Historic Pelham

Presenting the rich history of Pelham, NY in Westchester County: current historical research, descriptions of how to research Pelham history online and genealogy discussions of Pelham families.

Friday, April 03, 2015

The Sad Tale of Katsuji Onishi of Pelham Manor, Detained After the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor


During the evening of Sunday, December 7, 1941, the shocking news that the Japanese had attacked the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii earlier in the day circulated throughout Pelham.  As many residents were first learning of the attack, Pelham Police already were identifying Japanese Nationals who resided in Pelham.  When they learned that one of those residents was making an effort to leave the country as soon as possible, they alerted Federal authorities.  By midnight, the FBI picked up that resident and took him to Ellis Island where other Japanese Nationals were being held.  Other Japanese Nationals living in Pelham were instructed to remain in their homes.

Katsuji Onishi of 624 James Street, Pelham Manor

One of those who was supposed to remain in his home at 624 James Street that night was Katsuji Onishi, a Japanese citizen and silk merchant trying to earn a living to support his wife and son who remained in Japan.  Onishi, it seems, was caught in the worst possible circumstances.  He was a citizen of the nation that had just attacked America -- a nation against which the United States would declare war the next day.  

Onishi, it seems, did not heed the instructions from Pelham Police.  The next day, December 8, 1941, he was swept up during a "Federal Bureau of Investigation roundup in New York City."   He was taken by the FBI from an as yet unidentified New York City hotel, presumably to Ellis Island where other Japanese citizens were being herded. 

About eight weeks later, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 authorizing regional U.S. military commanders to designate military areas from which "any or all persons may be excluded."  This executive order was used as a pretext to exlude all people of Japanese ancestry from the entire West Coast.  Soon, government "camps" were created to collect the excluded.  Such camps were opened throughout the nation.  

Among the many such internment camps created was the internment camp at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.  It seems from multiple sources that Katsuji Onishi was sent, first, to the internment camp at White Sulphur Springs.  Onishi was "interned for the duration" at that internment camp.  Circumstances may have seemed awful for Onishi, but they were about to take a turn for the worse.  



624 James Street, Pelham Manor, New York in April, 2012
Where Katsuji Onishi Lived for About Two Months in the
Autumn of 1941.  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

Immigration Issues

Federal authorities wanted to know absolutely everything they could learn about each and every person of Japanese ancestry within the boundaries of the United States and its territories.  In the case of Katsuji Onishi of the little village of Pelham Manor, the authorities discovered what they concluded were inconsistencies and troubling statements that he made to a U.S. Immigration "Board of Inquiry" when he was interviewed to enter the United States. The Feds concluded that they could prove Onishi entered the United States illegally only months before the nation of his birth attacked the United States.  

In early March, 1942, a Federal Grand Jury in Utica, New York indicted Katsuji Onishi for "procuring an immigration permit by means of false and fraudulent claims and statements."  At some point within the next few months, Onishi was moved to the internment camp at Fort Meade, Maryland.  On November 23, 1942, Onishi was transported from the Fort Meade internment camp to Federal Court in Utica where he was arraigned before U.S. District Judge Stephen W. Brennan.  Onishi pleaded not guilty.  His trial was set for the December term at Utica.  In the interim, Onishi was held in Madison County Jail in Wampsville, New York awaiting his trial.



Pelham Sun Article About "Kapsuji Oneshi" [sic],
a "FORMER MANORITE] Being Held on Chages
He "Falsified Immigration Statements."
FORMER MANORITEThe Pelham Sun, Nov. 27, 1942, 
Vol. 32, No. 34, p. 1, col. 5.  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

When he first was taken into custody on December 8, 1941, Onishi had only been a resident of the Village of Pelham Manor for two months.  He seems to have been a legitimate silk merchant who operated as a sole proprietorship under the name "Standard Import and Export Company."  Onishi entered the United States at Rouses Point, New York from Montreal in May, 1940.  Before he was admitted, he was the subject of an immigration interview on May 13, 1940 by a Board of Inquiry.  Following the interview, he was granted a permit to enter the United States "to study business."  That interview became the source of Onishi's woes.

The Jury Trial

Onishi's jury trial on immigration charges began on December 15, 1942.  Evidence showed that during his interview before the Board of Inquiry, when asked why he wanted to enter the United States, he replied that he wanted to study American business.  Additionally, when asked how long he planned to stay, he replied "three or four weeks."  During the same interview, Onishi was asked whether he had engaged in any business in the United States during any previous visits.  Onishi replied "no."

Further evidence elicited at trial showed that Onishi had been engaged in business rather than merely studying American business and that he had remained in the United States far longer than the "three or four weeks" he indicated in his interview.  Perhaps most troubling, however, immigration authorities presented evidence that Onishi had been in the United States during 1939 and early 1940 and had engaged in the silk business as the "Standard Import and Export Company."  It appeared that Onishi had lied when obtaining his entry permit in May, 1940.

On December 16, 1942, the Federal jury convicted Onishi of entering the United States in 1940 under an immigration permit obtained by false statements.  The following Monday, December 21, Federal Judge Stephen W. Brennan sentenced Onishi to six months in prison.  Upon completion of the prison term, Onishi was designated for return to an internment camp for the duration of the war.

Vesting Order by the U.S. Alien Property Custodian

The Federal Government was not finished with Katsuji Onishi.  Proceedings were commenced against him by the Office of the Alien Property Custodian.  That office had been established on March 11, 1942 by Executive Order 9095 issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  Roosevelt created the Office, which previously had existed during World War I as well, under authority of Section 6 of the Trading with the Enemy Act, 40 Stat. 415, 50 U.S.C. App.  That statute authorized the President to appoint an "Alien Property Custodian" responsible for "receiv[ing,] . . . hold[ing], administer[ing], and account[ing] for" "all money and property in the United States due or belonging to an enemy, or ally of enemy. . . ."

On February 26, 1943, the Office of the Alien Property Custodian published in the Federal Register a "Vesting Order."  The Vesting Order found that Katsuji Onishi had conducted business in the United States via two sole proprietorships "one of which is or was conducted in his own name and the other under the trade name of Standard Import and Export Company."  The order vested all property of any sort located in the United States belonging to Katsuji Onishi, individually, or to either of his two sole proprietorships, in the Alien Property Custodian.  The order provided that all such property vested in the Alien Property Custodian was "to be held, used, administered, liquidated, sold or otherwise dealt with in the interest of and for the benefit of the United States."

