Torio Family Collection, 1941-1944

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Title:: Torio Family Collection
Dates:: 1941-1944
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:: .25 linear feet (1 box)
Language:
Preferred citation:: Torio Family Collection. Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego

Scope and content:: The correspondence is from various friends many of whom were serving in the military as well as a few flirtatious letters from female friends. There are several work-related documents from their time in Poston internment camp and personal photographs from before they were interned. In addition, there is a bible that appears to belong to Frank Torio. The inscription suggests he obtained it while he was in the military during WWII while his family was still interned at Poston.
Biographical / historical:: Charles and Frank Torio were the sons of Yoshichiro Torio and Suna Nakagawa. They had two siblings - Kay and George. In the 1930s, the family was tenant farmers in Mission Valley and the three boys attended Grantville School. During World War II, the Torio family was incarcerated in Block 330 of the Poston internment camp in Parker, Arizona. Both Charles and Frank served in the U.S. Army, where Charles was a heavy equipment operator. After the war, the brothers both married – Charles to Betty and Frank to Juliana – and went on to farm in Chula Vista on adjoining properties. Charles grew tomatoes and cucumbers although later he decided to go into gardening. Frank passed away January 6, 1995 and Charles on October 21, 1996.

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid created by Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego staff.
Date Prepared:: 1941-1944
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Preferred citation:: Torio Family Collection. Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego

Location of this collection:: Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego

4029 43rd Street

Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92105, US