Diaries, Personal Correspondence and Official documents

From this file, LOI has digitized a textual record.

The file consists of Teiji Morishita's correspondence, personal papers, official documents, diaries and a ledger.

The file consists of three subcategories: 2011.79.1.1.1 - Personal Correspondence, 2011.79.1.1.2 - Official Documents, 2011.79.1.1.3 - Diaries, and Ledgers 2011.79.1.1.4

Folders are as follows:

MS 85

2011.79.1.1.1a - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1920s - The file consists of one handwritten letter from Etsuji Mor[i?] to Teiji Morishita 1942.

2011.79.1.1.1b - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1930s - The file consists of life assurance policies, correspondence from life insurance companies, an agreement for sale of land between Harold Hargreaves and Teiji Morishita 1934, a Japanese Merchants' Association Members List 1938

2011.79.1.1.1.c - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1940-1946 - The file consists of personal handwritten letters and their original envelopes, 1941 Merchants Association notebook, telegrams, bill of landing receipts from Canadian Pacific Railway Company, Prisoner of War Mail envelopes (written letters)

2011.79.1.1.1d -Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1947 - 1952 - The file consists of personal handwritten letters and their original envelopes, Bill of Landing receipts from the Canadian Railway Company, B.C.S.C - Lemon Creek inventory list 1947, a nationalist album sleeve with RCA record stamp dated 1947, an empty envelope for Kraco Photo Mailer.

2011.79.1.1.1e - Teiji Morishita Personal 1950s - The file consists of personal handwritten letters with their original envelopes, an Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire pamphlet, newspaper clippings, Prisoner of War envelope/letters, a notebook of draft letters written by Teiji Morishita and a postcard. The items in the physical folder have been separated with papers labeled A-F.

MS86

2011.79.1.1.1f (folder 1/2 and 2/2) - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1960s- The file consists of personal handwritten letters with their original envelopes, postcards, an invoice from W.G. Davies Plumbing and Heating, handwritten letters on Canadian Legion War Services 194__ Letterheard, and Canadian Pension Plan pamphlet.

2011.79.1.1.1g - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1970s - The file consists of handwritten letters with their original envelopes.

2011.79.1.1.1h - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1980 - The file consists of handwritten letters with their original envelopes, a note at the front of envelope reads: "? Mom started [writing?] and not completed 80s".

2011.79.1.1.1i - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1984 - The file consists of personal handwritten letters with their original envelopes, a card, and postcards.

2011.79.1.1.1j - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1985 - The file consists of personal handwritten letters with their original envelopes, postcards, and thank you cards.

MS87

2011.79.1.1.1k (folder 1) - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1986 - The file consists of personal handwritten letters with their original envelopes, postcards, and elaborate invitation envelopes.

2011.79.1.1.1l (folder 2) - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1987 - The file consists of personal handwritten letters with their original envelopes, a receipt from the Consulate General of Japan for a certification fee for genuiness of signature, cards,and postcards.

2011.79.1.1.1m (folder 3) - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1988 - The file consists of personal handwritten letters with their original envelopes, postcards, and a photograph.

2011.79.1.1.1n (folder 4) - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1989 - The file consists of personal handwritten letters with their original envelopes, and postcards.

2011.79.1.1.1o (folder 5) - Teiji Morishita Personal Correspondence 1990s - The file consists of personal handwritten letters with their original envelopes, postcards, and a small envelope with 6 photographs attached to a postcard.

2011.79.1.1.2a (folder 6) - Teiji Morishita Official Papers 1920 - 1940 (Folder 6) - The file consists of a document regarding a loan from Kentaro Ebisuzaki and an agreement not to sell his house at 466 East Cordova Street without his nephews (Ebisuzaki) knowledge, and a grouping of papers with a note attached that reads: "names of individuals of draft age in Japan. Application for postponement of draft call submitted to Japanese Consulate Vancouver Consul General Hayashi 1933 by Masataro Ebisuzaki".

