Moving Forward While Looking Back Timeline

This exhibit explores the impact that World War II had not only on those of Japanese ancestry in the United States, but also those in Japan who survived and rebuilt after the use of the atomic bomb and the role Idaho played through it all. It looks at the atrocities of war and the resilience and hope of those who lived through it.

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Letter from Japanese American Citizens League to the University of Idaho

October 21, 1941

The Japanese American Citizens League requests a message from the University of Idaho President to include in an upcoming publication of The Pacific Citizen.

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Letter from President Sproul to President Dale

March 13, 1942

University of California, Berkley's President Sproul inquires if the University of Idaho would accept Japanese-American students that were being forced to relocate away from the University of California, Berkley.

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Letter from President Dale to University of California, Berkley's President Sproul

March 18, 1942

President Dale informs President Sproul that the University of Idaho would be willing to accept a limited number of Japanese-American student transfers from University of California, Berkley.

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Public Proclamation No. 3

March 24, 1942

Proclamation by General J.L. DeWitt establishing regulations over all with Japanese ancestry within the Military Areas established by Public Proclamations Nos. 1 and 2. This proclamation established curfews and limited their movements. It also probihibited the possession of firearms, bombs, radio transmitting sets, cameras, and other items. This proclamation did not solely apply to those of Japanese ancestry, but also alien Germans and Italians.

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Letter from Fumiko Shitamae to George Shitamae [1]

April 2, 1942

Letter to George Shitamae from his niece Fumiko discussing the curfew and evacuation set in place for those of Japanese ancestrty.

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Letter from Asher B. Wilson to President Dale

April 6, 1942

Wilson urges President Dale to only allow Japanese students who are Idaho citizens into the university, at least until the Board of Regents meets to make an order.

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Our Closed Door

April 10, 1942

Article written by K.C. on the University of Idaho's policy to not allow Japanese American students to transfer from out-of-state instutitions due to forced relocation.

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Evacuees Not At All Bitter

April 12, 1942

Sub-headed 'American Japanese to Be Evacuated From Coast; Declares Loyalty.' This article relates the feelings of Tom Hirashima a Japanese American being relocated from Santa Barbara.

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The Japanese Evacuation: Looking Backward and Forward

April 12, 1942

Article in a religious magazine about the relocation of Japanese citizens and how readers can help.

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Letter from President L.P. Sieg to President Dale

April 13, 1942

University of Washington's President Sieg assures President Dale that the six Japanese students sent to Moscow were sent before they had received word that the University of Idaho would not accept them.

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Six Nisei Students Come Here to Continue Studies

April 15, 1942

Article details the arrival of six Japanese American students from the University of Washington in Moscow.

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Letter from James B. Hughes to President Dale

April 18, 1942

Pastor Hughes from First Baptist Church in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho encourages President Dale to allow Japanese students to relocate to the University of Idaho.

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Letter from Robert W. O'Brien to Professor Paul K. Hatt

April 20, 1942

Robert W. O'Brien from University of Washington discusses moving the six Japanese students sent to Moscow to Pullman.

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Letter from President Dale to Asher B. Wilson

April 21, 1942

President Dale responds to Asher B. Wilson detailing the events that led to six Japanese students coming to Moscow.

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Nisei Sent Here to be Taken Out

April 23, 1942

Article on R.W. O'Brien's trip to Moscow to discuss with President Dale the removal of six Japanese American students who had been sent to Moscow.

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Letter from President Dale to Governor Clark

April 23, 1942

Letter to Governor Clark addressing mis-represented facts in a Spokesman-Review article where the governor was interviewed.

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Letter from Governor Clark to President Dale

April 24, 1942

Letter to President Dale detailing the Governor's desire that those with Japanese ancestry should not be allowed to relocate and settle in the State of Idaho, but be "brought here under proper guard." He also states that Japanese Americans should put aside their education for the duration of the war and put themselves to work on something that would help win the war.

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Six American Citizens

April 24, 1942

Article written by K.C. on the removal of six Japanese students from Moscow.

