James Y. Sakamoto Papers. Box 10. Manuscripts and University Archives, UW Libraries.
A-1-86
Camp Harmony
Puyallup, Wash.
10 pm 5-8-42
Dear Ted —
This place has been a madhouse ever since we came on last Thursday — April 30. Although it has been only 8 days, it seems as if it has been months.
In answer to your inquiries —
(1) Letters and packages may be sent to those in camp by addressing it to the designated Area, Camp Harmony, Puyallup. In Area A we will be able to handle any package & letter if it is addressed to “Area A.” However, if the sender has the Area, Section and Apartment number it would greatly facilitate matters.
The first contingent of about 450 came to Area B this morning. Another 450 for Area B arrives tomorrow morning & in the afternoon 575 are expected for area C. Area D will take the first evacuees on Sunday. I don’t know how they will handle the mail in B, C or D but I imagine that they will use Area A plan of taking a complete census of the residents.
(2) Visiting — visitors are allowed to meet at the entrance gate of Area A — no visitors will be allowed in the camp. Packages may be delivered at the gate — but no contraband — ie — liquor, beer or wine, axes, butcher knives, etc.
(3) As to facilities & articles necessary — Each Area in the Camp is set up differently and a letter will not be sufficient to give detailed report — I suggest that you send a Puyallup or Sumner man to come to the camp and talk directly with someone in the camp.
Each apartment is a single room bare– with no furniture or shelving of any kind except single army cots (iron as yet), one for each member; a trash burner which is used to heat the rooms. Some section is reputed to have kerosene stoves for heating; and one light outlet.
As there will [be] no privacy for the individual members of the family — suggest that curtain and large cloth material be brought to hang and to screen off portions of the room.
Bring extension cords and plugs, nails, sports clothes and work clothes — bring at least one pair of work shoes. Brooms, basins, buckets, tubs, camp stools and chairs, tools, hammers, small hatchet, lock for door, coat hangers, letter paper and stamps, small scatter rugs.
One good thing to bring is a pair of clogs or “geta.” These things are only a partial list of unusual things necessary. All the usual things necessary to living are additional — also bring plenty of matches you smokers as well as your tobacco supply. Of course the evacuee must use his discretion in loading up — So far the vans have taken everything brought to the pick-up point.
For those having babies — bring baby beds or cribs — high chair and every thing necessary for babies including bathtubs or bathinettes, etc.
The army order will tell you to bring eating utensils. The camp to date furnishes all dishes etc. however you will find that personal utensils & dishes come in handy.
Area A will have an office. However the other sections seem to have no place set aside for offices.
In making any arrangements — please remember that there will be little of any running around from Area to Area in the Camp.
Please send someone out for information as the camp staff is overworked and will be unable to do much communicating by mail until the office is set up.
Sincerely,
Bill Mimbu
28 January 1997