Collection Timeline

1942 to 1944

1942
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's great-niece, Midori, describing being transported from Camp Harmony in Puyallup to the Minidoka Camp.
Letter talking about the birthday of Ayako and the beginning of the Elementary and High School.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's great-niece, Ayako, describing the cold weather, school, and the activities of Ayako Fujii's parents.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, to him describing the days leading up to the forced evacuation of Japanese from Seattle. Fumiko mentions activities around the curfew and the preparations for the forced removal to the "retention" center at the Puyallup Fair Grounds.
Letter to George Shihei Shitamae from his niece, Fumiko, accounting the news that "aliens" must move out of the Puget Sound area. The letter goes on to discuss some business matters.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yukiko, discussing the forced relocation from Seattle to Camp Harmony in Puyallup, Washington, it includes preparations for businesses and selling of assets, as well as life at Puyallup.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yukiko, informing him that her husband had arrived at Minidoka after being in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, updating him on the happenings at Camp Harmony. It discusses the conditions at teh relocation center; that they were told everyone at Camp Harmony would be sent to Tule Lake, California; the work that Miyoko was doing with the with the medical staff at the camp hospital; and, other activities of those at the camp.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, discussing how the family heard he was playing baseball. Fumiko also talks about the sports played at Camp Harmony and other activities organized by the recreation committee.
The letter was written in two parts. The first part of the letter expresses how George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, wished he would be released from his internment camp and be reunited with the family. Yoshiko goes on to talk about the activities and classes she has begun taking. The second part of the letter discusses the weather, graduation ceremonies, news of their business and concern of their stored belongings. She also discusses the events of the Fourth of July.
Letter to George Shihei Shitamae from his brother, Niroku, discussing the hot weather and asking if it would be all right to write him in Japanese.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, praises the improvement of his English. It goes on to discuss their neighbor's return, a speech from someone on the difficulties of the Nisei, and some entertainment performed by "some boys from D."
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, talks about how his last letter was heavily censored and they couldn't make out what he was saying. Fumiko goes on to discuss her work at the office where she filled out repatriation forms for those wishing to return to Japan. She goes on to update him on some financial matters and discusses sumo or judo tournament.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him that they will be transferred to Idaho soon. It also mentions flowers growing in their garden, and a gift containing a nightgown, wooden slippers, stationary, and cookies that they are sending to him.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, telling him that they wil be transfered to Eden, Idaho with better conditions and barracks, disucssing hot weather, talks about the censorship of his previous letters, tells him of the down time listening to niehgbors playing ukulele afterwork, Miyoko talks about their work in the hospital and how much they like it.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him that they will be transfered to Idaho, talks of building crates to store their things while moving.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, telling him that they are being transfered to Idaho and are saddened by leaving Washington because it is so close to home.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, telling him that they are in Idaho and it is much different than Washington, it is very dusty and flat surrounded by sage, rattlesnakes and rabbits, the barracks. Fumiko says that they are contributing to the future of America by bulding something on all the flat land.
Letter telling George Shihei Shitamae that they have just been transfered to Idaho and the train ride there was dificult but the meals were good. States that Idaho is dusty and expressed dissapointment that it will be their permanent home, cautions George of rattlesnakes.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, telling him about their transfer and how beautiful the scenery was on the train but how dusty and flat it got when they arrivd in Minidoka, Idaho. It discusses the structures of the new camp and the buildings that make up a little community, including a hospital which Miyoko wants to work at again but the walk is over 2 miles and the dust makes it very challenging.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, telling him about a terrible dust storm and compared it to Seattle rain only it was dust, Miyoko encolsed a piece of sage brush to see if George had any of that plant in New Mexico.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him about the details of their transfer and all the scenery they saw along the way, when they arrived at Twin Falls dust was everywhere.The Barracks are big and have more windows and the town is 2 -3 miles long, 8th biggest in Idaho. Yoshiko talks about school starting and having to teach and catch up their younger sibling with arithmetic and spelling in time for school.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, telling him that the family was getting over diarrhea and sickness but everyone is getting better now. The weather had been changing and they had discovered a bed of water just outside of their camp that the dust hid, some people even caught fish to eat.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, telling him about working in the hospital and people in the camp getting over the stomach flu. Their father has returned from the hospital and is no longer suffereing from the flu and before. Also talks about sending celery juice to him but has to get it from town. States that the family and others in the camp are getting used the camp and settling in, talks about starting to grow produce next year.