June 27, 1945

Dear Mr. Merrill, Mann, Roden, Greenslate and Cawand,

How it is almost a week since I left camps; however it seems much more longer. As I am a native of Portland, I feel as if I've never gone away to a relocation center these past three years. There is hardly no change in the city except that there are so many people working around the town. Everyone seems so busy all the time.

First I shall tell you what has happened to me since I stepped into the Shoshone bus. I was in the Shoshone until 2:30 as the train was late. The conductor said -- "standing room only" but I got on anyway. Luckily I found a

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seat in the Smoking Room. Since some girls from Hunt were giving back to Seattle, I had company all the way. The ride was very dirty and tiresome that I don't believe I slept at all. The afternoon was just plain stuffy and hot. I'd rather ride in a car anytime than a train. We finally arrived in Portland just a little before nine Friday morning. We were due there at 7:30. (The Columbia Highway was very beautiful.)

I do hope I'm making sense and that you follow my thoughts as I am so tired every night.

Well to get back to Friday morning, Jean Konno (from Hunt - used to work for McLaughlin) and Mr. Richardson both of the Portland W.R.A. came to meet me. They took me to the office and I talked to Mr. Friedman. She was the lady who

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was in camp the week of June 11-16 and interviewed me for the job I have now. We went to International House where I was to stay, but seeing that it was too crowded, I decided to stay with a girl from my block 39. She is teaching kindergarten at a federal project, and stays at one of these federal housing unit. That's where I am right now. I like it very much. It's an apartment like place. It has a private shower just like your place. Of course, no elaborate thing as heater or refrigerator. After I moved in, I made my bed and hung up my clothes and tried to get settled. Goodness I was so tired I went straight to bed.

Next morning I went to work - just half a day. I still was very very tired and sleepy. Incidentally before I forget, I work at the "National Conference of

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Christians & Jews, 722 Bedell Bldg. Portland 4, Ore. Mrs. Sales is my boss and she's a young lady not thirty yet. There's two elderly women -- Mrs. Sanay -- secretary and Miss Hessle (typing & short hand teacher.) I like the office very much. They are so nice to me. I think this job is temporary as Miss Hessle told me she started work a week before I did. Before Fall I shall probably have to look for another job. Nothing is definite yet.

Now, [illegible], don't think that I've forgotten the office. No -- I haven't. I miss it very much. After all I've worked there for almost 2 1/2 years. That's quite an attachment.

By the way, how are things in Procurement? Busy? Or are you all through with the contracts and such. What about the Surplus Property? Do you

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still have things to tag? By now I think there wouldn't be anything left. That's all right though -- it'll keep you all busy.

I suppose someone has opened the package by now. Yes - it's cigars. A new bag full. Now, don't look at me with such suspicious eyes -- it's not a black market tood. As all the war workers who live here at University homes buy their merchandise at Fred Meyer's across the street, they seem to have priority. Anyway I looked all over town, even the wholesale dealers that my dad knows for cigars but ended without any Sunday I passed the cigar and cigarette counter of Fred Meyers and saw those cigars. So I ached for a ban and there it is. Maybe you don't like them, but they're the best I could find with cellophane wrappers. Sorry -- no cigarettes. Will you

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please divide it equally among yourselves.

Well, I have so much to say and if I do I'll go on and on so I shall say, 'So-long for awhile".

Last but not least I'd like to say, "Thanks an awful lot for the lovely gift. I shall cherish it very much. Whenever I carry it, I'll think of you and all you've done for me. Thanks again.

As ever,

Miyo

P.S. Now have you all been good little boys today. If so, I shall tell Sachi, Mich, and Levee to let you have a sniff of the candy. No -- I'm just kidding. Help yourselves.

P.S. Imagine I have to cook my breakfast and dinner. I eat lunch in town.

Please write if you are at leisure.

Please let the ladies (Sach, Mich, Levee) of the office read this as I don't want to repeat myself again about my trip.

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