Epilogue

Katsuji Onishi was one of approximately 120,000 Japanese citizens and Japanese Americans incarcerated in internment camps during World War II.  During the 1960s, Japanese Americans began what is known today as the "Redress Movement" to seek reparations and redress for the treatment of people of Japanese ancestry in the United States during World War II.  In 1976, President Gerald Ford proclaimed that the internment of people of Japanese ancestry during World War II was "wrong," a "national mistake," and "shall never again be repeated."

In 1980, Congress established the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians.  That commission released a report entitled "Personal Justice Denied" on February 24, 1983.  The report condemned the internment as unjust and motivated by racism, xenophobic ideas, and war hysteria.  The commission further recommended that $20,000 in reparations be paid to each Japanese American who had suffered internment.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 which implemented the recommendations of the commission.  It provided for reparation payments of $20,000 to each surviving detainee, totaling $1.2 billion.  Thereafter, on September 27, 1992, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992, appropriating an additional $400 million in an effort to ensure that all remaining detainees received their $20,000 payments.

Following Katsuji Onishi's sentencing and the publication of the Vesting Order on February 26, 1943, Onishi's trail goes cold.  Research has revealed no further information about what happened to the man who once chose Pelham Manor as his home at a time when the world went to war.  We are left to wonder about the eventual fates of Onishi, his wife, and son.



Example of an Official Notice of Exclusion and Removal
Containing "INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL PERSONS OF
JAPANESE ANCESTRY" Dated April 1, 1942 During World War II.
Source:  National Archives and Records Administration, ARC
Identifier 536017.  NOTE:  Click On Image To Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

Below are numerous transcriptions of newspaper articles and the Vesting Order published in the Federal Register that address the trials and tribulations of Katsuji Onishi.  Each is followed by a citation to its source.  Links to the sources are provided when available.

"Police Nab Japanese Ready To Leave; Information Supplied By Countryman----- 

Pelham police lost no time in checking up on Japanese nationals when it became known that Japan had attacked U.S. Pacific territory. Early on Sunday evening the police had ascertained that there were only three Japanese families residing in the town, all of them in Pelham Manor. From one of those individuals the Pelham Manor police gained information that J. Tomohiko Midzuno, of No. 472 Manor Lane, was making plans to return to Japan. Chief James McCaffrey immediately notified the sheriff's office, and shortly after midnight, two Federal Bureau of Investigation men came to Pelham to pick him up. In company with Lieut. Lawrence Fowler and Sergt. Charles P. Barmley the F.B.I. men took Midzuno into custody at his home, and took him to Ellis Island. 

Midzuno, who is listed as general manager of the New York office of the importing firm of Morimura Bros., is said to be associated with the Japanese Consulate in New York City. 

In accordance with the orders issued by Governor Herbert Lehman, the police have advised the members of the Japanese families to remain in their homes." 

Source: Police Nab Japanese Ready To Leave; Information Supplied By Countryman, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 7-8.

"Interned Jap Indicted by Federal Jury

A Japanese interned for the duration with other aliens at White Sulphur Springs is named in one of 12 indictments handed up by the Federal Grand Jury to Judge Bryant.  

The report was the second partial one returned during this Federal Court term by the jurors, who recessed until next week, when additional cases will be considered.

The Japanese is Katsuji Onishi, whose last address was listed as a New York City hotel.  He was indicted for procuring an immigration permit by means of false and fraudulent claims and statements.  He entered the United States illegally at Rouses Point from Montreal. . . ."

Source:  Interned Jap Indicted by Federal Jury, The Knickerbocker News [Albany, NY], Mar. 12, 1942, Second Section, p. 1, col. 3.  

"Interned Japanese In Court in Utica

Interned as an enemy alien for the duration of the war at Fort Meade, Md., Katsuji Onishi, 47, of Pelham Manor, a native Japanese, was brought to Utica yesterday to face an immigration charge.

Arraigned before U.S. District Judge Stephen W. Brennan, he pleaded not guilty and his trial was set for the December term at Utica.  Onishi, who has a wife and son residing in Japan, was brought to Utica by Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Elbert Montena and lodged in Madison County Jail at Wampsville."  

Source:  Interned Japanese In Court in Utica, Syracuse Herald-Journal, Nov. 24, 1942, Vol. 66, No. 19379, p. 12, col. 8.

"FOR ILLEGAL ENTRY HOLD JAP IN UTICA; FORMER MANORITE
-----

A former resident of Pelham Manor, at 624 James street, Kapsuji Oneshi [sic], 47, is being held in Madison County jail at Utica, on a charge of illegally entering the United States.

It is charged that he falsified immigration statements and thereby obtained entry at Rouse's Point, N. Y., last August.  He was kept under observation and subsequently placed in an internment camp.

Oneshi [sic] was one of those taken in a general roundup of Japanese after Pearl Harbor last year.  He had been a resident of Pelham Manor for two months."

Source:  FOR ILLEGAL ENTRY HOLD JAP IN UTICA; FORMER MANORITE, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 27, 1942, Vol. 32, No. 34, p. 1, col. 5.  

"Challenges Bar Women From Jury

A jury from which three women were barrred on challenge by a New York attorney for the defendant, today is hearing, in Federal Court here, the trial of Katsuji Onishi, 47, described as a Japanese business man, on a charge of obtaining a permit to enter this country under false statements.  

A similar challenge by Samuel Slote, attorney for the Japanese that men on the jury having any close relatives in the American armed forces, or any relatives that have been casualties in the war with Japan be excused, was objected to by Robert J. Leamy, assistant U. S. attorney prosecuting the case, and sustained by Justice Stephen W. Brennan.

Slote Challenges

Slote challenged such jurymen from serving on the basis of 'possible bias' against the defendant.  When the case opened Judge Brennan told the jury that Onishi was on trial for having allegedly applied for and obtained an immigration permit at Montreal and Rouses Point to enter the United States about May 13, 1940, knowing that the permit was obtained under false statement that Onishi had not previously been engaged in business in this country.  

