<Begin Segment 20>

KL: Can you tell us -- I should asked this before, but can you tell us more about the piano at Tule Lake? How it was used, or who used it?

HK: Actually, the piano became a very useful tool for the whole camp because we were able to have worship services. Since my mother was a church pianist she could play the hymns (and) play music for worship services. Then also she used to give piano lessons to some of the other internees besides us, and then we would do recitals and then do programs. And they even used it with the dance band. They used to have dance band practice with the piano. So it was very useful for the whole camp.

KL: Did your mom play with the dance band?

HK: Yes, she played, 'cause she was probably one of the best pianists there and then she taught other people to play piano too. But she was, of course, busy herself.

KL: Even in Tule Lake she played?

HK: Uh-huh.

KL: Where was the piano in Tule Lake?

HK: They put it in, they called the recreation hall, which was not too far from where we were living. So, in the recreation hall, then they could have programs, and I remember different people would be singing and she'd be accompanying them. And then my sisters used to play the violin, and so she'd accompany them on the piano, so they would do (so), called talent programs. So it was very helpful, at least I think, to entertain people and then occupy people to practice on the piano and take lessons. So it was a very useful tool.

KL: What kind of music was her favorite?

HK: She learned all kinds of music, classical music, popular and hymns. I think, of course, she liked church music, probably, best because she played for church every Sunday.

KL: What church were you part of in Tule Lake?

HK: I don't remember what church it was, but I think it was probably kind of a interdenominational Christian group, because there were some pastors of different denominations.

KL: Do you remember any?

HK: No, I don't recall that.

KL: Did you get to go to the dances ever?

HK: No, I was too young to go to the dances, but I heard about 'em.

KL: Did you ever go to -- that's Topaz, never mind. Did you attend a church in Twin Falls?

HK: I don't recall that clearly, but I think we probably did, or tried to. But I don't remember going to church in Twin Falls. Maybe we could've, but maybe they didn't welcome us, that type of thing.

KL: Yeah, it sounds, I mean, from your experience in school, it sounds like it was not a real welcoming climate. I don't know if the adults were the same way. Do you have a sense for what kind of treatment your parents received from their neighbors or customers at the laundromat or the farmer or anything?

HK: I don't remember those things.

KL: So you got to Topaz... [HK coughs] Do you want me to get you some more water?

HK: No, I have it here. February 1944 we moved to Topaz, Utah.

<End Segment 20> - Copyright © 2014 Manzanar National Historic Site and Densho. All Rights Reserved.