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Title Correspondence from Shigezo Iwata to Sonoko Iwata from the Internment Camp
Author Iwata Shigezo (1900-1986)
Date 30 Mar-23 Apr 1942
Document Type Correspondence
Reference MSS 53, Box 1, Folder 11
Library / Archive Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Collection Name Shigezo and Sonoko Iwata Papers, 1942-1991
Description Letters are written in Japanese and then typed up in English by Sonoko. Discusses life in the internment camp and his daily activities such as listening to the radio, playing cards, listening to sermons and having general conversations. He relates that there will be a hearing later in the month and that they will need recommendations and references from Caucasian friends. He is worried about this as he does not feel that he currently has any Caucasian friends as he has been so involved in the Oasis group. He thanks her for her daily letters and hopes that she and the children are well.
Series Description The collection contains letters between the Iwatas and their friends detailing life in the relocation centre and the internment camp. There are also personal documents and biographical materials.
Biographical Note / History Shigezo Iwata was born in Japan and immigrated to the United States in 1924. Sonoko U. Iwata was born in Los Angeles. The couple made their home in Thermal, California where they farmed and Shigezo was secretary of the Thermal Farmers' Cooperative Association. Separated in the initial part of World War II when Shigezo was arrested and detained by the FBI at the Lordsburg Internment Camp (New Mexico), the Iwatas were reunited in 1943 at the Colorado River Relocation Centre near Poston, Arizona.
Theme(s) Permanent Settlement and Successive Generations; Religion, Ethnic Identity and Community Relations
Places Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
Nationality Japanese
People Iwata, Sonoko U (1911-2004); Iwata, Shigezo (1900-1986)
Keywords family, marriage, children, Second World War, internment
Additional Information Please note: Some of the metadata for this document has been taken from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania catalogue.
Language English
Document(s) linked to Sonoko Iwata to Shigezo Iwata Regarding Preparing for Evacuation
Copyright Historical Society of Pennsylvania