A Letter to Barbara by Ruth Okuye Ihara

Biography 

Ruth was born in 1921 she had lived with her grandfather, mother, and father growing up. She was the oldest out of all of her siblings. Later on, her parents had 3 more children they were all boys. Her brother was Benjamin who was the second oldest next was Samuel and then the youngest out of all of them was Paul.  Growing up Ruth's life was revolved around church. 

Key Points of the Letter to Barbara by Ruth Okuye Ihara

On May 13, 1942 Ruth Ihara wrote a letter addressing her friend Barbara. In this letter she describes her life while living in the Merced Assembly Center. Ruth starts off the letter by describing the food that was made for them by the officials. Labeling the food as "horrid" and "pasty". Most foods were canned foods.  Ruth then describes the "apartment" that they live in. One family lived in one room. The rooms were about 25' by 20'. They had at least four to six single beds if there was enough room.  Ruth worked at the concentration camps as a dietician. With no previous knowledge or guidence she was ordered to make special menus for those with dietary restrictions.