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University Makes No Change in Jap Policy

April 24, 1942

Article on the how six Japanese-American students were brought to Moscow and the University's stance.

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Letter from President Sproul to US Vice-President Henry A. Wallace

May 1, 1942

University of California, Berkley's President Sproul notifies Vice-President Wallace of a proposal for how to address Japanese American citizens who were being removed from univesities along the West Coast.

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An Open Letter to Governor Clark

May 6, 1942

Open letter to Governor Clark printed in Washington State Evergreen. The letter criticizes Governor Clark's attitude and actions towards those of Japanese ancestry being relocated to Idaho, particularly the treatment of those who had been relocated to Moscow.

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Letter from Representative Don C.D. Moore to President Dale

May 9, 1942

Letter questioning the decision to not allow non-resident Japanese American students to enroll in the University of Idaho.

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Letter from Representative Don C.D. Moore to President Dale

May 17, 1942

Letter addressing the university's policy to not allow "out-of-state" Japanese American students to the University of Idaho. He states that the university of Idaho may have the authority to ban all "out-of-state" students from attending the university, to limit it to just Japanese "out-of-state" students is discriminatory and against not only the state constitution, but the 14th Amendment of the US Consititution.

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Letter from Fumiko Shitamae to George Shitamae [2]

September 11, 1942

Letter to George Shitamae from his niece Fumiko discussing their arrival and living conditions at the Minidoka Relocation Center.

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Letter from Fumiko Shitamae to George Shitamae [3]

September 23, 1942

Letter to George Shitamae from his niece Fumiko discussing the conditions at Minidoka Relocation Center, including the weather, lack of running water, and lack of stove pipes to keep warm.

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Group Hears Martin Tell Slap-A-Jap Club's Idea

November 5, 1942

Article on the formation and plans of the "Slap-a-Jap" Club as a war fundraiser for students.

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Letter To The Editor

November 19, 1942

Letter to the Editor by Mrs. M.H.G. criticizing the name of the "Slap-a-Jap" Club.

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It Takes All Kinds

November 19, 1942

Response to the Letter to the Editor by Mrs. M.H.G. defending the name of the "Slap-a-Jap" Club.

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Buildings at Kooskia showing bridge

1943

Photograph of the buildings at the Kooskia Internment Camp. The photograph is a part of a scrapbook created by a former guard of the camp.

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Sign at entrance of camp in Kooskia

1943

Photograph of the sign at the entrance to the Kooskia Internment Camp. The photograph is a part of a scrapbook created by a former guard of the camp.

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Sawing wood at Kooskia

1943

Photograph of internees sawing wood at the Kooskia Internment Camp. The photograph is a part of a scrapbook created by a former guard of the camp.

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Digging in Kooskia

1943

Photograph of men digging with whovesl and pickaxes at the Kooskia Internment Camp. The photograph is a part of a scrapbook created by a former guard of the camp.

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Letter from Fumiko Shitamae to George Shitamae [4]

January 18, 1943

Letter to George Shitamae from his niece Fumiko describes the activities happening in the camp around Christmas and New Year.

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Letter from Frank N. Freeman to J.F. Messenger

February 16, 1943

Letter from the University of California, Berkeley Dean of the School of Educating informing the J.F. Messenger at the University of Idaho that they have a plan to allow Japanese students to work in education and practice teaching at the Relocation Centers.

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Letter from President Dale to E.J. Baldwin

July 13, 1943

Letter regarding the possible acceptance of a Japanese American student to the University of Idaho-Southern branch.

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Letter from State Superintendent of Public Instruction C.E. Roberts to President Dale

August 21, 1943

Letter stating that the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho has voted to not allow non-resident Japanese Americans to enroll in on-campus or correspondence courses.

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Letter from Allan C. Lemon to Student Relocation Counsellor Haru Tanabe

August 24, 1943

Letter informing Haru Tanabe that President Dale and the Board of Regents were receiving further consideration.

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Letter from Student Relocation Counsellor Haru Tanabe to Allan C. Lemon

August 24, 1943

Letter from Haru Tanabe inquiring whether the University of Idaho would accept a Japanese American student who was interested in taking forestry classes.