The defendant is a citizen of Japan, the court pointed out, and his case happens to come to trial at a bad time in world affairs.  'This fact does not lessen his rights as far as the statutes are concerned,' added the judge.

Six jurymen raised their hands indicating that they had relatives in the armed forces.  

In denying Slote's objection to these male jurors, Judge Brennan said he assumed they would 'follow their oaths,' to decide Onishi's case fairly on the basis of the immigration charge, and without personal feelings, prejudice or sentiment.

Government Allegations

In presenting the government's case Leamy alleged that Onishi had been in this country previous to May, 1940, the time when he appeared before a special U.S. Board of Inquiry in Montreal.  He said the government would show that Onishi's permit was granted, and that actually between 1939 and 1940 Onishi was in the silk business in the United States and was connected with the Standard Import and Export Company, and had admitted as much to an immigration officer before the Montreal hearing.

Slote denied the essential allegations of the government attorney, claimed that Onisihi was in the United States lawfully and that this permit contained no restrictions against being in business here.  Two motions by Slote for dismissal of the case were denied by the court.  One was that the indictment and bill of particulars do not set forth the facts to support a crime, and the other that if a crime was committed by Onishi it was in Canada and outside the jurisdiction of the court.

Kershner First Witness

John H. Kershner, a clerk and member of the board of inquiry which passed on the defendant's entry permit was the first witness called by the government.  He quoted some questions and answers at the Montreal hearing from his stenographic record of the proceedings.  

The questions and answers at the hearing pertaining to Onishi as read by Kershner from his shorthand record included:

Q--What is your reason for going to the United [States]?
A--Just to study business--raw silk--and the export of American manufactured articles to China.
Q--How long do you expect to remain?
A--A few weeks.
Q--How many?
A--Three or four.
Q--For what reason?
A--This is a good season to being in the United States.
Q--Did you do any business while there (previously)?
A--No.
Q--Were you employed by any American firms.?
A--No.

Wanted to See Quebec

Later when the witness was cross examined by Slote as to his record of the questions and answers at the hearing, Kershner said Onishi told the board of inquiry in reply to the question 'What is your reason for coming to Canada?' the Japanese is alleged to have replied that he 'wanted to see Quebec it is not far from Japan and I want to see it.' 

Arthur F. O'Brien, U.S. immigration inspector and chairman of the board of inquiry at the time of the hearing was called to the stand by the prosecutor just before the noon recess.  Onishi sat before the judge's bench throughout the morning.  Japanese interpreter Chuyoko Tsurya was on hand."

Source:  Challenges Bar Women From Jury, Utica Observer-Dispatch [Utica, NY], Dec. 15, 1942, p. 6, col. 1.  

"DRAFT VIOLATOR GETS 3-YEAR TERM
-----

Utica, Dec. 15--(UP)--Donald E. Schryver, 30, Watertown radio engineer and member of Jehovah's Witnesses, today began a three-year jail sentence for violation of the selective service act.  Schryver, who aroused a sharp attack from federal Judge Stephen W. Brennan, conducted his own case and attempted to prove that the draft act 'interferes' with the first amendment to the constitution.

In sentencing Schryver, Brennan said that if education is producing Schryver's type of citizenship, 'perhaps we ought to have a rendezvous with the education.'

Katsuji Oneshi [sic], a Japanese subject, was scheduled to go on trial charged with entering the country under false pretenses.  He was said to have been a resident of Pelham Manor."

Source:  DRAFT VIOLATOR GETS 3-YEAR TERM, Dunkirk Evening Observer [Dunkirk, NY], Dec. 15, 1942, Vol. CLXXXVII, No. 68, p. 1, col. 7 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access link).

"Jap Testifies In Federal Court Trial
-----

In a high-pitched voice not always audible to the 12-man jury, Katsuji Onishi, 47, Japanese subject and business man, on trial in Federal Court before Judge Stephen W. Brennon on an immigration violation charge, yesterday afternoon began an explanation of his business transactions in this country and his conhtacts with U. S. immigration offiials.  The trial will conhtinue at 10 this morning.

Onishi, [indicted] for entering this country about May 13, 1940 from Canada on a permit allegedly based on false and fraudulent statements, submitted to questioning by the court after he showed difficulty understanding the questions of his own attorney, Samuel Slote, New York.

The court ruled out the services of Chuyoko Tsuryla, an interpreter who was in court, after Onishi claimed difficulty in explaining his understanding of questions and particularly the word 'establish.'

Studied U. S. Business

The government prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Leamy, contended Onishi had established and carried on business in New York City prior to May 13, 1940, when Onishi, according to testimony at aq U.S. Immigration Board of Inquiry in Montreal, applied for a permit to 'study business' in the United States.  The permit was granted.

Onishi said he first came to this country in 1921 and after a few months returned to Japan, then came back to the U.S. in August, 1939.  His passport made out for his last entry was introduced in evidence.

Government witnesses in the afternoon included Cornelius Roach and Emil LeVin, immigration officials; Louis Duboff, manager of the credit department of the Manufacturers Trust Company, New York, who presented a photostatic record of withdrawals and deposits he said were made by Onishi; Harry Sweetbaum, president of H. Sweetbaum Company,  New York silk dealers, and Grant U. Strome, immigration inspector who had a transcription of proceedings regarding Onishi's presence in this country at Ellis Island, Jan. 28, 1940.

Women Jurors Excused

Motions for dismissal of the charges against the Japanese by Slote were denied by the court.  Yesterday morning when the trial began Attorney Slote challenged all three women originally drawn to hear the case and they were excused by the court.  He also challenged jurymen having close relatives in the armed forces or any with relatives who have been casualties in the war with Japan.  The court sustained an objection by Leamy and such jurymen were permitted to serve."

Source:  Jap Testifies in Federal Court Trial, Utica Daily Press, Dec. 16, 1942, Vol. LXI, No. 239, p. 8, cols. 6-7.  

"Japanese Accused Of Illegal Entry

Utica -- (UP) -- Katsuji Onishi, 47, a Japanese, stood accused today in Federal Court of entering this country illegally to carry out a lucrative silk trade, instead of 'to study business'  

Onishi is charged with entering the United States from Canada May 13, 1940, on a permit allegedly based on false statements.  Immigration officials have testified Onishi was in business in New York city before he went to Canada, asking a permit to re-enter the United States to carry on studies of American business."

