Interviews with Japanese in Utah: Grace Oshita

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Grace Oshita 2-20-85 s4:21 GO 1940. L So you were around 15. GO That was because in 1938, my mother diedin Japan. Not because- but my mother did die. L So all this time, your mother and father were still married. GO Yes, That's right. He usedto send money to her. L An unusual situation. GO OH, it is - it was. L So your father and mother stayed married until 1938. GO Yes. We had plans. My grandmother and I had planned a trip to Japan after I graduated high school so I could see my mother. But,of course, that neverhappened. Because of my mther•s death, of course. But with or without her being there, I might have still been ableto take a trip to Japan after graduating high school. Because of Pearl Harbor, ti never happened either.Because I graduated Topaz High School. L Yes. I remember the letters you wrote. You were still in high school when war broke out. So, your father knew this woman, it sounds like, your step mother, before he married her. GO Yes. L Was she a neighbor or family friend. GO For a short while, she worked for my grandfather in the office. And then, after that, I don't know what-- Oh, I know. She went to sewing school and became a professional seamstress. And had worked for a dressmaker for many years in San Francisco. L Was she still in touch with your family at the time.