. R-302, Donna Miyeko Nakamura (ddr-csujad-55-2453)
doc War ration book one, OPA form no. R-302, Donna Miyeko Nakamura (ddr-csujad-55-2453)
Booklet of war ration stamps belonging to Donna Miyeko Nakamura during World War II. OPA Form No. R-302. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2559
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2453/
Block 207 log (September 14, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1101)
doc Block 207 log (September 14, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1101)
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_1103
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1101/
Block 207 log (February 1, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1229)
doc Block 207 log (February 1, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1229)
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_1231
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1229/
Block 207 log (November 21, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1159)
doc Block 207 log (November 21, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1159)
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-55-1159/
Tule Lake: at this segregation center are 18,000 Japanese considered disloyal to U.S. (ddr-csujad-55-2502)
doc Tule Lake: at this segregation center are 18,000 Japanese considered disloyal to U.S. (ddr-csujad-55-2502)
Pictorial report published in "Life Magazine" detailing life and living conditions in Tule Lake incarceration camp. Covers segregation, facilities, co-ops, administration, and daily life in the incarceration camp.
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2502/
Block 207 log (September 17, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1104)
doc Block 207 log (September 17, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1104)
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 the need for directional signage in the woods. See this object in the California …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1104/
Commentary about hardships of working at Crystal City Department of Justice Internment Camp (ddr-csujad-55-1392)
doc Commentary about hardships of working at Crystal City Department of Justice Internment Camp (ddr-csujad-55-1392)
Scrapbook page containing commentary by Clark regarding hardships at Crystal City Department of Justice Internment Camp. See sac_jaac_1395 through sac_jaac_1401 for hardships referred to by the author. 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 Japanese American Digitization project …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1392/
Block 207 log (December 3, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1171)
doc Block 207 log (December 3, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1171)
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-55-1171/
Block 207 log (January 3, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1201)
doc Block 207 log (January 3, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1201)
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_1203
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1201/
Block 207 log (January 14, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1212)
doc Block 207 log (January 14, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1212)
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_1214
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1212/
Letter from Tom Yamamoto to Ma & Pa Waegell, November 28, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-56)
doc Letter from Tom Yamamoto to Ma & Pa Waegell, November 28, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-56)
Typed correspondence from Tom Yamamoto to the Waegells describing conditions in Topaz incarceration camp and current events. Yamamoto comments on the situation in France during World War II, the position of the War Relocation Authority on jobs for incarcerees, and working conditions in the camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-56/
Map of center (ddr-csujad-55-39)
img Map of center (ddr-csujad-55-39)
Map of buildings and services at the Jerome incarceration camp including offices, stores, schools, and ball fields. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_00043
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-39/
Block 207 log (December 22, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1190)
doc Block 207 log (December 22, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1190)
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-55-1190/
Pencil drawing of Poston barracks and cactus (ddr-csujad-55-1893)
img Pencil drawing of Poston barracks and cactus (ddr-csujad-55-1893)
Pencil drawing by Sachiye Mizuki depicting barracks with cacti in the foreground at Poston incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1896
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1893/
Block 207 log (December 16, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1184)
doc Block 207 log (December 16, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1184)
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-55-1184/
Block 207 log (October 20, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1131)
doc Block 207 log (October 20, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1131)
Recording log submitted by May Taketaya, 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 remarks on the cold conditions in the barracks. See this …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1131/
Unemployment compensation (ddr-csujad-55-884)
doc Unemployment compensation (ddr-csujad-55-884)
Petition regarding unemployment compensation at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0886
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-884/
Block 207 log (November 26, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1164)
doc Block 207 log (November 26, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1164)
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-55-1164/
Block 207 log (November 7, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1147)
doc Block 207 log (November 7, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1147)
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-55-1147/
Block 12 requisition to Maintenance Dept. (ddr-csujad-55-963)
doc Block 12 requisition to Maintenance Dept. (ddr-csujad-55-963)
Requisition form for electric light bulbs for Block 12 at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0965
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-963/
Block 207 log (December 2, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1170)
doc Block 207 log (December 2, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1170)
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-55-1170/
Traffic Control Helper, Masako Adachi, early meal every day (ddr-csujad-55-1975)
doc Traffic Control Helper, Masako Adachi, early meal every day (ddr-csujad-55-1975)
Traffic Control Helper ticket entitling Masako Adachi to an early meal. From the Masako Adachi scrapbook, page 20. See also sac_jaac_1953. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1978
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1975/
Memo from R.H. Embree, Housing Supt., Heart Mountain Relocation Project, to Block Manager Block 12, June 5, 1944 (ddr-csujad-55-736)
doc Memo from R.H. Embree, Housing Supt., Heart Mountain Relocation Project, to Block Manager Block 12, June 5, 1944 (ddr-csujad-55-736)
Memorandum of understanding from R. H. Embree to Block 12 Manager requesting confirmation of vacant apartments for incoming incarcerees from Jerome incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0738
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-736/
Letter and map from Shoji Nagumo to Mrs. Cleke, July 23, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-888)
doc Letter and map from Shoji Nagumo to Mrs. Cleke, July 23, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-888)
Correspondence from Shoji Nagumo to Mrs. Cleke. Includes a list of Takanori Tsuchiyama's personal belongings and a hand-drawn floor plan of a house. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0890
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-888/
Block 207 log (October 30, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1140)
doc Block 207 log (October 30, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1140)
Recording log submitted by Kazuo Kushida, a manager, and May Taketaya, 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-55-1140/
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