Source:  Japanese Accused of Illegal Entry, The Knickerbocker News [Albany, NY], Dec. 16, 1942, p. 12A, col. 4.  

"Jap Facing Prison Term On Illegal Entry Charge

UTICA, N. Y., Dec. 17.--(AP)--Katsuji Onishi, 47, a Japanese alien convicted yesterday of entering the United States in 1940 under a permit obtained by false statements, will be sentenced in Albany Monday by Federal District Judge Stephen W. Brennan.

Onishi claimed he was an importer and exporter, and entered this country when he did 'because he liked the season.'  Court records show he was apprehended in a Federal Bureau of Investigation roundup in New York City Dec. 8, 1941, and has been in an internment camp.

An interpreter was used for Onishi in Federal Court yeterday because he said he could not speak English.  Arthur F. O'Brien, chairman of the board of inquiry in Montreal, Canada, through which he was granted his permit May 13, 1940, testified Onishi spoke fluent English at that time."

Source:  Jap Facing Prison Term On Illegal Entry Charge, Evening Recorder [Amsterdam, NY], Dec. 17, 1942, p. 22, col. 8.  See also Jap Faces Sentence for False Entry, The Knickerbocker News [Albany, NY], Dec. 17, 1942, p. 10A, col. 2 (same text).  

"JAPANESE ALIEN GOES TO PRISON

For entering the United States in 1940 under a permit obtained by false statements, Katsupi [sic] Onishi, 47, of New York City, a Japanese alien, was sentenced to six months in prison by Federal Judge Stephen W. Brennan in Albany yesterday.

Onishi has been interned at Camp Meade, Md., since the start of the war with Japan."

Source:  JAPANESE ALIEN GOES TO PRISON, The Times Record [Troy, NY], Dec. 22, 1942, p. 15, col. 7.

"Japanese Given 6-Month Term

Katsuji Onishi, 47, an interned Japanese, was sentenced yesterday in Federal Court to six months in prison for illegally entering the United States.

Onishi was convicted here Dec. 16 after a jury trial on a charge of entering the country from Canada in 1940 on a permit based on false statements.

He has been in an internment camp more than a year and will be returned to the camp upon completion of his sentence, a court attache said."

Source:  Japanese Given 6-Month Term, Utica Daily Press, Dec. 22, 1942, p. 6, col. 2.

"[Vesting Order 764]

KATSUJI ONISHI AND STANDARD IMPORT AND EXPORT COMPANY

Under the authority of the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, and Executive Order No. 9095, as amended and pursuant to law, the undersigned, after investigation:

1.  Finding that Katsuji Onishi is a subject of Japan interned in the United States, and therefore is a national of a designated enemy country (Japan); 

2.  Finding that said Katsuji Onishi owns and controls two sole proprietorships, one of which is or was conducted in his own name and the other under the trade name of Standard Import and Export Company; 

3.  Finding that the aforesaid sole proprietorships are business enterprises within the United States and are nationals of a designated enemy country (Japan);

4.  Finding therefore that the property described as follows:

All property of any nature whatsoever situated in the United States and owned or controlled by, payable or deliverable to, or held on behalf of or on account of or owing to, the aforesaid sole proprietorships, or either of them, 

is property of business enterprises within the United States which are nationals of a designated enemy country (Japan);

5.  Finding that the property decribed as follows:

All property of any nature whatsoever situated in the United States and owned or controlled by, payable or deliverable to, or held on behalf of or on account of or owing to, said Katsuji Onishi, individually,

is property within the United states owned or controlled by a national of a designated enemy country (Japan); 

6.  Determining that to the extent that the property referred to in subparagraph 5 hereof (belonging to Katsuji Onishi as an individual and apart from the business enterprises conducted by him) constitutes cash, bullion, moneys, currencies, deposits, credits, credit instruments, foreign exchange or securities as those terms are used in Section 2 (c) of said Executive Order, it is necessary to vest the same for the maintenance or safeguarding of other property (namely, that described in subparagraph 4 hereof) belonging to the same national of the same designated enemy country and subject to vesting (and in fact vested by this order) pursuant to Section 2 of said Executive Order; 

7.  Determining that to the extent that such nationals are persons not within a designated enemy country, the national interest of the United States requires that such persons be treated as as nationals of the aforesaid designated enemy country (Japan); 

8.  Having made all determinations and taken all action, after appropriate consultation and certification, required by said Executive Order or Act or otherwise; and 

9.  Deeming it necessary in the national interest;

hereby vests in the Alien Property Custodian the property described in subparagraphs 4 and 5 hereof, to be held, used, administered, liquidated, sold or otherwise dealt with in the interest of and for the benefit of the United States.

Such property, and any or all of the proceeds thereof, shall be held in an appropriate special account or accounts, pending further determination of the Alien Property Custodian.  This shall not be deemed to limit the powers of the Alien Property Custodian.  This shall not be deemed to limit the powers of the Alien Property Custodian to return such property or the proceeds thereof, or to indicate that compensation will not be paid in lieu thereof, if and when it should be determined that such return should be made or such compensation should be paid.

Any person, except a national of a designated enemy country, asserting any claim arising as a result of this order may file with the Alien Property Custodian a notice of his claim, together with a request for a hearing thereon, on Form APC-1, within one year from the date hereof, or within such further time as may be allowed by the Alien Property Custodian.  Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to constitute an admission of the existence, validity or right to allowance of any such claim.

The terms 'national,' 'designated enemy country' and 'business enterprise within the United States' as used herein shall have the meanings prescribed in section 10 of said Executive Order.

Executed at Washington, D. C., on January 25, 1943.

[SEAL]

LEO T. CROWLEY,
Alien Property Custodian.

[F. R. Doc. 43-3022; Filed, February 25, 1943; 10:34 a.m.]"

Source:  Katsuji Onishi and Standard Import and Export Company, 8 Fed. Reg. 2452 (Fri., Feb. 26, 1943).  See also Office of Alien Property Custodian, Annual Report for the Period March 11, 1942 to June 30, 1943, p. 112 (Washington, D.C.:  U.S. Government Printing Office, p. 112) (referencing vesting order quoted above as "Summary description of property vested . . . All of the assets of Katsuji Onishi and of the Standard Import & Export Co").


