Japanese Americans

Charles Polson discusses his work at Hill Air Force Base as an aircraft mechanic and his decision to join the service in 1942. The interview took place on August 5, 1972.

Lois Polson discusses growing up in Farr West and, particularly, her nursing career during World War II at the Thomas Dee Memorial Hospital. She reviews medical practices, rationing and other wartime conditions, as well as memories of seeing POWs at the DDO. She also recalls (apparently) interred Japanese-Americans living in shacks on “Tokyo Road” near Willard Bay. She also discusses resentment toward Japanese-American medical personnel working at the hospital during the war.

Atsushi Sayama discusses his experiences and knowledge of training and agriculture in Utah with the Japanese-American culture. The interview was conducted October 15, 2004.

Shirley Sayama discusses her experiences and knowledge of farming and agriculture in Utah with the Japanese-American culture. The interview was conducted on October 15, 2004.

Elsie Okamoto Shiramizu discusses being placed in a Japanese internment camp with her family after Pearl Harbor. She also talks of her time at the Dee School of Nursing and her volunteer work. The interview took place on July 22, 2008.

Jean Sumida discusses her life and her experiences farming orchards. The interview was conducted October 11, 2004. 

Paul Sumida discusses his life and experiences farming orchards. The interview was conducted on October 11, 2004.