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him about how a few members of the family are still sick and staying home together but they have a stove so they do not freeze. Papa is trying to build furtinure in front of the stove but it isn't easy and is frustrating him. Yoshiko is not working at the hospital but Fumiko and Miyoko are.Yoshiko wanted to send a picture but the government confiscated all cameras during forced relocation, asks George to send a picture of himself.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him about how a few members of the family are still sick and staying home together but they have a stove so they do not freeze. Papa is trying to build furtinure in front of the stove but it isn't easy and is frustrating him. Yoshiko is not working at the hospital but Fumiko and Miyoko are. Yoshiko wanted to send a picture but the government confiscated all cameras during forced relocation, asks George to send a picture of himself.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him that the family misses him terribly and are hearing talks of famiies being reunited together soon, she compares it to a bad dream being separted. it had started so snow in Idaho and that has made the landscape beautiful. They had a nice Thanksgiving in the dining hall and are preparing for Christmas.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, expressing frustration that all mail is going through New York and then down to its addressed destination. The letter also asks if the celery extract came and what it is used for. It continues to snow and that means everyone is cramped in the house but Papa has made furniture and shelves so things can be stored out of the way. Miyoko also talks about her child and wishes George could watch them grow.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him that they miss him and hope he is in good health. Talks about the Christmas decorating compeition between the mess halls. Also thanks George for all of the wonderful gifts he sent and that they are knitting him something as well. Also details Yoshiko's school schedule that is from 8-5 and leave all of the kids very tired.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yukiko, asking him about the hot weather, informs him of the families and children. People are returning to camp but that makes them miss him even more. They are moving inland in August but they don't know where. Yukiko's husband says that they are allowing people to return to Japan but they are torn and asks if he has thought of this as well.
Letter to George Shihei Shitamae discussing the weather. The letter states the the writer was recruited by the Army. Things are becoming more mild and calm, although the family is still torn between going back to Japan and staying here.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, telling him about the weather in Idaho, it is very cold in the morning but gets gradually hotter in the day. Fumiko is getting bored of the tasks they do when work is done and asks George what he does when he is done with work. Discussion of the Power of an Attorney is in this letter and details about a business license.

1943
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's great-niece, Midori, updating him on the weather and what various family members are doing.
Letter written in Japanese with a stamp stating it had been examined. It was sent to George Shihei Shitamae while he was detained at the Santa Fe Detention Center in New Mexico.
Letter written in Japanese with a stamp stating it had been examined. It was sent to George Shihei Shitamae while he was detained at the Santa Fe Detention Center in New Mexico.
Letter written in Japanese with a stamp stating it had been examined. It was sent to George Shihei Shitamae while he was detained at the Santa Fe Detention Center in New Mexico.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, telling him about the Christmas celebration and how they brought in the new year with Mochi and good thoughts. The family loves all of the gifts he had made them for Christmas and displays them proudly, and misses him dearly. They all helped to knit him a sweater in time for the holidays but just sent it out.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, apologizing for not writing him more frequently but that the family thinks of him all the time and wishes and does not understand why they cannot all be together. Details their holidays and asks him if he got to do anything enjoyable. Asks about his high blood pressure and tells him to be careful of eating a lot of meat. Promises to write him more often and misses him.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, talking to him about Seattle and how different it is and if they would even want to go back after the war and if Japanese will even be accepted there. Fumiko is leaving the camp because she got accepted to go to college in Ohio and that means Miyoko has to take over one some responsibilities. She reflecting on the circumstances they are in and states to not take anything forgranted.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, talking to him about how the family all had colds but everyone is feeling better and back in good health. Talks about the high school, its name, mascot and school colors. Talks about George Shihei Shitamae's great vocabulary and his niece being a spoiled but happy child.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, telling him about getting ready to leave to go to Ohio for college. Camp life has spead up and there are recruiters for the Japanese Combat unit.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him that Fumiko has left for college and traveled with a friend. Yoshiko apologizes to him that he has been relocated for a fourth time and the family is thinking about him. They are replanting the garden again because the plants died and rabbits eat their crops.They are planning to send him some paper cherry blosssoms that they crafted.Check's up on George's blood pressure.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, telling him about the Spring weather. Also about Fumiko's experience in college and how much she likes it. Also asked about his blood pressure and if he needs any more celery extract. Talks about relocation to the middle east or west like Chicago but Miyoko doesn't want to live in a big city but start out smaller somewhere else.