Finding aid of the Japanese-American Internment Oral
Histories
Rachel Malm
Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections
University of the Pacific Library
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211
Phone: (209) 946-2404
Fax: (209) 946-2942
URL: http://www.pacific.edu/Library/Find/Holt-Atherton-Special-Collections.html
© 2008
University of the Pacific. All rights reserved.
Finding aid of the Japanese-American Internment Oral
Histories
Collection number: MSS 296
Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections
University
of the Pacific Library
Stockton, California
- Processed by:
- Rachel Malm
- Date Completed:
- 2010
- Encoded by:
- Michael Wurtz
© 2008 University of the Pacific. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: japanese-american internment oral
histories
Dates: 2001
Collection number: MSS 296
Collector:
Sparks, Edith
Collection Size: .5 linear feet
Repository:
University of the Pacific. Library. Holt-Atherton Dept. of
Special Collections
Stockton, California 95211
Abstract: This collection contains audio interviews,
transcriptions, photographs, genealogical information, letters and related
newspaper clippings of Japanese-American who were kept in Relocation Centers
during World War II.
Physical location: For current information on the location
of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Languages: Languages represented in the collection:
English
Access
Collection open for research.
Publication Rights
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as
the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply
permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the
researcher.
Preferred Citation
japanese-american internment oral histories. MSS 296. Holt-Atherton
Department of Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library.
Biography / Administrative History
In the fall of 2001, University of the Pacific professor Edith Sparks
assigned her students to interview nine Japanese-Americans who lived in San
Joaquin County and were sent to Relocation Centers during World War II.
Scope and Content of Collection
This collection contains audio interviews, transcriptions, photographs,
genealogical information, letters and related newspaper clippings of
Japanese-American who were kept in Relocation Centers during World War II. In
addition to discussing life before, during, and after the time spent at the
Relocation Centers, many of the narrators focus on how family dynamics changed
while in the camps. Some interviewees compare the persecution of Muslims in the
wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to what the Japanese-Americans
went through during World War II.
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this
collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Rohwer Relocation Center.
Tule Lake Relocation Center.
Gila River Relocation Center.
Japanese-American Evacuation and
Relocation - 1942 - 1945.
Oral history - 20th century.
Endow, Bernice (b. 1921, Sacramento) Tule Lake Relocation
Center.
Abstract: Endow had been studying nursing in the spring of 1942. She
discusses her college search and difficulties finding a university accepting
Japanese-Americans. She describes barracks and daily life in Tule Lake camp.
Fuji, June (b. 1931, Modesto) Gila River, and Tule Lake.
Abstract: Fuji was a child in the spring of 1942. Her father had been
"taken away" because he was a "leader" in Stockton society. Contains list of
items sent to father in Bismarck, North Dakota, as well as long series of
letters sent from his children and wife. Signed yearbook from Rohwer Relocation
Center. Only notes and partial transcript available.
Hiramoto, Kinji (b. 1921, Lodi) Rohwer Relocation
Center.
Abstract: Hiramoto had just graduated from high school in the spring of
1942. Details relocation process. Describes Stockton Assembly Center. Describes
Japanese feelings of
"shikata ga nai" reason for
not revolting. Some information on Japanese American Citizens League.
Imai, Mary (b. 1930, Salt Lake City) and Ozzie(b.1924 San
Francisco) Gila River and Poston Relocation Centers.
Abstract: Ozzie had graduated high school, and Mary was still a child
in the spring of 1942. Ozzie was eventually drafted and worked in Japan as a
member of the US Military.
Kawamura, Miyeko (b. 1934, Concord) Gila River Relocation
Center.
Abstract: Kawamura was a child in the spring of 1942. She recalls
medical services and experiences in the Relocation Center and discusses
returning to Gila River in 1995. Contains a letter from the narrator's daughter
with a Sansei (third generation) point of view regarding relocation. Also
contains newspaper clippings from
Lodi News
Sentinel
(1942, 1995),
Pacific Citizen
(1995), and
The Arizona Republic (1995) concerning
the Gila River Relocation Center.
Kurahara, Mary (b.1925) Rohwer Relocation Center. Nagagawa,
Mary (b.1924) Rohwer Relocation Center. Noma, Yuriko (b.1927) Poston Relocation
Center. Yashioko, Toshi (b.1925) Rohwer Relocation Center.
Abstract: This was a group interview. All were high school age in the
spring of 1942. Stories of transport between relocation centers and
camps.
Nakashima, Joan (b. c.1930) Tule Lake Relocation
Camp.
Abstract: Nakashima was a child in the spring of 1942. Discusses the
family's negative reception when assimilating back into civilian life in Idaho
and Nebraska. Members of her extended family were placed in other camps. (no
audio recording available)
Omachi, Joseph (b. 1910 Lommis) Gila River Relocation
Camp.
Abstract: Omachi was a lawyer in the spring of 1942. Extensively
examines current events in 2001 in relation to what was happening at the time
of internment. (no audio recording available)
Sakai, Barry (b.1919 Stockton) Rohwer Relocation
Center.
Abstract: Sakai was a student at UC Berkeley in the spring of 1942.
Describes growing up in Stockton. Only partial transcript available.