Labels: , , , ,

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Pelham Goes To War: Pelham's Reaction to the Attack on Pearl Harbor, "A Date Which Will Live In Infamy"



By the evening of Sunday, December 7, 1941, the shocking news that a dastardly sneak attack had decimated the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii earlier in the day circulated throughout Pelham.  Anger and patriotic fervor blossomed in the breast of every citizen in the Town.  Everyone knew that a declaration of War against Japan was imminent and that the nation was about to enter another World War.  

Events in Pelham during the days immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor proceeded at a fast and furious pace.  The evening of December 7, as many residents were first learning of the attack, Pelham Police were identifying Japanese Nationals who resided in Pelham.  When they learned that one of those residents was making an effort to depart the country, they alerted authorities.  By midnight, the FBI picked up that resident and took him to Ellis Island where other Japanese Nationals were being held.  Other Japanese Nationals living in Pelham were instructed to remain in their homes.

The next day, President Roosevelt delivered his famous "A Date Which Will Live In Infamy" speech.  The residents of Pelham were glued to their radios to hear the address.  Barely an hour later, the United States Congress declared war against Japan.

On Tuesday, December 9, air raid jitters gripped the New York metropolitan area and shook Pelham to its core.  Some newspapers issued "Extra" editions claiming that enemy aircraft were approaching New York.  The fear in Pelham was so overwhelming that Pelham schools declared an emergency and emptied as students rushed home to their families.  Air raid wardens were activated for the first time, although the "all clear" was sounded before the Wardens had to take any significant actions. 

On Wednesday, December 10, some worried Pelham families began to receive news they had awaited since Sunday.  There were Pelhamites at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. The first word was received directly from one of several Pelhamites who were present at Pearl Harbor during the attack when Lieutenant Commander Guy P. Garland of the U.S. Navy sent a cable to his mother, Mrs. Thomas L. Byrne of the Pelham-Biltmore that he, his wife and nine-month-old baby were unharmed. 

Like other communities, Pelham already had been preparing for war for many months.   For example, in anticipation of War, the Town of Pelham previously had created a Defense Council to coordinate efforts to defend the Town as necessary.  In fact, the Defense Council already was in the process of opening a local "Defense Headquarters" at 35 Fifth Avenue across the street from Town Hall from which emergency efforts would be directed if necessary.  (The first meeting of the Defense Council in its new headquarters building was held on Tuesday, December 9.)

In the days immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Town of Pelham put its defense efforts into overdrive.  By the end of the week, many, many steps had been undertaken to prepare Pelham for the onset of war.  

The Town was divided into four zones.  Officials designated Air Raid Zone Wardens for each zone.  The Town also published an appeal for volunteers willing to serve as Air Raid Wardens, asking interested persons to submit their names to their local Zone Warden.  Local Air Raid Zone Wardens, in turn, designated Sector Air Raid Wardens who were assigned to various sectors within each Zone.  Air raid drills were held in local schools to begin to work out the tactics for moving large numbers of young people to safety.  

The chairman of the local Health Committee, Walter Brundage, established and equipped three first aid stations at the Pelham Manor Fire Department, the Pelham Heights Police Station, and the Village of North Pelham Fire Department building.  

Authorities published instructions in the local paper on what to do when a "blackout" is called.  They also published instructions regarding the use of the local fire department whistles as air raid sirens and the steps to be taken in case of an air raid alarm.

Officials also appointed a new head of the auxiliary fire fighting units to co-operate with the fire chiefs in expanding forces to fight emergency fires.  Pelham volunteers readied Red Cross and Defense Council ambulance units for emergency service.  The Pelham Branch of the American Red Cross issued a "Mobilization Call" seeking volunteers and funds, hoping to raise $14,000. 

Worried Pelham officials instructed residents to keep fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment readily available. Sand also was stockpiled and stored in public spaces for firefighting purposes.  The Town Defense Council created a Civilian Defense Volunteer Office to receive applications for enrollment in associated civil defense training courses.   

As one would expect, the lead story in the first issue of The Pelham Sun published after the dastardly attack on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii addressed the attack and the Town's efforts to prepare for war.  The article is transcribed below, followed by a host of additional articles from the same issue of the newspaper published on December 12, 1941 -- five days after the date which will, forever, live in infamy.

*          *          *          *

I have written before of Pelham's reaction to what its local paper described as "murderous attack without warning upon United States naval forces in Hawaii," including transcribing one of the many articles transcribed below.  See  Fri., Aug. 26, 2005:  Pelham's Reaction to the "Date Which Will Live in Infamy": December 7, 1941.  Below are transcriptions of a host of newspaper articles that appeared in The Pelham Sun in its first issue after the attack.



The USS Arizona Burning After the Japanese Attack on Pearl
Harbor on December 7, 1941.  Source:  Wikimedia Commons.


"WAR DECLARATION FINDS TOWN READY FOR DEFENSE SERVICE
-----
Registration For Defense Activities Rises Rapidly
-----
Reassuring Reports Received From Pelham Men At Pearl Harbor Naval Base; Citizens Will Be Informed Of Service That They Can Render In Civilian Defense; Pelham Girds for War.
-----

The news of the passing week is historic.  On Sunday a murderous attack without warning upon United States naval forces in Hawaii.  On Monday news of our losses of ships and men and the loss of two major British ships in the fighting with Japan.  On Tuesday an air raid alarm which caused some newspapers to issue extras declaring that enemy planes were approaching New York, caused Pelham schools to be emptied in emergency fashion.  On Thursday Italy and Germany both declared war upon the United States.

In common with the rest of the United States the news of Sunday's treacherous attack aroused both national anger and national patriotic fervor.  Registrations in all classes of local defense units rose rapidly.  On Tuesday night the defense council met and reviewed the plans made for defensive measures.  Auxiliary police forces reported by Robert Shaw as ready.  The force of wardens under Harry D. Wright is perfecting its final steps.  Kenneth R. Kelly was appointed head of the auxiliary fire fighting units to co-operate with the fire chiefs in expanding forces.  Pamphlets and bulletins of information will be issued instructing citizens what to do in event of air raids.