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Letter from President Dale to Student Relocation Counsellor Haru Tanabe

August 24, 1943

Response to letter Haru Tanabe regarding the admittance of relocated Japanese American students.

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Letter from Acting Dean Baldwin to the Edward V. Berman at the War Relocation Authority

August 25, 1943

Letter to the War Relocation Authority informing them that the University of Idaho-Southern Branch was unable to accept Japanese-American students at the time. Baldwin also notes that with the addition of the Navy's V-12 officer training school at the branch there has been some prejudice against enrolled Japanese American students.

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Letter from Commander Rex Gross to President Dale

January 17, 1944

Letter from Commander Gross of the American Legion in Potlatch , Idaho expressing concern over the attitudes expressed by some people in Moscow towards Japanese students at the University of Idaho.

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Letter from President Dale to Commander Rex Gross

January 19, 1944

Response to letter from Commander Gross of the American Legion in Potlatch, Idaho about the treatment of Japanese American students at the University of Idaho.

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Hiroshima or Nagasaki after bombing

1945

Photograph of the destruction caused by the atomic bomb at either Hiroshima or Nagasaki in Japan.

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Burns showing close copy of dress patterns

1945

Photograph of a woman with the pattern of her dress burned into her skin.

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Victim at the Hijiyama Primary School Shelter

1945

Photograph of a young child severely burned and injured from the atomic bomb.

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Victim at the Hijiyama Primary School Shelter

1945

Photograph of a severely injured person possibly being treated by a medical professional.

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Victim at the Hijiyama Primary School Shelter

1945

Photograph of a man with severe burns and injuries to his face and shoulder.

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Victim at the Hijiyama Primary School Shelter

1945

Photograph of a young child with severe burns and injuries to his face and arm.

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Through the rubbles near Yamaguchi-cho, 1200 meters from hypcenter

1945

Photograph of two people walking along a path through the rubble left by the destruction of the atomic bomb.

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Red Cross hospital looking northwest, Hiroshima. Standing buildings were erected after the blast.

1945

Photograph from a height overlooking the destruction of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima.

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Destroyed industrial area showing smoke stacks still standing. 0.51 mile from ground zero at Nagasaki.

1945

Aerial Photograph of the remains of a destroyed industrial area in Nagasaki.

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Human Shadow imprinted on step stone of the Sumitomo Bank, 450 meters from hypocenter

1945

Photograph of the shadow remains of a person on the steps in front of the Sumitomo Bank. The only remains left for many victims of the atomic bomb near the hypocenter of bomb were shadows.

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Gate posts marking front entrance to Hiroshima Army Hospital, 950 meters from Hypocenter

1945

Photograph of the remains of the front gate to the entrance of Hiroshima Army Hospital.

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Pressure of the blast bent the steel frame of the Mitsubishi Steel Works, 2400 feet south of ground zero at Nagasaki, away from the explosion.

1945

Photograph of the bent steel frame at Mitsubishi Steel works in Nagasaki.

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Heavy walls of the vault are all that remain of the Koa Fire Insurance Company, 1300 feet from ground zero

1945

Photograph of the rubble of the Koa Fire Insurance Company in either Hiroshima or Nagasaki.

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Collapsed band buildings, 400 meters from hypocenter

1945

Photograph of collapsed buildings in either Hiroshima or Nagasaki.

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Electic lines snapped by the blast, 700 meters from hypocenter

1945

Photograph of a an electrical line that was snapped by the blast of the atomic bomb.

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Shadows left by nine pedestrians on Yorozuyo-Bashi Bridge, 910 meters from hypocenter

1945

Photographs of shadows left by nine pedestrians on the Yorozuyo-Bashi Bridge. The only remains left for many victims of the atomic bomb near the hypocenter of bomb were shadows.

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Northern sector as viewed from City Hall

1945

Photograph of the view from City Hall of the destruction of the Northern Sector of either Hiroshima or Nagasaki.

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Shima Surgical Hospital, Hiroshima, 100 feet from Ground Zero.

