Work and jobs
Both Issei and Nisei took jobs within the camps, at wages set not to exceed soldiers' pay: $12 per month for unskilled labor, $16 for skilled labor, and $19 for professional employees. WRA staff was paid much more for the same jobs. Though public opinion mandated such low pay, dissatisfied Japanese Americans objected to losing their right to make a decent living. They had to use their sparse income for necessities, such as warm clothing and shoes.
World War II
(231)
Concentration camps
(1454)
Work and jobs
(1374)
Related articles from the
Densho Encyclopedia :
Amache Silk Screen Shop
1374 items
1374 items
![Notice of assignment, Form WRA-21, George Naohara (ddr-csujad-38-566)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/42/f4/42f45b1ff4c4ddfa6767a801d5259491.jpg)
doc
Notice of assignment, Form WRA-21, George Naohara (ddr-csujad-38-566)
A notice of assignment, Form WRA-21, issued by Lee A. Lampson, Tule Lake Relocation Center, War Relocation Authority. It notifies George Nobuo Naohara of a farmer's position assigned. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: nao_05_13_019
![Lumbering (ddr-csujad-38-290)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/81/04/8104cbb5e13a09fd1d5f8d694932d8fe.jpg)
img
Lumbering (ddr-csujad-38-290)
Photographed is a male incarceree cutting trees. The photo was sent from Sally Sakaye Sasaki at the Jerome camp to Mitzi Masukawa at the Poston camp in Arizona. A photo from: Mitzi Naohara photo album (csudh_nao_0200), page 16. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: nao_02_16_013
![Holiday greetings (ddr-csujad-38-19)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/59/29/59292a81b31e7c95b450878227adb3e4.jpg)
img
Holiday greetings (ddr-csujad-38-19)
A holiday greeting card made by George Nobuo Naohara and his friends in the Jerome camp in Arkansas. An item from "George Naohara photo album" (csudh_nao_0001), page 3. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: nao_01_03_002
![Where money is kept in circulation (ddr-csujad-38-347)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/95/8a/958a49bcbec2777ee27a582f779cd6e8.jpg)
doc
Where money is kept in circulation (ddr-csujad-38-347)
A newspaper clipping titled, "Where money is kept in circulation," published in "Denson tribune" on June 11, 1943. It describes the store operation at the Jerome camp in Arkansas. The clipping was sent from Mitzi Masukawa Naohara's friend, "Sock,"at the Jerome camp to her at the Poston camp in Arizona. An item from: Mitzi Naohara scrapbook …
![Incarcrees at the Jerome camp (ddr-csujad-38-278)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/02/76/027696da5e9aa07eca740288f39d4081.jpg)
img
Incarcrees at the Jerome camp (ddr-csujad-38-278)
Photographed are two female incarcerees with a toddler and one male incarceree at the Jerome camp in Arkansas. It appears that they are cooking. The handwritten note reads: ___ cooking seaweed. [In Japanese]. The photo was sent from Sally Sakaye Sasaki at the Jerome camp to Mitzi Masukawa Naohara at the Poston camp in Arizona. A …
![George Naohara (ddr-csujad-38-253)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/c2/7a/c27a6557e98f32b383f1239823752749.jpg)
img
George Naohara (ddr-csujad-38-253)
A photo of George Nobuo Naohara in the Jerome incarceration camp in Arkansas. A photo from: Mitzi Naohara photo album (csudh_nao_0200), page 13. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: nao_02_13_004
![Jerome mess competition north side winners (ddr-csujad-38-94)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/7d/92/7d92aa516d61228b3fdcb2dceb704305.jpg)
img
Jerome mess competition north side winners (ddr-csujad-38-94)
A photograph of mess competition winners at the Jerome incarceration camp in Arkansas, capturing two male incarcerees in apron. A photo from "George Naohara photo album" (csudh_nao_0001), page 21. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: nao_01_21_009
![Cutting firewood in the Jerome camp (ddr-csujad-38-286)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/3c/86/3c86b7a750e7ae75c4f4f951c62d7c22.jpg)
img
Cutting firewood in the Jerome camp (ddr-csujad-38-286)
Photographed are one female and two male incarcerees cutting firewood in the Jerome camp in Arkansas. Includes Mr. Umeda. The photo was sent from Sally Sakaye Sasaki at the Jerome camp to Mitzi Masukawa Naohara at the Poston camp in Arizona. A photo from: Mitzi Naohara photo album (csudh_nao_0200), page 16. See this object in the …
![Electrician (ddr-csujad-38-287)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/48/09/48095b084e086e93cd66f80f676a6e96.jpg)
img
Electrician (ddr-csujad-38-287)