2011.79.1.1.2b (folder 7) - Teiji Morishita Official Papers 1941 - The file consists of papers with a note attached that reads "News broadcast Japan caught on short wave. How Japan doing well in Armed Forces 1941", and a grouping of papers that reads: "Request from G. Consulate [JC?] of Canada to submit to Japanese Gov't personal Assets and property June 23, 1941".

2011.79.1.1.2c (folder 8) - Teiji Morishita Official Papers 1942 - The file consists of newspaper clippings with a note attached that reads "Food shortages in Japan (immediate post war) scarcity of supplies", a small booklet, left blank, titled "British Columbia Security Commission Pay Book Name Morishita Teiji No. 05057", an envelope addressed to Teiji Morishita P.O. Box 283, Raymond, Alberta from the Japanese Canadian Citizens' League 215 East Cordova St.", papers with a note attached that reads "Editor New Cdn Mr. Mizuki - letter 1942 - disposed property belonging to people in Japan 'Enemy property' apologizing for misquoting Ebisuzaki property", telegraph communications, and a form from the Office of the Custodian Japanese Section filled in by Teiji Morishita signed December 8th 1942.

2011.79.1.1.2d (folder 9)- Teiji Morishita Official Papers 1943 - The file consists of a form from the Societe de la Croix- Rouge Du Japon 5, Parc Shiba Tokio (Japan) (Red Cross Society of Japan) with Kiyoko Morishita filled in as the Inquirer and addressed to Juchiro Morishita, an envelope from the Custodian's Office Department of the Secretary of State of Canada Vancouver, B.C. addressed to Teiji Morishita in Rosebury BC, an envelopes from the Department of Labour Canada, memorandums a straight bill of lading with Canadian Pacific Railway Company letterhead, telegraph communications, correspondence to and from W.A. Anderson and A.E. Russell of the B.C. Security Commission, a booklet with a note attached that reads "Japanese War Propaganda 2 Volumes 16 March, 12 May 1943

MS88

2011.79.1.1.2e (folder 1) - Teiji Morishita - Official Papers 1944 - The file consists of correspondence from the Unemployment Insurance Commission and the Department of the Secretary of State Office of the Custodian - Japanese Evacuation Section.

2011.79.1.1.2f (folder 2) - Teiji Morishita - Official Papers 1945 - The file consists of newspaper clippings, correspondence from the Old-Age Pension Board, invoices from the Canadian Pacific Railway Co., a form from the British Columbia Security Commission, correspondence from the Department of the Security of State Office of the Custodian - Japanese Evacuation Section, a hand drawn map of the Maritimes, and a 1945 Lemon Creek directory.

2011.79.1.1.2g (folder 3)- Teiji Morishita Official Papers 1946 - The file consists of correspondence from the Department of the Secretary of State Office of the Custodian - Japanese Evacuation Section, a receipt from the British Columbia Security Commission - Tashme, BC, newspaper clippings regarding evacuation of Japanese Canadians, a notice from the B.C. Security Commission regarding transferring to Lemon Creek, B.C. on July 17th, 1945, a letter/memo regarding the "programme for taking voluntary applications for repatriation and for encouraging relocation", correspondence to and from B.R. Dusenbury of the Custodian's Office, and telegraph communications.

2011.79.1.1.2h (folder 4) - Teiji Morishita Official Papers 1947 - The file consists of a memo from the Slocan Community Hospital Society, correspondence from the Japanese Canadian Committee for Democracy, letters with Canadian Legion War Services with a note attached that reads "Cdn Gov't talks about report on losses of Japanese property and appraisal process 1947", forms filled out by Teiji Morishita in the matter of a Commission to Investigate Claims of Japanese Canadians for Property Losses, lists of household items, an "Economic Loss Survey of British Columbia Evacuees Japanese Canadian Committee for Democracy" form, a list titled "Properties of Teiji Morishita 466 Cordova St. E. Vancouver, B.C., correspondence from the Unemployment Insurance Commission, a retainer which has been left blank attached to a form for Co-Operative Committee, a preamble and form titled "Economic Loss Survey of British Columbia Evacuees"

2011.79.1.1.2i (folder 5) - Teiji Morishita Official Papers 1948 - The file consists of correspondence, correspondence from Campbell Brazier Fisher & McMaster, correspondence to and from the Office of the Custodians, and a receipt for fifteen dollars from the Office Hospital Insurance Service New Denver, B.C.

