Ann’s Letter

Contributed by Diane Ichiyasu

The letter was 12 pages–handwritten on yellow paper by my mother, Ann Ichiyasu, to her neighbor, Lo Verne, when we were sent to the Topaz camp in 1942. It was sent to me by Lo Verne’s daughter, who saved it when she was going through her mother’s possessions about 10 years ago. The go-between was a Japanese American lady who called me one day out of the blue. I was a bit skeptical about the whole business, and really did not want to become involved, not knowing what was being sent.

But I shared my address, and received the letter. When I realized the handwriting was indeed my mother’s, I was in the midst of home projects and the time seemed to escape me. I was not very interested in that period of time (1940’s)  but have since realized how important it is to know the facts so that it does not happen to another group of people. 

This is the letter my mother wrote from Topaz:

[If you would prefer to read a copy of the original handwritten letter, click here.]

Dearest Lo Verne:

How thrilled I was to get your letter here yesterday (13th). You so far away thinking of us & having your warm, friendly, chatty letter reach us safely — you made me most happy. I read it over twice, once by myself, then I read it aloud to Joey. You cannot realize how starved we must have been for the type of news you wrote. Brought a lump to my throat, too.

You know I never was much of a letter writer & I have no reason at all for not having written to you sooner except that being such a bum letter writer it takes me so long that I never can sit still long enough to pen anything.

For weeks before we left Tanforan, we had just about everything packed & crated because we were told we were going to be sent to somewhere — we weren’t told the date then nor where the place was to be — but we had to be prepared for every eventuality as in several instances people were moved after 48 hr. Notice — Knowing we could never get ready in that time — we had things already way before — then when the exodus was announced to be the 15th of Sept. rumor had it that we would be among the first to leave . However, it turned out we left near the last — on Oct. 1st. The month of September was very trying. The Army is very tight-mouthed & its policy is fine when it comes to war strategy, etc. — but dealing with civilians like us, it was awful — we lived in a state of maddening uncertainty & were clutching at any rumor — & did rumors fly! 

When you’re moving troops of men, 48 hr. notices & such may be simple but you just can’t do that with families –& we could never understand what harm there would have been if we were told just when & where we were going & in what order. But anywhere that’s all over with.