Manzanar's Children's Village

Children Playing at Children's Village, 1943

Matsumoto Collection, Manzanar National Historic Site

Quick Facts

Location:

western portion of Manzanar

Significance:

Only orphanage in all the WRA facilities

Amenities

2 listed

Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

In an old pear orchard, 101 American-born children ranging from newborns to 18 year olds lived in the Children’s Village, the only orphanage in any war relocation center. Living in three specially-built barracks and nurtured by a dedicated Japanese American staff and others, they became a unique wartime family. Nearly half had been brought from west coast institutions and foster homes. Others were temporarily separated from families when their parents were arrested or became ill or were infants born to unwed mothers.

Children’s Village was landscaped with lawns, flowers, and cherry trees. Japanese American staff built playground equipment and furniture and collected money for toys and other items, while some Owens Valley neighbors brought freshly-baked cookies and clothing. The children made friends through camp schools, churches, clubs, and sports and even formed their own baseball team. “But however much we encouraged our children to participate in the life of the larger community, we remained separate from it,” recalled Lillian Matsumoto.

To hear from Annie Sakamoto, who was in the Children's Village as a child, click here.
To hear from Celeste Loi Teodor, who was in the Children's Village as a child, click here.
To hear from Dennis Tojo Bambauer, who was in the Children's Village as a child, click here.
To hear from Kazuye Suyematsu, who was in the Children's Village as a child, click here.