2011.79.1.1.2j (folder 6) -Teiji Morishita Official Papers 1949 - The file consists of a change of address request, receipts for Hospital Insurance Service, correspondence to Hide Ebisuzaki, correspondence from Campbell, Brazier, Fisher & McMaster Barristers and Solicitors, correspondence from The Co-Operative Committee on Japanese Canadians, and correspondence from the B.C.J.C.C.A. Greenwood, B.C.

2011.79.1.1.2k (folder 7) - Teiji Morishita Official Papers 1950s - The file consists of an envelope from the Geographic Division Department of Lands and Forests Victoria B.C. addressed to Mr. T. Morishita, Slocan, B.C., correspondence from The Co-Operative Committee on Japanese Canadians, papers titled "Statement to Claiments Re Origin, Nature and Work of the Co-Operative Committee on Japanese Canadians April, 1950.", correspondence from the Japanese Canadian Citizens Association National Headquarters, correspondence to and from the Department of the Secretary of State Office of the Custodian - Japanese Evacuation Section, a Statutory Declaration of T. Morishita from the Dominion of Canada in regard to a loan from Kentaro Ebisuzaki.

2011.79.1.1.2L (folder 8) - Teiji Morishita Official Papers Undated - The file consists of magazine clippings, papers with a note attached that reads "Japan War Propaganda 'Japan War Machine' ", a notebook, papers with a note attached that reads "a write up of people deciding not to go to Japan - Gov't will create special office to resettle in East", blank British Columbia Security Commission Goods Received Forms, Connection Charge Receipts, handwritten papers, papers written on Japanese Canadian Committee, and a blank copy of an Economic Loss Survey of British Columbia Evacuees form.

2011.79.1.1.3a (folder 9) - Teiji Morishita Diaries 1942-43 and 1970 - The file consists of two diaries, two notes inside read: "Teiji Morishita winter 42-43 chopped wood for Mrs. Uchida went to New Denver, etc." and "1970 - He became 67 years old in April. This was his 50th year since he immigrated to Canada. He put 1 the time of getting up and going to sleep, 2 event with his friends or family, 3 his health and feeling, 4 how much and for what he spent that day, 5 his interesting news (for example about Japanese - Canadian immigrant), 6 his hobby - sculpting statue out of woods [sic], watching movie and hockey game and 7 his daily work in field on record. This year is the first anniversary of his sister's death. Taku Sept. 13, 2011".

2011.79.1.1.3b (folder 10) - Teiji Morishita Diaries 1971 and 1973 - The file consists of two diaries. One diary is burgundy titled "Yearbook 1971" and the other is green titled "Daily Journal - 1973" two notes in the folder read "1971 - He became 68 years old in April. This is 100th anniversary of B.C. He went to see the commemoration. Once he had a fever, he could not work 11 days. This summer was indian summer. Same as 1970" and "1973 - He became 70 years old in April. This is Showa 48th year (Showa is a Japanese era). In summer, he celebrated Bon (Bon is the anniversary holding their ancestor in great veneration). He enjoyed Halloween with many children. In this [sic] Christmas, he watched the hockey game. The rest is same as past diaries."

MS89

2011.79.1.1.3c - Teiji Morishita Diaries 1979 and 1980 - The file consists of two diaries. One is dark green titled "1504 Diary 1979" and the other is blue titled "1980". Two notes in the folder read "1979 - He become 76 years old in April. He start to record his works of sculpture. This was Showa 54th year. The detail is almost same as past diaries." and "1980 - He become 77 years old in April. This was 55th year of Showa. He went to see Olympic. He went to see Powell Festival. The details is almost same as past diaries."

