Portland YWCA and World War II

Document 1

Document 2

Aid to Women

Interracial Charter

Youth on the Move

December 8, 1941            

Governor Charles A. Sprague
State Capitol Building
Salem, Oregon

Dear Governor Sprague:

       We of the Young Women's Christian Association have in our Young Women's Department and in our High School Girl Reserve Department three large groups of young second-generation Japanese girls. As Y.W.C.A. secretaries we have come to know these girls as individuals and as Americans and to believe in them and in their loyalty during the present crisis.

       It is because we feel so keenly their difficult position in the present crisis that we want to express to you our personal appreciation of the statement of confidence in the second-generation Japanese-Americans you made in your message Sunday. We know they are greatly troubled and we know the economic and social difficulties they are facing, particularly with many of their parents (Japanese nationals) being placed in custody.

       We think perhaps you would like to know that early last week a group of these girls came in to us to ask for advice and direction toward the end of helping in civilian defense. They talked with our Portland Civilian Defense Volunteer Bureau and are outlining a program of cooperation in American defense. One group has been regularly conducting First-Aid classes in our building.

       If there is a way that comes to your attention in which the Y.W.C.A. can help to stabilize these frightened young people, we are very eager to have you call upon us for assistance -- both as individuals and as Y.W.C.A. secretaries.

Sincerely and appreciatively,

[Signed]
Betty Britton
Secretary
Young Women's Department

[Signed]
Mildred Bartholomew
Secretary
Department of Religion
and Membership

[Signed]
Lazelle Alway
Secretary
Girl Reserve Department

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