Letter to J.J. McGovern dated June 19, 1942

James Y. Sakamoto Papers, box 10. Manuscripts and University Archives Division, UW Libraries.

June 19, 1942

Mr. J.J. McGovern, Manager
Puyallup Assembly Center
Puyallup, Washington

Dear Mr. McGovern:

RE: Foods served in Camp Harmony

In the beginning when the evacuees first came to Camp Harmony, the food was poor in both quality and quantity. Canned vienna sausage and stewed tomatoes were the staple foods for the first few days. And due to the unsettled condition of the camp and due to their strange surroundings, the mess warehouse was ordering too much food one day and not enough the next.

Also due to the shortage of plates and cups, especially in Area D, some people were eating with plates and silver which were not exactly clean from the standpoint of physical and sanitary condition.

However, after the final lot of evacuees reached Camp Harmony and things settled down so that cooks in all the kitchens knew how much to cook, things have changed considerably. Now the foods are ordered in such quantities so that there is no needless waste nor is there any condition that might be considered an insufficiency.

Although there seems to be a slight shortage of butter and eggs and also in fresh vegetables, people are getting enough to eat of clean wholesome foods; with the exception that on certain days due to delivery conditions or otherwise, there are frequent substitutions, such as beans, in the menu as sent from the San Francisco office.

We realize the handicaps under which the Wartime Civil Control Administration are working, and thank you for your co-operation.

Very truly yours,

Richard Nomura
Salvage and Sanitation Officer