1945

Photograph of the rubble that was the Shima Surgical Hospital in Hiroshima.

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Hiroshima before bombing, 1000 foot circles

1945

Aerial photograph of Hiroshima before the dropping of the atomic bomb.

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Hiroshima after bombing, 1000 foot cirlces

1945

Aerial photograph of Hiroshima after the dropping of the atomic bomb.

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Explosion at Nagasaki

1945

Photograph of the mushroom cloud over Nagasaki after the dropping of the atomic bomb.

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Roof Tile

1945

Roof tile torn from the roof of a building due to the force of the atomic bomb landing in Hiroshima, Japan.

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Roof Tile

1945

Roof tile torn from the roof of a building due to the force of the atomic bomb landing in Hiroshima, Japan.

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Roof Tile

1945

Roof tile torn from the roof of a building due to the force of the atomic bomb landing in Hiroshima, Japan.

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Roof Tile

1945

Roof tile torn from the roof of a building due to the force of the atomic bomb landing in Hiroshima, Japan.

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Roof Tile

1945

Roof tile torn from the roof of a building due to the force of the atomic bomb landing in Hiroshima, Japan.

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Letter from President Morito to the University of Idaho

January 25, 1951

Letter from Hiroshima University President, Tatsuo Morito, requesting assistance in rebuilding Hiroshima University's library and campus.

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Letter from Professor Deters to President Morito

May 1, 1951

A color copy of a letter sent to President Tatsuo Morito from University of Idaho Professor Merrill E. Deters, in the letter Professor Deters offers Hiroshima University a check for $3, two samples of seeds, and a book entitled Foundations of Silviculture by James W. Toumey.

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Letter from President Morito to Professor Deters

July 11, 1951

A color copy of a letter from President Tatsuo Morito to University of Idaho Professor Merrill E. Deters, in the letter President Morito thanks Professor Deters for his gifts.

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Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Red Barron Crabapple

March 1994

Photograph of a Red Barron Crabapple, a Borah Foundation Peace Walk Tree planted in commemoration of The Borah Foundation Symposium "Water & International Conflict."

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Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Weeping European Larch

1995

Photograph of a Weeping European Larch, a Borah Foundation Peace Walk Tree planted in commemoration of The Borah Foundation Symposium "Population: Peace & Conflict."

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Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Turkish Filbert

1996

Photograph of a Turkish Filbert, a Borah Foundation Peace Walk Tree planted in commemoration of The Borah Foundation Symposium "The United Nations Under Fire."

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Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Weeping White Mulberry

1997

Photograph of a Weeping White Mulberry, a Borah Foundation Peace Walk Tree planted in commemoration of The Borah Foundation Symposium "China in Transition."

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Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Cucumber Tree

April 1998

Photograph of a Cucumber Tree, a Borah Foundation Peace Walk Tree planted in commemoration of The Borah Foundation Symposium "Planetary Stewardship: an Interdisciplinary Conference on the Environment."

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Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Columnar European Aspen

September 1998

Photograph of a Columnar European Aspen, a Borah Foundation Peace Walk Tree planted in commemoration of The Borah Foundation Symposium "Northern Ireland: Conflict & Cooperation."

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Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Giant Dogwood

April 2000

Photograph of a Giant Dogwood, a Borah Foundation Peace Walk Tree planted in commemoration of The Borah Foundation Symposium "Natural Resource Conflict in the 21st Century."

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Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Colorado Spruce

April 2002

Photograph of a Colorado Spruce, a Borah Foundation Peace Walk Tree planted in commemoration of The Borah Foundation Symposium "Israeli Palestinian Conflict Deep Causes - Lasting Solutions."

