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 (231)
Concentration camps (1454)
Living conditions (1770)

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

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1770 items
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/
Letter from Minnie Umeda to Mrs. Margaret Waegell, December 28, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-66)
doc Letter from Minnie Umeda to Mrs. Margaret Waegell, December 28, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-66)
Handwritten correspondence from Minnie Umeda to Margaret Waegell. Umeda discusses care of possessions during incarceration. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_00070
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-66/
Block 207 log (November 3, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1143)
doc Block 207 log (November 3, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1143)
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_1145
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1143/
Block 207 log (November 9, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1148)
doc Block 207 log (November 9, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1148)
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-55-1148/
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, November 25, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-325)
doc Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting, November 25, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-325)
Minutes from the Heart Mountain Block Chairmen meeting. Includes report from Census Committee on cost of living and discussion on camp services, juvenile delinquency, recreation, and "withdrawal of chairmanship." See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0327
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-325/
Block 207 log (January 22, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1219)
doc Block 207 log (January 22, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1219)
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_1221
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1219/
Block 207 log (October 15, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1128)
doc Block 207 log (October 15, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1128)
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 need for proper gardening equipment. See this …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1128/
Block 207 log (December 24, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1192)
doc Block 207 log (December 24, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1192)
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-55-1192/
Block 207 log (December 28, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1196)
doc Block 207 log (December 28, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1196)
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-55-1196/
Letter from Ruth Takagi to Mrs. Margaret Waegell, September 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-70)
doc Letter from Ruth Takagi to Mrs. Margaret Waegell, September 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-70)
Handwritten correspondence from Ruth Takagi to Margaret Waegell discussing family members, employment, and conditions in the Manzanar incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_00074
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-70/
Block 207 log (December 31, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1198)
doc Block 207 log (December 31, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1198)
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-55-1198/
Letter from Tom Yamamoto to Ma and Pa Waegell, November 23, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-57)
doc Letter from Tom Yamamoto to Ma and Pa Waegell, November 23, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-57)
Typed correspondence from Tom Yamamoto to the Waegells describing living conditions in Topaz incarceration camp and Yamamoto's current situation. Yamamoto discusses his work as a painter and his intentions to seek a position as an art teacher on the east coast. He also describes sleeping arrangements, food, and working conditions in the camp. See this object …
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-57/
Block 207 log (January 2, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1200)
doc Block 207 log (January 2, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1200)
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_1202
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1200/
Block 207 log (November 12, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1151)
doc Block 207 log (November 12, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1151)
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-55-1151/
Block 207 log (September 23, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1109)
doc Block 207 log (September 23, 1942) (ddr-csujad-55-1109)
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_1111
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1109/
Notes made to self, Sept. to December 1942, regarding personal observations on relocation center arrangements, conditions, problem areas, etc. (ddr-csujad-55-1642)
doc Notes made to self, Sept. to December 1942, regarding personal observations on relocation center arrangements, conditions, problem areas, etc. (ddr-csujad-55-1642)
Personal notes by Dallas C. McLaren, Principal, Poston II High School regarding observations, conditions, and amenities at Poston incarceration camp. Covers camp communications, transportation, housing, landscaping, administration, policies, facilities, and services from the perspective of a WRA staff member. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_1644
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1642/
Block 12 requisition to Maintenance Dept. (ddr-csujad-55-955)
doc Block 12 requisition to Maintenance Dept. (ddr-csujad-55-955)
Requisition form for window glass, fuse, and a coal shovel at Heart Mountain incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0957
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-955/
Letter from Lily Shoji to Mrs. Waegell, December 4, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-2564)
doc Letter from Lily Shoji to Mrs. Waegell, December 4, 1942 (ddr-csujad-55-2564)
Letter from Lily Shoji to Mrs. Waegell regarding the weather, getting stoves, and joining drama department. Includes a christmas card. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2672
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2564/
Block 207 log (January 15, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1213)
doc Block 207 log (January 15, 1943) (ddr-csujad-55-1213)
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_1215
https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-1213/
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