Images(5)

[Letter to Mollie Wilson from June Yoshigai, Rivers, Arizona, March 21, 1943]

Maker Yoshigai, June

Date1943

Mediumpaper

DimensionsL: 11 in, W: 8.5 x 6.5 in, H: 3 in

ClassificationsArchives

Credit LineGift of Mollie Wilson Murphy

Object number2000.378.16A

Description1 letter (3 p.) and envelope from June Yoshigai to Mollie Wilson in Los Angeles, California. Includes envelope; 3 cent purple stamp and postmarked March 22, 1943. Drawing on envelope flap of the Arizona desert including image of cactus, mountains, sage brush, snake, scorpion and desert storm; written above illustration: " Arizona is Red Hot! (And I do mean HOT!)". Yoshigai was in Gila River concentration camp in Arizona during World War II.;44-6-C
Rivers, Arizona
March 21, 1943
Dear Molly,
Here I've been waiting for days and days wondering when you're going to write-then I remembered I was supposed to answer your letter. Kindly excuse this belate letter, won't you?
What's buzzin', cuzzin? Anything new or exciting? Everything is as usual here in camp. Right after the boys registered, we girls registered. Believe me pal, it certainly was not easy answering question number 28. It was worded kind of hard-if we put down "yes", it'd mean we were enemy's with our own parents and hardly have a chance of ever going to Japan even to visit our relatives but on the other side, we couldn't say "no", because the United States is our country, where we were born and raised. But the majority of us put down "yes", pledging our loyalty to America. My parents both understood how difficult it was, but they also believe I was right in answering "yes". If we have a chance to enter the "W.A.A.C's"-we're going! Lots of boys here have volunteered for the army. Our block has the most who've volunteered. She gave them parties and etc.
By the way, how's Kenny? Next time you write, send him our regards, and tell him we're all wishing him the best of luck! Gee, is Harold in the Air Corps? How's he getting along? Send him my "hello" okay? Say, remember the Kawabata's who used to live in front of me? Well, Yooko and Emiko are in Wyoming. Tadashi (Joe) in Poston, Yasuo is herem but in Camp I-Hiroshi at Manzanar, and Keubo-remember the smallest baby? Well, he's here in Camp II-same camp we're in! Isn't it too bad how they're all separated? Tadashi came over the other day from Poston for a visit---to say "goodbye" to Yasuo, his grandmother, Kiubo, and us! You see, he's also volunteered for the army! Gosh, is he tall! But he's way, way taller than Kenny maybe as tall as Albert or even more! Gee, was I surprised; didn't even recognize him at first!
You asked whether the family still remembered you? Of course, how can they forget you? Every-time I mention Saudie's name, they ask about you. If I mention your name, they wonder about Saudie! Speaking of Saudie-man alive, is she pretty tho! I heard she gets around like "nobody's business" out there in Colorado!
Oh yes, mom asked to me ask you if you know how Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are! Last night mom dreamt that Mrs. Bailey was real ill in bed, so will you see how she is, and let us know? Thanks a lot!
How are your parents, brother, and dog? Gee, I remember how scared we were of your dog! It sure makes me laugh whew I think how your dog scared us! Boy, and did you love "osushi", "ne-boshi"-"sho-ga" and other things! Gosh, I miss those things myself.
Well, I guess I'd better be signing off now-until I hear from you, I reamin

Your Friend,
June Yoshigai

P.S. I actually made the honor roll here at school! Imagine things do happen-agree?

P.P.S. Haruko Ishimine-Harry ?????? and Masako something-or-other are here from Roosevelt Hi. They're in Camp #1.
Fujiko Kobayashi is here in Camp II-I see her everyday at school. She was teaching a Sunday-school Class-I don't know if she still is though. She says "hello Molly".

P.P.P.S. Tell Joyce I'll be writing to her soon.

P.P.P.P.S. Mom was ill in bed for a few weeks, so I was kind of busy now that she's much better, I have a little time, so I'll be writing to her okay

Bye now and be good girl.
Sincerely,
June