[Letter to Clara Breed from Louise Ogawa, Poston, Arizona, September 14, 1943]

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[Letter to Clara Breed from Louise Ogawa, Poston, Arizona, September 14, 1943]

Maker Ogawa, Louise

Date1943

Mediumpaper, ink

DimensionsH: 11 in, W: 8.5 in (sheet); H: 3.5 in, W: 6.375 in (envelope)

ClassificationsArchives

Credit LineGift of Elizabeth Y. Yamada

Object number93.75.31JC

Description1 letter and envelope from Louise Ogawa to Clara Breed.;Transcription:
Sept. 14, 1943/Dear Miss Breed,/With school starting Monday I'd say I'm almost as busy as you. But I'll always have time for your delightful letters!/Yes, I can imagine the fun you had picking and canning figs because I use to pick figs too. In our backyard we use to have a fig tree--there never was a time that I wasn't caught on a limb while picking figs./Because in a camp I do not feel very much of the effects of war but hearing about all the difficulties is enough for me. I do hope sweaters are still available! Oh, oh, this means more trouble for you! You know it! --Tough luck, as the Postonians would say at this time. You see, I want a sweater as you may have already guessed. When you happen to go shopping, I don't care when, will you kindly look around for a cartigan sweater for me please. I would like it in some shade of rose. But not pink please because the Poston sun is too strong for it. Dusty rose, rose, Am. beauty rose anything in shades of rose will do. I am enclosing two strips of yarn--these colors are fine too. My, what a particular girl I am! Yes, I agree!! If this color is or rather cannot be found medium blue will do. But not navy blue please. I am a fine one aren't I? I ask and at the same time I send the money so you can't refuse. Please remember I am in NO HURRY. In fact I'd like to receive it around the end of October--then the crickets won't get it and because I am in no urgent need of it. I thought I'd enclose the money now so that just in case one was found I'll have it. And there'll be no chance of losing it by waiting until later. And also I have heard that the quality of goods are becoming very poor. The sweater may be priced up to $4.50 because after including the tax, postage etc. it'll amount to $5.00, which is the amount enclosed for the sweater. Oh yes about the style--sloppy Joe is just fine./I won't apologize to you for being such a pest again because I always seem to apologize and then ask a favor of you the next minute. I'm glad to hear the incident of the clock and I amused you but you would have heard tingle lingle ling of your neck if you had laughed at the moment it occurred./I guess you were right about Miss McNary not being able to compete against me they don't come any blacker than I!!/My but that iron certainly came as a pleasant surprise! Thanks a million for going through much trouble to purchase it for me. Thank you !!!! I am enclosing $7.00 in money order for the iron. This is how I came to that conclusion--$6.50 was the cost of the iron; 35 c. was the cost of the postage; 15 c., which is a measly (? --> spelling) sum in the cost of the streetcar fare = $7.00/About our old iron, father thought it best not to send it for repairs because we had it repaired twice already and the repairman informed us of its short life. /Most of my friends who have relocated seem to end up working for some kind of a publishing company. They always write and say how friendly everyone is, though once in a while they do meet some unfriendly people but that is to be expected anywhere./Yes, I'm quite sure it takes loads of courage to go out into the spacious United States again. But I think those who have relocated have advanced one step above us. Here in camp, I think our standard of living tends to become lower, we tend to become less independent, and this certainly does not help to make our future brighter. This may not be altogether true, but it's my opinion. I certainly would like to go out, but I don't have the slightest idea where I'd like to go. I guess I haven't really given it much thought, since father has not consented to my going. My sister is planning to go out but as yet she has no definite plans. She may go to Chicago where my brother is. Father says he would like to go out too but he is a little optimistic about the feelings toward him since he is an isei. Well, only time will tell whether we go out or stay hidden in hot Poston./Poston being a dull place, I must say this letter is the same. I hope next time I'll have something interesting to write./Hoping to hear you are in fine health I remain/Most respectfully,/Louise Ogawa/I am enclosing $12.00 in money order. Please give my regards to Miss McNary. I hope she had a nice vacation! Too bad she is still too light to join the Poston Indian tribe!