"Correspondence to Hazel Retherford"

June 29, 1944
Dear Mrs. Retherford,
Whee - Bang, here I am far Away Arizona
way. First I want to thank you for the nice box of
candy and the pictures. I sure will remeber you by the
pictures. Well, I know you are anixous to hear about it
all. First also thanks for seeing us off. The trip as a
whole was rather nice. Course in a trip like that
there are always hardship on everyone. We sure were
late in arriving here. We sure lost lots of time in between
in Texas we were at one time 5000 ft above sea level sure
was cool. we also ran into storm too. The country side
is all green but mostly pastures. Not many places to see
since we had 3 nites + 2 days. If you know anyone
comming west tell them to travel on the streamliner -
air conditioned. We had windows open but was still
warm no seawter[sic] or anything at nites. We came the
southern routes, had chances to buy ice cream twice.
Also saw the Italian Concentration Camp and the reconized
us. Some were able to talk. We arrived at Case Grande
1:30 p.m. it was hot but its wasn't bad. Welcome us with
a music + all. We arrived at our camps about 3:00 p.m.
It was cool then. Its not like Denson sticky and damp.
Its very dry here. Everything is dry dry dry even the
air you yourself feel dry inside too. We drink
ice water since its available at all times but funny
we hardly perspire so we have to go to latrine
more often then Denson. Today as I sit in our apartment
with no fan or cooler, I'm still comfortable enough
to write letters. I mean it because this is my
5th long letter (at least 3 pages) this afternoon.
2/ The weather here is funny it really hot in the sun its seems
to strike at you but there seems to be a breezes. In the
shade its cool much better then Denson as far as the
weather. People here tell us yesturday was the hottest day
yet we were all comfortable. Today the sun is hot
but as I sit here writing there a nice strong breezes.
Its blowing the curtains all the time. When the sun goes
down it gets very cool at nite at least 2 blankets
are required. Hiking seems to be the fad at nite here.
They claim we Densoner are dark, peoples here are all
very white. Also another things to be noted here are that
I haven't seen one person here that I can call skinny
Thery're all plumps & fat. I meant[sic] it. I guess its the
weather. A-we have the best meals with lots & lots
of vegetables, milk here is perfect not smelly like
Denson, its so fresh and grade A too. Even I drink
a big cup full. Vanette would sure fill out here.
There semms to be plenty of vegetables here. Not much
meat but plenty. Hardly no chicken only twice
a year but we can but it at the canteen, fruits,
like cherries, peaches etc, are available at the canteen
also fresh fish. You know we eat fresh raw fish.
We are just waiting for our freight to be delivered
this afternoon & we can cook at home. The camp
here in general is much bigger and something
about it doesn't appeal to me. Breezes are sure cool,
you know you feel dry inside but on the outside
your flesh is cool in fact it gets cold in the
evening. We are surrounded by nothing but desert
and rooming [sic] hills here & there far from
3/ everything maybe thats why I don't like it. Close
town is Casa Grande about the size of Portland. We
are not allowed to go outside at all unless we
relocate, even to Phoneix. Seems so far from every-
thing. Movies here are terrible. Blocks are larger
apartments aren't very good. Its painted white & red roof
I think they should paint it green roof. Sun
glares here. But every one seems to be comforable
only one complaining are Densoner because they're
not use to it. Faciliate are bad here
all whar we call slap-happy & brief, like showers
no spary it just sqrit [sic] out. As far as the Housing
its Denson. Arizona beats in food. No ditches to
cross here all level land, rough coarse sand soil.
Vegetables grow very nicely here, than rooming [sic]
hills here & there, cactus and sage brush every
where. Life here remind one of the life in Mexico
as it comes out of the story book only not so
colorful. I think you should of come out here.
I heared rumors that 300 more from Rohwer
would come. They are having Dummer School here
but I'm having a vacation myself for about 3 mos.
Than by that time I hope to be in Buffalo, New York
to see some one special. If I can get my permitted
to go across the border. I guess your still headed
for Rohwer. All my sympathy goes with you there.
Ifs nice here in general. See, theres a nice breeze coming
in the window now. You can tell that by this being
my 5th letters that I must be pretty comfortable

Japanese American internment in Arkansas

Title

Creator

Files

Date Original

Biographical/Historical Note

Transcription

Physical Description

Subjects

Geographical Area

Language

Identifier

Resource Type

Collection

Publisher

Contributing Entity

Recommended Citation

Rights

Disciplines

Preview

Additional Content

Included in

Browse

Search

Author Corner

Links