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's great-niece, Midori, asking him about his transfer to Santa Fe and the weather. It was Midori's 11th birthdya and they had a party and got a book as a present, also taking piano lessons. Since the weather is getting hotter they are going to the canal.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yukiko, telling him about the tax return situation and how there have been some errors but it is being taken care of. Kukiko thanks him for the candies he had sent and in return they sent in 8 avocados they saw when they visited Twin Falls, Idaho for the first time.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, asking him if he was drafted into to doing roadwork. Talks about how they got flowers and platns from the shop and it has brightened up the room. Talks about seeing real trees for the first time in 7 months that were not Victory Gardens.Asks if he still plays baseball.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, asking him about his health, he has a leaking heart. Tells him about their Vicotry Gardens and the new puppy someone gave them. Someone drowned in the canal so it is off limits for the time being.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, asking about his health and if he needs any supplies. Fumiko has just finihsed her Spring semester of college and is studying dietetics so she works with the cafeteria staff to get more experience.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yukiko, thanking him for the gifts for the family. Asks about his health and if he needs anything. Yukiko asks for the name of the American gentleman to write to on his behalf and vouch for George's patriotism for America to see if there is anything to do be done to get the family back together
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written to Mr. Spengler asking him to vouch for her brother's (George Shihei Shitamae) patriotism and character towards the United States. Enclosed was an affidavit for the testimonies for the release of internees and money to cover the notarity fee.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter in Japanese with English written on the back of the page. The English on the back is a letter written from George Shihei Shitamae to Yoshiko.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, asking him about his health and the recent fire in Sante Fe, also thanking him for the gifts and candies he has sent the family. Yoshiko has left the hospital job and is now workin in the administrative building with a lot more responsibility.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, telling him about the family and the parent's health. The weather is very hot and contributes to health concerns. The WRA has cut down on staff and Miyoko was let go from their job.
Letter starts halfway and is not complete. Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko. It talks about being let go from their job but since school is starting they couldn't do both anyway Their pet dog is a nuisance. They went to the canal to enjoy the water.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him that the boys and girls of the neighborhood are temporarily helping harvest potatoes in Oakley, Idaho and it is very hard work. Thanks him for the gifts and hopes he is doing well and is in good health.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, thanking him for the goddies and treats for the family. They are segregating internees based on their loyalty to Japan over the US and more people from Jule Lake are moving into the camp.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's great-niece, Midori, telling him about their father's business trip in Chicago. More people are coming into camp from Jule Lake. The children are starting school soon.
Letter written by George Shihei Shitamae telling Midori about the importance of health and staying healthy to live a happy long life. Asks about the family and hopes they are all in good health too.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, thanking him for the gifts and talks about the surprise that he is working on the railroad and wonders if he could visit Idaho. Tells him about working in the field and harvesting potatoes and sugar beets. Asks about his rehearing and if they will see him soon, the weather is turning to winter and it is getting very snowy in Idaho.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, thanking him for the gifts he sent and tells him that they are done with the harvest and are back in Hunt, Idaho. Asks about his rehearing and hopes that they will be reunited soon.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, talking about her father's health and that it is getting better and almost normal. They are decorating the mess hall for Christmas and hope to win the contest. Miyoko was unable to help because they had a cold but are getting better now.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written to George Shihei Shitamae from his brother, Niroku, in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese and English, asking how he is doing and hoping he is safe.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese and English.
Letter thanking the girls for the packages the family has sent. Talks about dehydrated food and how that will be the norm after the war and that we will have to get used to it.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, asking him if he had a happy Christmas, stating that it was hard for them to be happy with all of the family scattered apart.Talks about the decoration contest and what place they got. She wishes that he could come and visit in the Spring like the other family members.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, thanking him Shitamae for the gifts and tells him not to worry about the family's health because everyone is doing fine. Talks about the dog and the dreary weather.
Letter thanking George Shihei Shitamae for the gifts and asks more about his rehearing. Also writes that an American has sent a letter vouching for him and that total to 3 people working to get him a rehearing.

1944
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's great-niece, Midori, thanking him for a chest that he sent her. Midori Fijii also discusses the weather and mentions her dog and it's new puppies.
Letter written in Japanese.
Drawing sent to George Shihei Shitamae from his great-niece Kazumi.
