Near Ralston in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Swimming Hole:
Recreation in Camp
One of the main problems facing the Heart Mountain administrators was keeping the internees busy. Swimming, a popular summer activity, was supervised by lifeguards and swimming instructors.
During the long winter, ice skating was a popular sport new to most internees. Youth football, basketball and softball teams were organized. High school sports teams were allowed to become members of the Wyoming Athletic Association and competed against surrounding schools. Judo, Kendo, sumo wrestling, boxing and girl's volleyball, basketball and softball teams were also organized. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls troops were active. After camp restrictions were eased, they could hike up Heart Mountain, camp on the Shoshone River, a practice outdoor cooking and crafts. Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson of Cody, Wyoming and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, a former internee, met as Boy Scouts at Heart Mountain camp when the Cody troop came to visit the internee troop. The two Scouts formed a lifelong friendship and served together in the United States Congress.
The internees also adopted many hobbies including painting, woodcarving, cabinetry, pottery, flower arranging, and needlework. They participated in camp sponsored plays, dances, and traditional arts such as poetry, writing, mandolin, and Noh drama. An internee musical group traveled about northern Wyoming to help raise money for war bonds. Two movie theaters, the Dawn and the Pagoda, were established in barracks recreation halls and films were shown on weekends.
Erected by Heart Mountain, Wyoming Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Sports • War, World II.
Location. 44° 40.191′ N, 108° 56.934′ W. Marker is near Ralston, Wyoming, in Park County. Marker can be reached from Road 19 near Lane 15, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1474, Ralston WY 82440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Agriculture and Root Cellars (a few steps from this marker); Administrative Area: (within shouting distance of this marker); M.P. Station, Guard Tower, Rail & Train Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Relocation Center Support Facilities (within shouting distance of this marker); Barracks Living Area: (within shouting distance of this marker); Heart Mountain High School: (within shouting distance of this marker); Hospital Complex: (within shouting distance of this marker); Heart Mountain Relocation Center Honor Roll and Flag Pole (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ralston.
More about this marker. Heart Mountain Relocation Camp is located off of the Powell Highway (U.S. Highway 14A) about 6 miles south of Ralston. This marker is located on the Setsuko Saito Higuchi Memorial Walking Tour near Heart Mountain Relocation Center Memorial Park.
Additional keywords. Japanese American internment
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.