Ms. Mitsui Asai who is 83 gave a great talk on Japanese Internment during WWII at the February History Pub. She included many personal notes from her experience as a young deportee and what it was like being shunned in the Hood River area after the family’s return. She sent us the following note:
“Dear Wilsonville Foundation members,
Thank you for the honorarium for my slide presentation yesterday. As one of the founding members of the Friends of the Coos Bay Library in the early 1970’s I know what time and energy of many it takes to support our libraries and their dwindling budgets. Libraries are very near and dear to my heart. I appreciate your efforts and recognition of what it takes to give a full library service. I have given many such talks and I seldom receive remuneration except from libraries, as I have in Jackson County, Pt. Orford, Florence, Klamath Falls and Wilsonville! It helps with my gas expenses – and I’m glad I drive a Prius for all the miles I cover.
Thank you again. I was gratified to speak to a full house, who had many good questions to pose.”
I believe that this is the first thank you note we’ve received from a presenter. If you missed the lecture, check out the book “Stubborn Twig: three generations in the life of a Japanese American family”.
The Library Foundation is a primary sponsor of the lecture series at McMenamins Old Church. Your donations help us fund this great program.