English translation of a selection of a letter from Moto Karasawa to Shidzuyo Yasui expressing condolences and sorrow following the death of Shidzuyo's son, Kay. Moto expresses shock and grief at the news and shares memories of Kay as a child. Moto recounts a story of a mother who was unable to stop grieving for her dead child, preventing the child's soul from finding peace in the afterlife. Moto implores Shidzuyo not to mourn for Kay any longer and offers prayers for Kay, Shidzuyo, and the rest of the Yasui family. Translation Note: This document is also available as the original manuscript document and as a modern Japanese translation.
Transcription of a draft of a letter from Kay Yasui to W. H. Weber in Chicago, dated November 12, 1927. Kay writes that he is composing the letter on behalf of his father, who has been ill since March. Kay conveys that his father is worried about money he owes Mr. Weber, and explains that the poor apple crop and low apple prices the previous year have hurt the family's finances. Kay writes of other factors that have contributed to the unprofitability of apple growing for the Yasuis and other growers in the area. He writes of his father's regret at not being able to see Mr. Weber in the fall and of his intention to visit him in Chicago as soon as he is recovered. Translation Note: This document is also available as the original manuscript document and as a Japanese translation.
Letter announcing Masuo Yasui's reelection to the Hood River Apple Growers Association board of directors with the highest number of votes. Also includes a summary about the history of the association and additional results from the vote count. This document also includes a rough draft of the letter on pages 3-5. Translation Note: The final draft of the letter on pages 1 and 2 has been translated into modern Japanese and English.
Minoru Yasui's resume in the form of a letter to Inosuke Iwasa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Japan-America Kyorei Kyokai (Japan-America Mutual Encouragement Association), City of Hood River, Imperial Consulate in Portland. The document includes Minoru's educational history and achievements, including passing the Oregon State Bar Admission Test and obtaining a license to practice law from the Oregon State Bar. A letter of recommendation in English from the University of Oregon School of Law is also included. Translation Note: The Japanese portion of this document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.
Letter from Masuo Yasui to Kanesan[?] Shokai dated 10 February 1917. In the letter Yasui places an order for 50 bales of calcium coated fancy rice and requests that the rice bags be stenciled with the Yasui Brothers trademark logo. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.
Letter from Masuo Yasui to Renichi Fujimoto, dated 26 October 1930. In the letter Masuo discusses the recession and its effect on the general commercial world, the year's apple and pear crop and market, the replacement of the front show windows and renewed sidewalks at the new Yasui Brothers Mercantile building, construction work on the second floor and rental arrangements in the new building, updates to the appearance of the city of Hood River which will result in higher land prices, and his reception of a long and passionate letter from Mr. Kakizawa. Additional topics in the letter include advice regarding Renichi's re-entry to the United States and updates about the town, family and friends, orchard products, and business. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.
Letter from Masuo Yasui to Renichi Fujimoto. In the letter Masuo gives updates on the recession and its effects on the market, comparing the economic situation to Japan. He expresses his gratitude that the family can get by with some income from farming and his hope that the economy will recover in the next year or the year after. He also provides updates about the second floor construction on the new Yasui Brothers Mercantile building and changes to the city, including state-of-the-art streetlights, the success of the Texaco station, and the construction of a post office within the next two or three years. Additional topics in the letter include the general economic situation and updates on church and friends. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.
Minoru Yasui's resume in the form of a letter to Inosuke Iwasa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Japan-America Kyorei Kyokai (Japan-America Mutual Encouragement Association), City of Hood River, Imperial Consulate in Portland. The document includes Minoru's educational history and achievements, including passing the Oregon State Bar Admission Test and obtaining a license to practice law from the Oregon State Bar. A letter of recommendation in English from the University of Oregon School of Law is also included. Translation Note: The Japanese portion of this document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.
Letter from R. D. Barker, treasurer of the Apple Growers Association to Ray T. Yasui dated 25 February 1942. In this letter, it is noted that the Association's board has accepted the applications of the Tamura and Yasui families, and sent contracts for renewing their memberships. The note also states that since the property ownership of Tamura and Yasui has been transferred to George A. Tamura and Ray T. and Mickie Yasui, respectively, they should complete the contracts accordingly.
Western Union telegram from Ray T. Yasui on behalf of Masuo Yasui to Mr. William R. Hodgkinson in Chicago, Illinois. In this telegram, Yasui asks for an update on their farm in Mosier, Oregon, and notes that he needs to "complete plans for evacuation in very near future."
Letter from Ernest C. Smith to Renichi Fujimoto at the Tule Lake War Relocation Center dated 19 April 1943. In this letter, Smith discusses his return to the Yasui Brothers store premises in search of items requested by Renichi. Smith notes that he was unable to locate the requested items, but discusses floor plans and the placement of items throughout the premises.
Letter from Ernest C. Smith to Renichi Fujimoto at Minidoka War Relocation Center dated 8 November 1943. In this letter, Smith discusses his return to the Yasui Brothers store premises in search of items requested by Renichi. He notes that he was unable to locate the requested items, but discusses the floor plans and notes that Choppy (Ray T. Yasui) also had requested for someone to retrieve items.
Letter from Ray T. Yasui to William S. Finney dated 28 August 1944. In this letter, Yasui discusses rejecting a deal for the sale of the family's 12th Street property because the offer of $3750 was unreasonably low. He states that he has asked the family for their acceptable minimum sale price, and would like to re-list the property for sale once the price has been established. He notes that he and his family fear that individuals may attempt to take advantage of the relocation of Japanese Americans to acquire property at low prices. He requests that any offers be directed to the family, and writes that offers for the store building or the property on 3rd Street would be considered.
Letter from Fred Barker to Yasui Brothers dated September 14, 1925. In this letter, Barker asks if the company has any employment opportunities for Barker and his family.
Letter from Rev. Dr. K. Fujii to Masuo Yasui dated 4 November 1917. The letter is printed on letterhead for the Japanese Buddhist Association. In this letter, Fujii thanks Masuo for a shipment of apples, and comments on the global reputation for "extra Fancy" Hood River apples.
A draft of a letter written by Masuo Yasui in his capacity as Manager of the Japanese Savings Association of Hood River addressed to the association's members, dated January 15, 1921. Masuo informs them of the legal dissolution of the association as of June 3rd of the previous year and addresses the matter of the refund and dividend payments that are due to shareholders. He provides an overview of the association's income and expenses during its existence and provides information about how dividend payments to shareholders will be calculated. He clarifies that the shareholders will need to approve certain details of the payment plan and that they will be asked to vote on this matter at some point in the future. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.
Letter from Renichi Fujimoto to Shidzuyo Yasui, dated August 14, 1930. In the letter Renichi remarks upon the construction of a new Yasui Building in Hood River and the recovery of Shidzuyo's husband, Masuo, from a life-threatening illness. Renichi shares news of many people in Japan, and writes about business affairs and the negative effect that the recession is having on the Japanese economy. He writes of the nine months he has spent in Japan and his desire to return to the U.S. soon. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.
Letter from Renichi Fujimoto to Shidzuyo Yasui, dated August 14, 1930. In the letter Renichi remarks upon the construction of a new Yasui Building in Hood River and the recovery of Shidzuyo's husband, Masuo, from a life-threatening illness. Renichi shares news of many people in Japan, and writes about business affairs and the negative effect that the recession is having on the Japanese economy. He writes of the nine months he has spent in Japan and his desire to return to the U.S. soon. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.