Drawing sent to George Shihei Shitamae from his great-niece Kazumi.
Letter from the Department of Justice authorizing a rehearing for George Shihei Shitamae.
Letter to George Shihei Shitamae from his niece, Yoshiko, discussing Miyoko's departure for Philadelphia.
Letter to Georg Shihei Shitamae from his niece, Yoshiko, expressing joy of hearing of his parol. The letter also mentions the activities of the family, including school and work.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, expressing the joy of hearing of his parol. The letter also describes Miyoko's life in Philadelphia and her experience training to be a nurse.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him about their Christmas and hopes that he had a good one, but writes about how hard it is to be festive when all of their family is scattered around the country and the war is raging. But they did the decorating same as last year and that was fun. (incomplete letter unknown creator).
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter talking about Miyoko's departure to the east. George Shihei Shitamae wishes that they could see each other but it doesn't seem likely and will probably be after the war.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Miyoko, stating that they forgot to mail the letter and just re-wrote one. Miyoko and the family are frusturated that there are many people returning to camp from Santa Fe and they are not giving George Shihei Shitamae a rehearing. Miyoko is leaving for Chicago to work and go to night school so she can apply to get into nursing school.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written to George Shihei Shitamae from his brother, Niroku, in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, wishing him a Happy New Year but wishes they were all together. Talks about the dog and thanks him for the gifts and cookies he sent. The weather is cold but no snow yet and there is a cold epidemic going on so they are closing some buildings and asks him to stay safe.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, telling him that they are back in Hunt with the family and wish he was there so they could all celebrate together. Asks about an update on his rehearing, says camp life is the same, talks about the Victory gardens. Fumiko says they will be leaving soon to go back to school and work in the east.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter telling George Shihei Shitamae that a reliable source says his rehearing is scheduled in mid June, 1944, saying the condition of your health will be a significant factor.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, thanking him for the photo he recently sent of himself. Fumiko visited camp during a break from school and they had a great time, dropped her off in Spokane at the end and enjoyed lunch there at a park. Talks about recent travels and the beautiful environment, school statrs soon and she is thinking about whether to go to college or not.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him that Yoshiko is graduating in two weeks and is still unsure about college or work. She asks about his rehearing and says that the families here are all very anxiously waiting for the outcome. Asks about the weather and if there are any changes to the plants around him.Says the camp is thining out because boys and men are being drafted for active duty and going overseas.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Fumiko, telling him that she is going to Santa Fe on the way back to Idaho to visit him. Wishing him well on his reheareing today and cannot understand why he would not get a fair trial and hopes that it is successful. Fumiko is finished with college and is going to be working in the hospital in Philadelphia and Miyoko will be up there with her soon.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yukiko, telling him that they are concerned with his health and hope he gets well soon. Yukiko tells hims that the success of the hearing makes the family happy and hopes that he will return to the family. She pleads him to tell her the condition of his health so she can work on trying to get him paroled sooner.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's niece, Yoshiko, telling him the family is concerned about his recent hospitalization from high blood pressure, asks about his rehearing. Since Yoshiko has graduated she is staring vocational school to continue to learn how to type and write.
Notice to limit messages to one to two pages.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter stating that they are concerned for George Shihei Shitamae health since he was just admitted into the hospital. Miyoko had gone to see a former boss in Philadelphia to see if there was anything the could do about your hearing. She is working at the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council Office to help young people integrate back into outside schools. She talks about the people she is staying with and how they treat her like their own daughter.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's great-niece, Ayako, asking about the weather and was concerned about George Shihei Shitamae's sickness and hopes he will get better. They are going to school and are excited to be going into the built in block swimming pool soon.
Letter from George Shihei Shitamae's great-niece, Midori, concerned about his health. Talks about camping trips they are taking soon and they are excited to hopefully be able to go into the swimming pool soon.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written to the Department of Justice by George Shihei Shitamae's brother, Niroku, explaining George's condition and is asking them to grant him release so he can get well with his family.
Letter from the Department of Justice stating that there is nothing they can do because George Shihei Shitamae's rehearing is already in place.
Letter stating that George Shihei Shitamae's niece has appealed for aid for arragning a rehearing.
Letter stating that George Shihei Shitamae's niece has appealed for aid for arragning a rehearing and that he is in poor health and the family is wanting to take care of him.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.
Letter written in Japanese.