Red Cross and defense council ambulance units are ready for service.  Residents have been advised to keep fire extinguishing utensils handy.  Loads of sand will be delivered to public places where it may be obtained.  Anxious parents with sons in the armed forces in Hawaii hearing casualties were heavy sought information.  Up to the present no Pelham casualties have been reported.

Cable Received from Lieut. Garland at Pearl Harbor

The first word received from a Pelhamite in the Pacific war zone was received here by cable on Wednesday.  Lieut. Commander Guy P. Garland, U.S.N. sent word to his mother, Mrs. Thomas L. Byrne of Pelham-Biltmore that he, his wife and nine-months-old baby were unharmed.  Commander Garland is stationed at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base.  He was a member of the Class of 1929 at the United States Naval Academy and was recently promoted to Lieut. Commander.

(Continued on Page 4)
-----

WAR DECLARATION FINDS PELHAMITES READY FOR SERVICE
-----
(Continued from Page 1)

'Don't Worry', Cablegram From Wife of Lieut. Harris

'Don't worry,' was the text of a cablegram received on Wednesday from the wife of Lieut. David Harris, U.S.N., stationed at Honolulu.  The cablegram was received by Mrs. Galen M. Harris of No. 420 Fowler avenue, Pelham Manor, mother of Lieut. Harris.

Lieut. David Harris is stationed aboard the U.S.S. Destroyer Flusser, at Pearl Harbor. His wife and child are living at Pearl Harbor. Lieut. Harris was graduated from the Naval Academy, Annapolis in 1938. 

 Ensign Warren Flynn, son of Mr. and Mrs. David G. Flynn of Wynnewood Road, is stationed aboard the Battleship Maryland at Pearl Harbor. Ensign Flynn had been aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma now reported sunk, but was transferred to his present ship on Oct. 20. Ensign Flynn received his commission in June. In a letter recently received by his mother, Ensign Flynn told of having dinner at Honolulu with Lieut. and Mrs. Harris.  

Mr. and Mrs. Purnell Jr., Safe in Hawaii  

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Balet of Pelham Heights received word by cable yesterday "All is well," from their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Purnell jr., of Honolulu.  Mrs. Purnell jr., the former Miss Marie V. Balet was married in Honolulu on Oct. 8 last. Her husband is the son of Captain and Mrs. William R. Purnell of Honolulu. Capt. Purnell is with the Asiatic Fleet.  

Three Enlisted Men Stationed in Hawaii  

Sergt. H. Richard Spurway is attached to Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 97th Coast Artillery, Fort Weaver, Honolulu. His mother, Mrs. Hubert V. Spurway, of No. 174 Sparks avenue, Pelham Heights, received a letter from him last week.  

Pvt. Roy Sainburg is attached to Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 97th Coast Artillery, Anti-Aircraft, Fort Weaver, Honolulu. His family received a letter from him on Monday.  

Pvt. Harry Resner, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Resner of No. 580 Sixth avenue is another Pelhamite who has been stationed on Hawaii. Resner, who volunteered in the U.S. Army more than a year ago is a member of Co. C. Ninth Inf. at Schofield Barracks.  

Sergt. Paul Farrell Enroute to Manila  

No word has been received from Sergt. Paul Farrell, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Farrell of No. 121 Fifth avenue, who sailed for Manila from California on Dec. 3. Sergt. Farrell, who was drafted on May 28, recently visited with his parents before returning to Fort Ord, Calif., from which post he was to be transferred to Manilla. On his arrival at Fort Ord last week he notified his parents that they would not hear from him until he had reached a permanent post in the Philippines.  

In order to relieve anxiety of friends, readers of The Pelham Sun are urged to notify this newspaper whenever they receive information relative to Pelhamites or other members of their families in the War Zone.  

If New Rochelle or Mount Vernon stage test blackouts, the Pelhams will participate in the program, village officials have signified. "It will be good practise for us to black out at the same time that our neighboring communities do so," said Mayor Dominic Amato of North Pelham. "I think that whenever New York City stages a blackout, all of Westchester should participate, also. 

Pelham's first actual war defense call was received here at 1.45 p.m. on Tuesday when the police departments were notified to summon all Air Raid Wardens to be prepared for duty. Chief Warden Harry D. Wright was notified, but the "all clear" notice came before any action was taken.  Pelham school children were dismissed from schools at 2.30 o'clock.  

It was announced that the "alert" was a precautionary test rehearsal.  The Board of Education last night authorized Supt. of Schools, Joseph C. Brown, to purchase metal buckets for sand and a supply of flashlights for possible emergency use in the local schools. The buckets and flashlights will be stored at strategic points in the school buildings. 

The Pelhamwood Association at the meeting held last night in the Town Hall pledged all possible co-operation with local school officials in completing and carrying out emergency plans and drills in the schools.  

The first meeting which the Town of Pelham Defense Council has held in its new headquarters, No. 35 Fifth avenue, took place Tuesday evening, with a large attendance and lively interest. Mayor Dominic Amato, of North Pelham, and Mayor Lester W. Du Bois, of Pelham Manor, with members of the staffs of the three village governments, were present and took part in some of the discussions. Supervisor-elect, Thos. B. Fenlon was present as an interested spectator at this stage.  

On the invitation of President William L. Chenery of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Joseph C. Brown met with the Council to discuss plans for adequate systems for giving community warnings in the event of bonafide air raid alarms or other emergencies. He and President Chenery discussed the events of the day, and the confusion which had resulted from messages sent out by New York City police and other public authorities, by radio.  

Mayors Amato and Du Bois referred to the County Defense Council's "report center" and the messages received on the teletypes of the local police departments.  

At the suggestion of Chairman Ransom of the Defense Council, a committee of three, with former to act, was authorized to confer with the Mayors of the three villages, designate an official "report center" for the town, and establish a suitable system of warnings by sirens, as well as communication with the public schools and the Chief Warden. Chairman Ransom named as such Committee from the Council, Messrs. Clarence L. Law, William L. Chenery and Robert H. Shaw, who went into conference with the Village Mayors.  

