This photographic group was found in Grosse Point, Michigan and centers around the life of Jasuku “Yas” Yamada an American who was an internee during WWII.

 

As I sorted through a massive photograph collection recently, it became apparent that many of the photos came from a Japanese family.

 

After studying them they began to tell a story which I will try to interpret here.

 

The family kept a photo album that starts when Yas was born, I don’t have an exact date but it looks like the 1920s.

 

In one of the photos of Yas in his crib you can see on the balloon the name HINK’S and Berkeley so I’m thinking California. 
 

As we go through the pictures you will see how the Yamadas assimilate to American life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are many photos of Jas as a baby and you can see that his parents loved him.

 

This photo was found separate from the album, a studio portrait.

 

 

Jas had a baby sister and here they are together with their dog.

The album is full of pictures of Jas and his sister but this one was particularly poignant to me as it looks just like the American dream…don’t it?

I added these two because they remind me of when I was little and rode my tricycle where ever.

 

Anyone recognize the buildings down the street?

These pictures are from the early 1930s and show the interior of their house.

 

There is a picture of Abraham Lincoln clearly present where everyone can see it.

This picture is priceless, Jas, on the tricycle, with his friends.

Anyone recognize this town?

Among 145 or so photos is this one.

 

The photo album ends before WW2.

 

 

 

There are hundreds of lose photos many are from after with a few from before the war with the vast majority being family.

 

I was not able to bridge the gap from the young teen to the detainee.

 

It wasn’t apparent to me right off the bat that a small collection of the photos were taken at the Heart Mountain  detention camp.

 

 

 

 

Fascinating pictures. Looking forward to more. Also curious where in Grosse Pointe these were found. I’m from there. Thanks for sharing.

 

Friar 

Friar,

 

I don’t know where in Grosse Point but they were found in the past 10 years when the estate went to auction.

 

I will be posting more tomorrow.

 

These must be friends and Tas is in the group photo.

 

Looks like it was taken during the 4th War Bond drive.

The War Bond photo was taken in Detroit. That the old Hotel Wolverine and the Central United Methodist church in he background. I think the photo is looking up Washington Blvd towards Grand Circus Park. The statue in the background is of Christopher Columbus and has been out in storage to avoid the controversy around such statues seen in other cities. 

 

Friar

Friar,

 

Thanks for that ID!

 

Glad you have joined in.

 

Peter

This might also be Detroit.

This is one of the best Heart Mountain photos.

 

Notice the name over the door.

 

 

The collection of military photos.

 

I don’t think Tas joined the service and all that I can ascertain is that he was at Heart Mountain and was a camp basketball star.

Heart Mountain baseball.

 

Sports was one of the pass times the Japanese embraced in the camps.

Another shot.

 

Speaking of shots looks like the scoreboard took a few.

 

 

 

Here are some pictures from better days at the camp.

 

Unbelievable the good attitudes you can see in everyone’s face despite the loss and extreme hardships they suffered.

 

They exhibit more patriotic can do spirit that most Americans who have suffered little if at all.

 

A favorite backdrop at Heart Mountain Detention Camp.

Some of the boys note the unit number.

From the camp newspaper is an article about the All Star basketball team.

The back of the article.

An overall view