2011.79.1.1.3d - Teiji Morishita Diaries 1981 to 1982 - The file consists of two diaries. One is red titled "1981 Daily Journal" and the other is dark blue titled "1982 Daily Journal". One note is in the folder, it reads "1981 - He became 78 years old in April. This was 56th year of Showa. The detail is almost the same as past diaries."

2011.79.1.1.3e - Teiji Morishita Diaries 1983 and 1985 - The file consists of two diaries. One is burgundy titled "1983 Daily Journal" the other is red titled "1985 Daily Journal". Two notes inside read: "1983 - He became 80 years old in April. This was the 58th year of Showa. Almost all is same as past diaries." and "1985 - He became 82 years old in April. This year was 60th of Showa. He recorded Boeing 747 accident. He came not to record his works. He put earthquake in Mexico on record. Other detail is almost same as past diaries."

2011.79.1.1.3f - Teiji Morishita Diaries 1986 to 1987 - The file consists of two diaries. One is brown titled "Dailyaide the Silent Secretary 1986" and the other is burgundy titled "1987 Daily Journal". Two notes in the folder read "1986 - He became 83 years old in April. This year was 60th of Showa. He made a trip to Tokyo in May. He was in the hospital for a month (5/22 to 6/20). He enjoyed expo 86 in September. Other detail is almost same as past diaries" and "1987 - He became 84 years old in April. This was 61st of Showa. Almost all detail is same as past diaries."

MS90

2011.79.1.1.4a - Teiji Morishita Ledger 1942-1955 - The file consists of payment invoices, itemized lists of accounts received and accounts paid.

Personal Correspondence (MS85: folders 1-5, MS86: folders 1-5, MS 87: 1-5). Personal Correspondence ranges in date from the 1920s to the 1990s.

Official Papers (MS87: folders 6-9, MS88: folders 1-8) and range in date from 1920 to 1950, with one folder containing undated documents. 2011.79.1.1.2

Diaries (MS88: folders 9, 10, MS89: folders 1-4) and range in date from 1942 to ...

2011.79.1.1.3

Ledger from 1942-1955 folder 1 in MS90 2011.79.1.1.4

Teiji Morishita was the business partner of Masataro Ebisuzaki of the Ebisuzaki Dry Goods Store at 337 Powell Street in Vancouver, BC. Teiji was born in Uruzu, Shida Machi, Fukuoka prefecture and came to Canada at seventeen, in 1920 to join his married sister, Hide Ebisuzaki (nee Morishita) and his older brother Jiichiro Morishita. He worked for Hide’s husband, Masataro in the Ebisuzaki Shoten. Hide married Masataro Ebisuzaki in 1912 and together they expanded the store in 1914 to sell quality material at reasonable prices. Masataro eventually returned to Japan in 1934 and subsequently became weak from an illness which required him to make trips to Beppu, Japan. During this time, Teiji became a partner in the Ebisuzaki Shoten which thrived until 1942; taking over the management of the business in 1936. Masataro died in Japan in 1943, at the age of fifty-nine.

Hide remained in Canada and made western clothes for the new arriving immigrants in addition to teaching girls to sew and make futon. (The futon was made from carded sheet wool and covered with cotton baton and covered silk.) In her leisure time, she enjoyed watching the Asahis play baseball. On Wednesday afternoons, her day off, Hide would go to watch them play.

Teiji married Sawa Hamada (born March 3, 1909) in Shida Machi, Fukuoka in 1929. Sawa came to Canada a year later on May 30, 1930 as a landed immigrant. Along with Sawa, Kentaro Ebisuzaki (fifteen) and Kojiro Ebisuzaki (twelve) returned from Uruzu after ten years in Japan accompanied by their mother Hide. The two families began living at 335 Jackson Avenue in Vancouver, BC, but as the family grew, they moved to a larger home at 466 Cordova Street in Vancouver, BC. Teiji was principal owner of the home would hold nine family members; Teiji, Sawa and their children: Nancy (Kuniko), Teruo, Hatsumi, Setsuko, Masako as well as the Ebisuzakis: Hide, Masataro, Kojiro and Kentaro. (Kimiye was born to the Morishitas later in New Denver, BC.) In addition to the family member, two rooms were kept for girls who worked in the store.