Photographed are male incarcerees working on a utility pole at the Jerome camp in Arkansas. The caption reads: Electrician. Title from caption. The photo was sent from Sally Sakaye Sasaki at the Jerome camp to Mitzi Masukawa Naohara at the Poston camp in Arizona. A photo from: Mitzi Naohara photo album (csudh_nao_0200), page 16. See this …
![Letter from Hoyt A. Martin, Mfg. Supt., Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, July 22, 1944 (ddr-csujad-42-99)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/1e/3a/1e3a8be667e6a3782f09c8783490f374.jpg)
doc
Letter from Hoyt A. Martin, Mfg. Supt., Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, July 22, 1944 (ddr-csujad-42-99)
A reference letter regarding Fumio Fred Takano. It is written by Hoyt A. Martin, Manufacturing Superintendent, Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tak_01_51_001
![Uniform straight bill of lading (ddr-csujad-42-107)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/ba/2f/ba2f7beffc28091178f2e414b6a25684.jpg)
doc
Uniform straight bill of lading (ddr-csujad-42-107)
An uniform straight bill of lading issued by Southern Pacific Lines in Reno, Nevada. It provides the information on the shipment that one box containing mechanical hand tools is shipped from Tom Nakashima to Fumio Fred Takano in the Gila River incarceration camp. The destination is listed as Casa Grande, Arizona. See also item: csudh_tak_0108. See …
![Letter from W. S. Hislop, Associate Construction Superintendent, Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, April 23, 1945 (ddr-csujad-42-110)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/a3/70/a370e2693455a0fb796ce79710de5f9a.jpg)
doc
Letter from W. S. Hislop, Associate Construction Superintendent, Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, April 23, 1945 (ddr-csujad-42-110)
A letter from W. S. Hislop, Associate Construction Superintendent, Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, United States Department of the Interior. It appears that the shipment from Tom Nakashima in Reno Nevada has arrived at the Gila River incarceration camp and been inspected. The letter certifies that the shipment contains mechanic hand tools which belong to …
![Gila River Co-op workers' picnic (ddr-csujad-42-232)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/86/58/8658cbf831bb4a2d96f3f6c9e20c06f5.jpg)
img
Gila River Co-op workers' picnic (ddr-csujad-42-232)
A group photo of the Gila River Co-op workers. It was taken during the picnic. The handwritten note on the back side reads: Gila Co-op workers picnic, April 15, 1945. Stamped on the back side: Photographed by Kunkle and Wilcox 331 W. Washington St. Ph. 3-4563, Phoenix Arizona. See this object in the California State Universities …
![Third All Center Enterprises Conference (ddr-csujad-42-226)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/a9/1b/a91b08d39f1b692554f47f06a7645146.jpg)
img
Third All Center Enterprises Conference (ddr-csujad-42-226)
Photographed is a group of the 3rd All Center Enterprises Conference attendees. The annotation on the back side reads: The conference was held at the Gila River camp on December 4, 1944. Representatives from enterprises at all incarceration camps attended it. The photo was taken to commemorate the conference but I [Itsuhei Takano] was unable to …
![Notice from Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, United States Department of Interior, July 7, 1945 (ddr-csujad-42-112)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/15/51/1551ad3bd0749d3a451efc42ac28e64f.jpg)
doc
Notice from Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, United States Department of Interior, July 7, 1945 (ddr-csujad-42-112)
A notice from Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, United States Department of the Interior. It certifies that Fumio Fred Takano has returned the work equipment which belongs to War Relocation Authority. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tak_01_61_001
![Letter from Joe H. Janeway, Chief Engineer, Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, United States Department of Interior, July 26, 1944 (ddr-csujad-42-101)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/47/dd/47dd46a9afc9bd6c63a84b10e01c2e38.jpg)
doc
Letter from Joe H. Janeway, Chief Engineer, Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, United States Department of Interior, July 26, 1944 (ddr-csujad-42-101)
A reference letter regarding Fumio Fred Takano. It is written by Joe H. Janeway, Chief Engineer, Gila River Project, War Relocation Authority, United States of America Department of Interior. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tak_01_51_003
![Daily work pass, WRA-139 rev., Fred Takano (ddr-csujad-42-103)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/6e/0a/6e0a30d8738b6fd261a46e4e0bf6347f.jpg)
doc
Daily work pass, WRA-139 rev., Fred Takano (ddr-csujad-42-103)