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Letter from Rebun Kayo (English)

2011

Letter in English from student who sent documentation and roof tiles to the University of Idaho describing the effects of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

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Letter from Rebun Kayo (Japanese)

2011

Letter in Japanese from student who sent documentation and roof tiles to the University of Idaho describing the effects of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

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Letter from Japanese American Citizens League to the University of Idaho

Letter from President Sproul to President Dale

Letter from President Dale to University of California, Berkley's President Sproul

Public Proclamation No. 3

Letter from Fumiko Shitamae to George Shitamae [1]

Letter from Asher B. Wilson to President Dale

Our Closed Door

Evacuees Not At All Bitter

The Japanese Evacuation: Looking Backward and Forward

Letter from President L.P. Sieg to President Dale

Six Nisei Students Come Here to Continue Studies

Letter from James B. Hughes to President Dale

Letter from Robert W. O'Brien to Professor Paul K. Hatt

Letter from President Dale to Asher B. Wilson

Nisei Sent Here to be Taken Out

Letter from President Dale to Governor Clark

Letter from Governor Clark to President Dale

Six American Citizens

University Makes No Change in Jap Policy

Letter from President Sproul to US Vice-President Henry A. Wallace

An Open Letter to Governor Clark

Letter from Representative Don C.D. Moore to President Dale

Letter from Representative Don C.D. Moore to President Dale

Letter from Fumiko Shitamae to George Shitamae [2]

Letter from Fumiko Shitamae to George Shitamae [3]

Group Hears Martin Tell Slap-A-Jap Club's Idea

Letter To The Editor

It Takes All Kinds

Buildings at Kooskia showing bridge

Sign at entrance of camp in Kooskia

Sawing wood at Kooskia

Digging in Kooskia

Letter from Fumiko Shitamae to George Shitamae [4]

Letter from Frank N. Freeman to J.F. Messenger

Letter from President Dale to E.J. Baldwin

Letter from State Superintendent of Public Instruction C.E. Roberts to President Dale

Letter from Allan C. Lemon to Student Relocation Counsellor Haru Tanabe

Letter from Student Relocation Counsellor Haru Tanabe to Allan C. Lemon

Letter from President Dale to Student Relocation Counsellor Haru Tanabe

Letter from Acting Dean Baldwin to the Edward V. Berman at the War Relocation Authority

Letter from Commander Rex Gross to President Dale

Letter from President Dale to Commander Rex Gross

Hiroshima or Nagasaki after bombing

Burns showing close copy of dress patterns

Victim at the Hijiyama Primary School Shelter

Victim at the Hijiyama Primary School Shelter

Victim at the Hijiyama Primary School Shelter

Victim at the Hijiyama Primary School Shelter

Through the rubbles near Yamaguchi-cho, 1200 meters from hypcenter

Red Cross hospital looking northwest, Hiroshima. Standing buildings were erected after the blast.

Destroyed industrial area showing smoke stacks still standing. 0.51 mile from ground zero at Nagasaki.

Human Shadow imprinted on step stone of the Sumitomo Bank, 450 meters from hypocenter

Gate posts marking front entrance to Hiroshima Army Hospital, 950 meters from Hypocenter

Pressure of the blast bent the steel frame of the Mitsubishi Steel Works, 2400 feet south of ground zero at Nagasaki, away from the explosion.

Heavy walls of the vault are all that remain of the Koa Fire Insurance Company, 1300 feet from ground zero

Collapsed band buildings, 400 meters from hypocenter

Electic lines snapped by the blast, 700 meters from hypocenter

Shadows left by nine pedestrians on Yorozuyo-Bashi Bridge, 910 meters from hypocenter

Northern sector as viewed from City Hall

Shima Surgical Hospital, Hiroshima, 100 feet from Ground Zero.

Hiroshima before bombing, 1000 foot circles

Hiroshima after bombing, 1000 foot cirlces

Explosion at Nagasaki

Roof Tile

Roof Tile

Roof Tile

Roof Tile

Roof Tile

Letter from President Morito to the University of Idaho

Letter from Professor Deters to President Morito

Letter from President Morito to Professor Deters

Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Red Barron Crabapple

Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Weeping European Larch

Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Turkish Filbert

Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Weeping White Mulberry

Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Cucumber Tree

Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Columnar European Aspen

Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Giant Dogwood

Borah Foundation Peace Walk: Colorado Spruce

Letter from Rebun Kayo (English)

Letter from Rebun Kayo (Japanese)

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Time Span

1941 to 2011
View Timeline

Objects

62 Images
21 PDFs
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