Chief Warden Harry D. Wright reported the selection of Zone and Sector Wardens and many of the post Wardens, but regretted the unwillingness of many citizens to give the time necessary to take the training and do the work. "I have had a hard job finding the right men and women for these important places," he said, "particularly in finding people who are in Pelham by day and are able and willing to give the time necessary for training as Wardens." He asked that all citizens be urged to respond to requests that they serve their community as Wardens.  

The completion of the training of the first class of Police reserves and Auxiliaries was reported by Chairman Robert H. Shaw in charge of that division. About 45 will receive their certificates on Dec. 15th, but may continue in training, so as to be fit and available when needed. A new class will be started soon.  

Dr. Walter H. Brundage, chairman of the Health Committee, reported the establishment and equipment [sic] of three first aid stations, at the Fire Department in Pelham Manor, the Police Station in Pelham Heights, and the Fire District building in North Pelham. He discussed other phases of the plans for the medical handling of emergencies if they arise.  

On the certification of the Westchester County Medical Association, Dr. Brundage was elected Chief of the Emergency Medical Service, under the Town Defense Council.  

Kenneth R. Kelly was elected Chairman of the Council's Division B., for the training of firefighting auxiliaries and reserves, in place of George R. Martin, resigned. Harold W. Garton and Clements Boyer will be Vice Chairmen. Training classes for these auxiliaries will be conducted Friday evening, Dec. 19, by Fire Chiefs John J. Brennan and James T. Bollettieri as instructors, at the fire houses in Pelham Manor and North Pelham. Enrollment of those willing to serve is invited, particularly those with some fire department experience.  

Martin J. Alger, vice-chairman, was elected Chairman of Division D., on Transportation and Communications, in the place of Alfred Coates, resigned. The Council adjourned to listen to President Roosevelt's address to the Nation. Announcements of other plans and emergency provisions by the Town Defense Council in cooperation with the village authorities will be found elsewhere in this issue.  Colonel Frederick L. Devereux chairman of the Westchester County Defense Council, has warned against undue excitement and hysteria resulting from radio reports or rumors of impending air attacks.  

He stated that the Westchester County Defense Council had its Control Room in operation and would receive directly from the Army Information Center appropriate warnings. In the event of impending air attack, the Defense Council will notify each community in the county. All necessary instructions for the guidance of the public will be issued by local municipal authorities.  

It is necessary that telephone lines be kept open for official business and that no unnecessary telephone calls be made to police departments, municipal offices or defense councils. 

It is imperative that the civilian population continue to go about its business as usual and refrain from excitement."  

Source: War Declaration Finds Town Ready For Defense Service, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 5-8 & p. 4, cols. 1-4.

"Police Nab Japanese Ready To Leave; Information Supplied By Countryman-----

Pelham police lost no time in checking up on Japanese nationals when it became known that Japan had attacked U.S. Pacific territory.  Early on Sunday evening the police had ascertained that there were only three Japanese families residing in the town, all of them in Pelham Manor.  From one of those individuals the Pelham Manor police gained information that J. Tomohiko Midzuno, of No. 472 Manor Lane, was making plans to return to Japan.  Chief James McCaffrey immediately notified the sheriff's office, and shortly after midnight, two Federal Bureau of Investigation men came to Pelham to pick him up.  In company with Lieut. Lawrence Fowler and Sergt. Charles P. Barmley the F.B.I. men took Midzuno into custody at his home, and took him to Ellis Island.

Midzuno, who is listed as general manager of the New York office of the importing firm of Morimura Bros., is said to be associated with the Japanese Consulate in New York City.

In accordance with the orders issued by Governor Herbert Lehman, the police have advised the members of the Japanese families to remain in their homes."

Source:  Police Nab Japanese Ready To Leave; Information Supplied By Countryman, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 7-8.  

"TOWN ZONED IN WARDENS' PLAN
-----
Harry D. Wright is Chief Warden; Plan is Outlined for information of Pelhamites.
-----

An Air Raid Warden System is now in course of organization in the Town of Pelham.  The local Defense Council has appointed Harry D. Wright of No. 640 Esplanade as Chief Warden.  The town has been divided into zones as follows:

Zone 1.  Village of North Pelham.  Zone Warden, Edward B. Harder, No. 401 Third avenue.

Zone 2.  Village of Pelham; Zone Warden, Ralph Neumuller, No. 219 Boulevard. 

Zone 3.  Village of Pelham Manor, north of Boston Post Road; Zone Warden, Clifford T. Weihman, No. 410 Monterey avenue.

Zone 4.  Village of Pelham Manor, south of the Boston Post Road; Zone Warden, G. Hoyle Wright, No. 1333 Manor Circle.

Each zone has been divided into a number of sectors which in turn are subdivided into Warden Posts, all of which are under the supervision of a Post Warden.  The names and addresses of all Ward-

(Continued on Page 8)

TOWN ZONED IN WARDENS' PLAN
-----
(Continued from Page 1)

ens will be published as soon as lists are completed.  It is important that the Wardens become acquainted as soon as possible with the persons residing on their posts.

Briefly the function of an Air Raid Warden is primarily to act as a liaison between the persons living on his post, and the constituted village authorities, and the town Defense Council.  In times of disaster or emergency it is the Warden's duty to immediately notify the local defense headquarters of any situation which may arise.

Headquarters will then immediately dispatch to the appointed place the necessary equipment to deal with the emergency, such as police, fire or health services.  When the duly constituted authorities arrive, the Warden's primary responsibility is at an end, but he will of course assist in any way as directed by the proper authorities.

The specific duties of a Warden are as follows:

1.  Notify proper authorities of the existence and probable extent of an emergency.  

2.  Warn people placed in jeopardy by the emergency.  

3.  Control the movement of people in his area.

4.  In the event of an air raid, protect against danger by cutting off gas, water and electric services where necessary.  

5.  Serve as liaison between the public and the services (principally the Police and Fire Departments) normally responsible for public safety and at all times cooperate with these services and with the Defense Council.

The Defense Council has planned training courses for all Wardens in order that they may become proficient in their duties.

The Warden service is of course voluntary and it is possible that one may be temporarily absent from his post at the precise time of an emergency, and therefore it would be advisable for anyone who is present at the scene of an emergency to immediately telephone the police or fire headquarters in their respective village.  

All those wishing to volunteer as Air Raid Wardens should send their names to the Zone Warden of their village area, or communicate with Defense Headquarters, No. 35 Fifth avenue, in the Pelham Branch Bank building."