A daily work pass issued by War Relocation Authority, United States Department of the Interior, on July 5, 1944. It certifies that Fumio Fred Takano is authorized to leave the Gila River incarceration camp on workdays and specifies the times when he is allowed to leave and when he needs to return. The pass is valid …
![Letter from W. S. Hislop, Sr. Plumber Foreman, Ass't. Supt. of Construction, Operation Division, Engineering Section, War Relocation Authority, United States of America Department of Interior, July 24, 1944 (ddr-csujad-42-100)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/38/14/381490c8e916dda8ad1f73248f7db6fe.jpg)
doc
Letter from W. S. Hislop, Sr. Plumber Foreman, Ass't. Supt. of Construction, Operation Division, Engineering Section, War Relocation Authority, United States of America Department of Interior, July 24, 1944 (ddr-csujad-42-100)
A reference letter regarding Fumio Fred Takano. It is written by W. S. Hislop, Sr. Plumber Foreman, Assistant Superintendent of Construction, Operation Division, Engineering Section, War Relocation Authority, United States of America Department of Interior. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tak_01_51_002
![Freight bill (ddr-csujad-42-108)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/da/71/da713af501b6befd8ca2fe0086b4769d.jpg)
doc
Freight bill (ddr-csujad-42-108)
Two carbon copies of a freight bill for the shipment of mechanical hand tools from Tom Nakashima to Fumio Fred Tankano in the Gila River incarceration camp. Issued by Southern Pacific Company. See also item: csudh_tak_0107. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tak_01_57_001
![Notice of assignment, Form WRA-21, Fumio Fred Takano (ddr-csujad-42-106)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/19/3d/193de31207ac49fe2b59b1432345d212.jpg)
doc
Notice of assignment, Form WRA-21, Fumio Fred Takano (ddr-csujad-42-106)
A notice of assignment issued by War Relocation Authority, United States Department of the Interior. Fumio Fred Takano is assigned to Engineering Section as a plumber foreman. It includes the rate of pay (19.00 dollars) and entrance on duty date. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tak_01_55_001
![Letter from William M. Huso, Relocation Program Officer, to Interviewing Committee, June 16, 1943 (ddr-csujad-42-94)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/a4/35/a435b958544be641f130bac0cbabd08a.jpg)
doc
Letter from William M. Huso, Relocation Program Officer, to Interviewing Committee, June 16, 1943 (ddr-csujad-42-94)
A reference letter regarding Fumio Fred Takano. It is written by William M. Huso, Relocation Program Officer at the Gila River incarceration camp. It appears to be one of the references enclosed with the letter: csudh_tak_0091. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tak_01_48_003
![Gila River Co-op workers' picnic (ddr-csujad-42-231)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/c5/df/c5df48ed19e0c76cea8eee2132402ea8.jpg)
img
Gila River Co-op workers' picnic (ddr-csujad-42-231)
A group photo of the Gila River Co-op workers. It was taken during the picnic. The handwritten note on the back side reads: Co-op worker's picnic, Feb. 1944. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tak_02_07_001
![Letter from Theodore K. Ryan, Sanitary Engineer, War Relocation Authority, June 9, 1943 (ddr-csujad-42-93)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/b1/ea/b1ea2f3aefaf44b7be7e5e6e196f616b.jpg)
doc
Letter from Theodore K. Ryan, Sanitary Engineer, War Relocation Authority, June 9, 1943 (ddr-csujad-42-93)
A reference letter regarding Fumio Fred Takano. It is written by Theodore K. Ryan, Sanitary Engineer at the Gila River incarceration camp, where Fumio Fred Takano is employed. It appears to be one of the references enclosed with the letter: csudh_tak_0091. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tak_01_48_001
![[Mess hall, the Rohwer incarceration camp] (ddr-csujad-5-306)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/8a/03/8a035a4a63b65e562d1684507d04af17.jpg)
img
[Mess hall, the Rohwer incarceration camp] (ddr-csujad-5-306)
A photograph of the incarcerees who work for the mess hall in the Rohwer incarceration camp. Includes Makoto Okine. A photograph from "Dorothy Ai Aoki photo album" (csudh_oki_0300), page 12. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: oki_08_012_001
![Japanese men cutting potatoes (ddr-csujad-52-23)](https://ddr.densho.org/media/cache/fb/ae/fbaec7621a31de3d2761789cb1b09668.jpg)
img
Japanese men cutting potatoes (ddr-csujad-52-23)
Men sitting at a wooden bench/table, cutting potatoes. The caption printed under the photo in a May 11, 1967 edition of the Independent Press-Telegram reads, "These elderly Japanese are --ting seed potatoes to be planted by younger residents of Tulelake ___tion center" See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: hslb_npc_0027