Community Activities

Forming an important cog in the Manzanar center life is the the Community Activities Division directed by Aksel Nielsen. Although limited in facilities, the aid from sympathetic caucasians and the enthusiastic efforts of the staff has helped the Community Activities to accomplish a high goal in its field.

Goh, shogi, drama, musicals, woodcarving, gardening and poem writing are the favorite pastimes for the elderly men. Embroidery, flower making, knitting, leathercraft, sewing, dramas and musicals are the predominant recreations for the women.

Through the medium of talent shows, dances, softball, basketball, football and tennis games, weight lifting contests, song fests, folk dances, parties, ping pong and movies, the morale of the younger residents has been kept at a high level. In addition to these diversions, several groups have been organized to form music, model airplane building, painting, and literature clubs for are persons in all walks of life.

A summer "evening concert" is offered to the residents by the Manzanar community band under the direction of Louis Frizzell, every other Sunday evening on the outdoor stage.

The music department consists of six units: the military and are swing bands, salon and concert orchestras, mandolin-guitar and violin ensembles.

Working with various well-known organizations, the Boy Scouts of America, Christian Young People, the YWCA and the YMCA, have been acting as a group to promote the development of a more wholesome center life for youngsters.

For public benefit, ground facilities located along Baird's creek are being used as a picnic, concert, golf and a general recreational area. Athletic centers are provided for the younger generation at firebreaks and recreation halls.

Although faced with inadequate funds and equipment from the WRA, the Community Activities division has organized various recreational cooperatives through which necessary funds are being raised to carry on the work. Certain portion of the fund raised is being kept by each of the different departments. The remainder is being turned into a general reserve fund, accounts for which are kept at the Co-op office.

Carrying out an extensive recreational program, the Community Activities division established a program with ingenuity. This group unselfhishly gave its time to sustain and enlarge the program to what it is today.

The evacuee deparmental staff consists of Masaki Ichien, superintendent of arts and crafts; Jyotaro Kohigashi, manager of sports; and Shig Ishii, chairman of entertainment.