[Letter to Clara Breed from Fusa Tsumagari, Arcadia, California, July 16, 1942]

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[Letter to Clara Breed from Fusa Tsumagari, Arcadia, California, July 16, 1942]

Maker Tsumagari, Fusa

Date1942

Mediumpaper, ink

DimensionsH: 8 in, W: 9.875 in (sheet); H: 4.25 in, 5.25 in (envelope)

ClassificationsArchives

Credit LineGift of Elizabeth Y. Yamada

Object number93.75.31JA

DescriptionTranscription:
July 16, 1942/Dear Miss Breed, /Thank you for everything. First of all it was grand to see you and then on top of that to receive such nice gifts from you. I really liked your clever way of wrapping each of the sox in little packages. One of the fellows who was at my home at the time I opened the gifts exclaimed "I don't see how girls get such a kick out of wrapping and unwrapping gifts!" So you see--I really showed my enthusiasm over receiving such nice things from you./Yesterday (though I am loath to tell you) I finally took the candies and soaps to Louise. I should have taken them sooner but was busy in the evenings./My job is very easy but has rush days usually on the 15th and the 30th. I have just finished my work so am writing you./I am living in an ideal place. All our neighbors are grown up so we don't have to put up with a lot of baby crying. An interesting part of living in barracks has not been mention to you before. Since each barrack looks alike almost all the families have put their names on the door in some fashion. Some have painted signs, others engraved in wood and even others with bent wires spelling out their names. The result is quite interesting and gives each home individuality. One of the most original places has a huge doll made of burlap, with wood shavings for hair, button eyes and made of anything found within the center. (She is sitting on a large branch of a tree) Beside her is a sign which reads "I am Lula Belle, the Belle of Santa Anita" then another sign which reads "I am looking for a fellow with an income of $8 or more a month with a hollow chest + thick waist. Many a joke has been played on unsuspecting persons by their being dragged all the way out to meet Lulu Belle!/Another interesting decoration is a monkey whose face has been molded out of torn up strips of burlap. He is sitting on a tree made of burlap./Then, there are a deer and a dog, and a duck made from branches of trees. Really very clever!/One of the most beautiful is a barrel which has been cut into about 3/4 of its size and has a triangular top making it look like a well. The barrel has water in it with pebbles on the bottom and has all kinds of broken glass hanging from the roof. They tinkle and make a very beautiful noise./I am really impressed with the ingenuity of some of the people./In regards to your galloon question--according to the catalogues they have scalloped edges and are about one to two inches wides and have a design inside. Something like this: [drawing of lace] I hope you catch on now!/Self government has been disbanded for the present. I guess permanently too! I will write you more about that later if you remind me too./Thanks a lot for all your kindness. Until I hear from you again I remain Sincerely yours,/Fusa.;1 letter and envelope from Fusa Tsumagari to Clara Breed.