The Ebisuzaki Shoten or dry goods store was a prosperous business. Masataro's son Kentaro attended a commerce high school on Hastings Street in Vancouver, which helped the business. They not only sold items locally but made deliveries to outlying Japanese Canadian community areas as well as sawmills and logging camps. Teiji delivered goods to Haney, BC and Hammond, BC in the 1930s using one of the two panel trucks owned by the store. (The Dodge Desoto passenger car was acquired in 1940.) Kojiro Ebisuzaki, now under the guardianship of his uncle Teiji, obtained his driver's license at sixteen and began delivering goods to Vancouver Island. Other workers delivered goods to the Fraser Valley communities and beyond, extending all the way to Alberta.

In the front of the store, clothes and materials were sold and in the back of the store, food items such as shoyu, rice, tea, etc were sold. Sewing machines and tables were set up in the mezzanine space above the office area where the clothes and futons were sewed.

Nancy (Kuniko) Morishita was born in Vancouver General Hospital in 1932. She attended Strathcona School until grade four and in the evenings went to the Vancouver Japanese Language School. She also attended the Odori School (dance) next door to the Japanese Language School on Alexander Street in Vancouver, BC. Nancy was ten when the war broke out and things began to change for her and her family. She remembers two large men (Mounties) taking Kojiro her cousin in the night while he was relaxing in the ofuro (bath) to Angler; a Prisoner of War Camp in Ontario. He was arrested for protesting the breakup of families by sending young men to road camps in BC and Alberta.

Teiji had contacts in Raymond, Alberta through his Ebisuzaki dealings and moved his family there to farm sugar beets in early 1942. He relied on Mr Moriyama to find him a job on a large farm. Nancy’s uncle, Jichiro Morishita, joined the family on April 27, 1942. He arrived alone as his wife and three children left for Japan in 1939 to look after his wife's grandmother.

Meanwhile the dry goods store was seized by the Custodian and all items were listed. Money was paid to the wholesalers and any debts were encouraged to be paid to Ebisuzaki Shoten. They were allowed to take only personal items with them. The house at 466 Cordova was also seized by the Custodian and sold off in 1943 once an Order-in-Council was issued. Teiji later made claim for losses in 1947.

During the Internment, the Morishitas moved from Raymond, Alberta to New Denver, BC on May 22, 1943, as Sawa’s eyes were degenerating in the Alberta climate. Jichiro stayed behind joining a Labour Camp at Blue River, BC. Since there were no spots in the internment camp in Lemon Creek, BC (where Hide was) they lived near Harris Ranch for a while, but could not climb the hill to go to church, so eventually moved to Roseberry, BC on June 1, 1943. Teiji worked for CPR, repairing barges and scows in a CPR camp, where he learned blacksmithing. They finally moved to Lemon Creek to join Hide on July 17, 1945 and Teiji began work as a truck driver with his driver's license ticket. They stayed until Lemon Creek closed down and helped with the clean up. Teiji drove a truck to collect all the BC Security Commission blankets that were distributed. They moved to Slocan City, BC on July 28, 1947. At that time, Nancy left the family to go back to Vancouver as a school girl, working as a domestic in an upper class Vancouver home. The family she worked for owned a sawmill where Ebisuzaki goods used to be delivered to. Eventually she went to nursing school from 1951-54 at Vancouver General Hospital School of nursing. The rest of the family returned to Vancouver in 1960 after an eighteen year absence.

Teiji Morishita died on June 25, 1993 and Sawa Morishita died on April 10 2005.

The digital copies of the records were acquired by the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective between 2014 and 2018.