My Experiences in the Tulelake Schools
By Louise Sako
The happiest times I spent in the internment camps were those months when I worked in the
schools in the Tulelake Relocation Center. My friend, Kimi and I discussed what we’d like to do upon our arrival there from the PinedaleAssembly Center. We decided to get a job in the new nursery school in Block 49 which was in our area. Ms. Marianne Robinson, nursery school supervisor, filled us in all matters pertaining to our work.
Kimi and I had eighteen children at the beginning and when the enrollment increased to
twenty- five, another Nisei, Fujie joined us. All the children were English speaking Sanseis, ages four
and five. Our program included storybook readings, singing, playing games, snack time of milk and
graham crackers and naptime. The children were well mannered and got along very well with each other.
When the elementary school was to begin in September, Kimi and I applied for first grade assistants in the Rim Rock School in Block 54. We both were hired and worked with Ms. Patricia Whaley, a graduate of San Jose State College. Although we were not trained educators, working with Ms. Whaley was a joy. I do not remember all what I did but I enjoyed the work. Young minds were fantastic!
We had one student, Mary who was severely handicapped. Kimi and I took turns giving special attention to her as she had difficulty walking and talking. At first, we had difficulty communicating with her but as time went on, we learned to understand her by her body language. One day, when one of her classmates teased her, she cried and showed much displeasure. I was very upset as I couldn’t make her understand very well how I felt. Way back some 68 years ago, handicapped children did not get special treatment from the state or federal government. On the last day of school, Mary clung to me and with tears in her eyes said “Thank you, Miss Nori (for Norikane).” I cried, too.
During our fourteen months stay in Tulelake, I vividly remember the Christmas season on 1942. Kimi and I volunteered to help process some two thousand toys and gifts for the younger children of the camp. These (mostly new) gifts were donated by various churches, including the Presbyterian and organizations throughout the United States. We were amazed with people’s generosity and compassion for our young evacuees. All the Santas in camp were busy indeed!
While working for the schools, I received $16 a month and $3.75 clothing allowance. The school year ended and my family and I were transferred to the Minidoka Camp in Idaho in September of 1943.
Some 40 years later:
One of my first grade students whom I met years later at the Day of Remembrance event in Salinas, Jeanne Takemoto Nakagawa, now lives in the Monterey area.
I met another student, Junko Yasumura Yoshida who was married to the late Victor (Kenzo Yoshida’s son) of Watsonville and now resides in the Bay Area. Both Victor and Kenzo were former Westview Church members.
I also was able to meet and talk to a former Tulelake grade school teacher (Caucasian) who was in the Watsonville Bonsai Club. Evarista Mickelson worked in the Tulelake School after I left for Idaho. She moved away before I got too acquainted with her.