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BS: But we had, so we had church. It was in... I think it was in the Japanese Community Center in the town of Hood River. And then we would have programs like shibais and things. And then, I don't know if there, they must have had a Buddhist Church, too, but I don't know where that was, or if was held at someone's home.

AI: So, what church denomination was this that you attended?

BS: Methodist.

AI: And why, why was it that your parents decided to send you to the Methodist Church?

BS: Well I, well, because they felt that the children are all American citizens so they wanted us to be, do what other American citizens do, and did not... because I don't think they really were committed to one religion or another, so they wanted us to just be more Americanized. And so, I guess they felt we should become, attend Methodist Church.

AI: Well, that's interesting because it sounds like, if your parents wanted you to become more Americanized that they really... did they ever talk about returning to Japan themselves, or that some day your family would move to Japan?

BS: Well, I think my father's intent when he first came was to earn enough money and to help and send money home and eventually return to Japan. But after he got married and had so many children I guess he figured that, well, this is their country. And so, and then we're all American citizens, so that we would remain here.

<End Segment 7> - Copyright © 2003 Densho. All Rights Reserved.