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
Block 207 log (September 19, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1106)
doc Block 207 log (September 19, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1106)
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 baseball fields. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1106/
Japanese Americans in internment camps 1942-1946, physical layout of the WRA camps (ddr-csujad-55-2495)
doc Japanese Americans in internment camps 1942-1946, physical layout of the WRA camps (ddr-csujad-55-2495)
Document detailing the physical layout and qualities of incarceration camps. Covers: isolation centers, assembly centers, permanent relocation centers, farm area, administrative area, internee area, barracks, mess hall, boiler room, recreation hall, block manager, ward, hospital schools, canteens, utilities, employment and salary, other centers, progressive project directors, camp closing, Tule Lake closure, and post-war years. See this …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2495/
Block 207 log (January 4, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1202)
doc Block 207 log (January 4, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1202)
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_1204
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1202/
Block 207 log (November 19, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1157)
doc Block 207 log (November 19, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1157)
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-55-1157/
Block 207 log (October 16, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1129)
doc Block 207 log (October 16, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1129)
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. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1129/
Block 207 log (November 14, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1153)
doc Block 207 log (November 14, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1153)
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-55-1153/
Block 207 log (November 28, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1166)
doc Block 207 log (November 28, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1166)
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-55-1166/
Block 207 log (November 23, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1161)
doc Block 207 log (November 23, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1161)
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-55-1161/
Block 207 log (January 1?, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1211)
doc Block 207 log (January 1?, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1211)
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_1213
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1211/
Block 207 log (December 7, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1175)
doc Block 207 log (December 7, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1175)
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-55-1175/
Block 12 requisition to Maintenance Dept. (ddr-csujad-55-954)
doc Block 12 requisition to Maintenance Dept. (ddr-csujad-55-954)
Requisition form for window glass and outside light at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0956
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-954/
Letter from Kenneth Hori to George, April 19, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-2549)
doc Letter from Kenneth Hori to George, April 19, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-2549)
Correspondence from Kenneth Hori to George regarding Kenneth's thoughts about living in Arkansas, school and weather in Arkansas. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2656
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2549/
Block 207 log (November 24, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1162)
doc Block 207 log (November 24, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1162)
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-55-1162/
Letter from Bill Taketa to James Waegell, August 18, 1944 (ddr-csujad-55-2540)
doc Letter from Bill Taketa to James Waegell, August 18, 1944 (ddr-csujad-55-2540)
Correspondence from Bill Taketa to James Waegell regarding 100 degree weather, draft, and college plans. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2647
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2540/
Block 207 log (January 29, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1226)
doc Block 207 log (January 29, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1226)
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_1228
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1226/
Block 207 log (December 13, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1181)
doc Block 207 log (December 13, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1181)
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-55-1181/
Block 207 log (December 27, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1195)
doc Block 207 log (December 27, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1195)
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-55-1195/
Block 207 log (October 9, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1123)
doc Block 207 log (October 9, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1123)
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_1125
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1123/
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, March 23, 1944 (ddr-csujad-55-446)
doc Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, March 23, 1944 (ddr-csujad-55-446)
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting. Includes discussion on postage, tax increase, and camp maintenance. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0448
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-446/
Block 207 log (December 29, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1197)
doc Block 207 log (December 29, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1197)
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-55-1197/
Block 207 log (January 30, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1227)
doc Block 207 log (January 30, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1227)
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_1229
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1227/
Block 207 log (October 3, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1118)
doc Block 207 log (October 3, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1118)
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_1120
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1118/
Letter from Herbert Tokutomi to Mr. Albert Saladana, April 13, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-126)
doc Letter from Herbert Tokutomi to Mr. Albert Saladana, April 13, 1943 (ddr-csujad-55-126)
Correspondence from Herbert Tokutomi to Albert Saladana discussing farming and life in the incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0128
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-126/
Aerial view of Amache (ddr-csujad-55-1328)
img Aerial view of Amache (ddr-csujad-55-1328)
Black and white photograph depicting an aerial view of Amache incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1330
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1328/
Letter from the Women of Heart Mountain Center to Mr. C.E. Rachford, Project Director, October 19, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-293)
doc Letter from the Women of Heart Mountain Center to Mr. C.E. Rachford, Project Director, October 19, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-293)
Correspondence from the "Women of Heart Mt. Center" to C.E. Rachford regarding allowances for winter clothing at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0295
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-293/
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