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Letter to Clara Breed from Margaret Ishino, Poston, Arizona, October 19, 1942

In this letter, Margaret wrote of the presents that the Japanese American children received from the government on the first Christmas that they were in camp. Americans outside of the camps protested this, fueled by injustice and prejudice. Letters were written to local papers critiquing this plan, and Miss Breed detested reading them.

Transcription:

October 19, 1942/Dear Miss Breed,/Christmas arrived early for the San Diegans and for those who were at Santa Anita. Our Sears clothing came Thursday! Everything I ordered came except a sweater. Florence was lacking a few things, but we are all sincerely thankful for what the Government has done for us. Little Thomas and Florence were each given an excellent pair of shoes, which Florence could hardly wait to try on./School is similar to San Diego. We are using the California method. Florence seems much happier here in school than San Diego because of her many Japanese classmates. I have an American teacher for Core Studies (History and English) and find her very nice. Incidentally Louise is also in three of my classes. At present we are studying the agriculture of Poston and the economic conditions of United States. I am taking Bookkeeping and Shorthand both under Nisei teachers. They are mostly University students who have already graduated or were about to, and I think they make good teachers./I am typing this letter by Thomas who is dropping everything from his crib. He will not stay still for a moment. On the 27th he will be 9 months. He has his 6 teeth now and certainly is making good use of them./Today is the last day of a 3 day County Fair in Camp 1. Last night I went with some of my girl friends on a huge truck. There were mostly exhibits. I found much talent displayed at the Fair by different people from each of the 3 camps who made and drew many clever things. Miniture plans were skillfully made of a nursery, fish cannery, and poultry. They sold candy, pop corns, ice cream, hot dogs and hamburgers for eats. I was certainly glad to go to the Fair, because it was something different after so long. /Florence drew a picture of a dog at school which she would like you to have. She hopes you like it. How is the library coming along? Do you have more children since school started. /Please give my regards to Miss McNary. Florence sends you her best wishes./Sincerely,/