[Letter to Clara Breed from Fusa Tsumagari, Poston, Arizona, December 28, 1943]

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[Letter to Clara Breed from Fusa Tsumagari, Poston, Arizona, December 28, 1943]

Maker Tsumagari, Fusa

Date1943

Mediumpaper, ink

DimensionsH: 10 in, W: 7.25 in (sheet) H: 7.5 in, W: 5.5 in (enclosure) H: 3.875 in, W: 7.5 in (envelope)

ClassificationsArchives

Credit LineGift of Elizabeth Y. Yamada

Object number93.75.31AS

DescriptionTranscription:
December 28, 1943 / Dear Miss Breed, / Thank you ever so much for the many nice presents you sent me. The candy and nuts were delicious. I am in the process of reading the two books you sent, and am enjoying them, especially "The Tree Toad." The pin is very cute and looks very nice on my red sweater. I also received a lovely sweater from mom, a purse from sis, and a bath mit, hair ribbons, socks, candy, and a few other things. The giving and receiving at Christmas time is always fun, but we really missed father since my brother was here last Christmas, and there wasn't any menfolk in the house. Many other homes must have missed their menfolks, too. I hope someday soon we may all enjoy "Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men" and that many folks may enjoy a really happy reunion. According to letters received here Yuki is spending his five day holiday at my sister's place. It gave mother and me pleasure to think that at least they were having a happy reunion. I believe Minoru Kojima went with my brother, too, as they are roommates, and their family is scattered, too. I hope by next year at least father will be able to join us. / Enclosed with this letter you will find a clipping about Mrs. Nance's visit to Poston. This was in the Red Cross paper which is published here, and is rather battered because the neighbors little got a hold of it before I did and managed to do some fancy scribbling which I haven't yet learned to read. / You may be interested in how we celebrated Christmas. Christmas eve the annual choir singing was held at the stage. The choir sang, and had a pageant. It was very nice, but not as large or well done as last year. This is due primarily to the fact that so many of the leaders have gone out. After that some went to a dance held by "Greenbays" a bunch of S.D. boys, while others went to private parties, or just stayed home. We went to a private party. About 10:30 we heard the Church group of about 40 boys and girls making the rounds to each block as they sang various carols. It was beautiful, and more enchanting than the choir singing. I went with them last year through the sand and storm and even later rain, but not this year. We enjoyed our party and went home. / Christmas Day we opened all our presents. After lunch (cabbage [called something terrible that sounds like cabbage] ugh!) Santa (alias Mr. Ouchi) came in and presented gifts to those under 17 and those above 60. These presents to the children were gifts from people back East who were good enough to give them to the children. Candies were given to children with the proceeds of the Bazaar which was held early in December. The older folks received a box of chocolate candies, also from the Bazaar. We (those between 17 and 59) consoled ourselves by telling each other "we're either too young or too old" which really is the truth! We're either too young (under 60) and too old (over 17!) Gee, I guess I'll have to add on a couple of 40 years to make the grade, but hope I'll be out of here by then so I could buy my own present! Christmas night we had roast chicked, which was delicious. I felt sick after eating so much so I didn't go to the Blk. 330 dance, though I wanted to go. About 11 p.m. or so there was a fire in Camp 2, which (according to unconfirmed rumor, but which seems true) started at the chicken coop and went on to an empty block (no occupants) and destroyed 6 or so buildings. These buildings were being used to store evacuee furniture, washing machines, refrigerators etc. so it was very costly. However, most people were glad that their inhabited homes were not burned because there they have all their immediate need. It was very windy that night and the whole sky was red. So ended Christmas. / Poston has been very unfortunate in fires. The buildings are made of wood and tar paper, and can easily burn down completely in about 8-10 minutes. Some are caused by carelessness, others due to short in the wiring. One mess hall burned down completely while others were caught in the nick of time. Some barracks have burned down completely, too. / Mom hasn't been feeling too well lately. I guess old man flu is finally catching up with her. I had a slight case of indigestion but got over it right away. / Have to get this in the mail, so I will close now. Once again, thank you for the lovely presents. Please take good care of yourself. / Sincerely, / Fusa Tsumagari;1 letter and envelope from Fusa Tsumagari to Clara Breed, + camp Red Cross paper article "Miss Nance Visits Poston".