Source:  TOWN ZONED IN WARDENS' PLAN, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, col. 2 & p. 8, cols. 3-4.  

"NOTICE TO ALL PELHAMITES
-----
Pending the completion and distribution of a detailed pamphlet to all householders, the Town of Pelham Defense Council has asked the Pelham Sun to give conspicuous place to the following information:

Official  warning of any air raid will be given on the Pelham Manor and North Pelham fire whistles.  The number and nature of the blasts, for a County-wide system of warnings will be decided at a conference of municipal authorities and Defense Council chairmen, in White Plains tonight and will be announced in special bulletins by the Pelham Sun.

The Control Room in White Plains is manned 24 hours a day, to receive air raid warnings from the Army Information Service.  Warnings received will be sent immediately to local police and Defense Council authorities by teletype.  If a warning is received in Pelham from White Plains, it will go first to the Pelham High School and then to Chief Warden Harry D. Wright.

We believe that arrangements have been made by Army, Navy, and Air forces since Tuesday, to eliminate false alarms through misunderstanding and to check against false information.

If an alarm comes, the things to do are:

Do not get panicky and do not permit anyone to cause confusion or fear.  Above all, be calm.

IN CASE OF AN ALARM

Get off the streets but don't run -- walk.

If within five minutes of home go there.  If at home stay there.  Home is the safest place.  Don't mingle with crowds.

If more than five minutes from home seek shelter in the  

(Continued on page 8)

NOTICE TO ALL PELHAMITES
(Continued from page 1)

center portions of nearest building.  Avoid top and lower stories of buildings.  Stay away from windows and outside walls.  Avoid elevators.

Motorists should park cars and seek shelter.  Put out lights.  Avoid use of telephone.

IN CASE OF AN AIR RAID

Close windows tightly.  Pull down shades.

Shut off all gas ranges, heaters and furnaces.  Turn off gas and electric connections if you can.

Fill bathtub and buckets for use of firemen if main breaks.

Go to room with fewest windows and lie down.  Keep radio turned on.  Leave at least one window open.  

If incendiary bombs fall, spray water on them.  Never use splash or stream of water, as the bomb will explode.  Bomb will burn fifteen minutes if left alone, only two minutes if sprayed.  Don't use a chemical fire extinguisher on bombs.  

Co-operate with air-raid wardens and with regular and auxiliary police.  Obey instructions.  Do not get excited.  The dangerous thing in emergency is confusion; uncertainty; panic.

IN CASE OF SABOTAGE

Telephone immediately any events you see to your Village police station.  

Your Village and Town authorities, your Chief of Emergency Medical Service (Dr. Walter H. Brundage), your Air Raid Wardens (Harry D. Wright, Chief Warden), and your Town Defense Council, are continuously on the job, to do what may be needed in any emergency."

Source:  NOTICE TO ALL PELHAMITES, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 2-3 & p. 8, cols. 3-4.  

"WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF 'BLACKOUT'
------

In view of the fact that 'blackouts' may at any time be ordered by the Westchester County Defense Council or by the Town of Pelham Defense Council in cooperation with the authorities of the three villages, the following information to all residents of the Pelhams has been issued by the Town Defense Council at the request of the County Defense Council.  All residents of the Pelhams are asked to read, and to be ready to carry out their part in the following, during any called blackout or in the event of actual emergency because of air raids.

In the event of a blackout the Westchester Lighting Co. has arranged to at once extinguish all street and highway lighting.  

Owners of all public buildings, stores, apartment houses, illuminated signs, and occupants of private residences will be held responsible for blackout enforcement.  All window skylights and doors ought to be masked with dark blinds, curtains, shades or other means so that no light inside such premises can be visible from the outside.  Owners should view their houses, etc., from the outside to see how effective their blackout is.

Illuminated Signs or Advertising Billboards:

All illuminated advertisements and signs other than those installed specifically for air raid protection purposes will be prohibited during the blackout.  

For your information the most effective procedure is hereby given:

Inside Lights

All indoor lights should be restricted to the minimum necessary to carry on normal activities within the building; and steps should be taken, in the case of all homes and business premises, to mask all windows, doors, and skylights so no light is visible from outside.

Windows

Windows can be masked by opaque blinds or curtains which may consist of dark blue or green glazed cloth, or thick black or brown paper.  Blinds should overlap the whole window opening and should be mounted on rods secured in guides or by [illegible] that they will not be displaced by wind when the window is broken or open.  It is important that no light should show around the edges of the blinds.  This can be accomplished by painting the edges with dark paint about 1 inch around.

Where the light from a window may be dispensed with, the window may be made lightproof by closing it with a screen made of timber, tin plate, plywood, corrugated paper, etc. Althernatively, the glass may be coated with a dark opaque paint, provided that blankets or tarpaulins are kept in reserve as temporary covers to prevent exposure of light if the glass is broken.  

It is often impractical to arrange lightproof blinds for skylights and other horizontal glass surfaces.  In some cases, movable screens independently supported are a satisfactory means of preventing the escape of light through skylights.  In other cases, internally fixed tarpaulins or externally constructed  movable screens may solve the problem.  It is imperative that the escape of light through opened doors be prevented and a heavily internally hung curtain or blanking may be used or a vestibule with double doors so that one could always be closed.

(Continued on Page 8)

WHAT TO DO UNDER PLAN FOR BLACKOUT
-----
(Continued from Page 1)

Shading Indoor Lights

Since lightproof windows, skylights, and doors may be shattered by high explosive bombs, it is important that all indoor lights in homes and business premises be shaded so as to prevent direct light from being cast above the horizontal, and to confine it to the smallest area required to be lighted.  In addition, all lights should be connected to a single switch, so that they can be instantly extinguished in the event of damage causing exposure of lighting.

Road Vehicles

Restrictions will be imposed on all lights carried by road vehicles during the blackout.  Automobile headlights will only be allowed when heavily screened and dimmed so as to be invisible from the air.  This can be accomplished by the use of heavily screened hoods or masks which may be purchased.  For the immediate emergency automobile headlights should be painted black from the top halfway down the glass, causing the light to be thrown on the ground instead of up.  Interior lighting in public vehicles will be prohibited if it cannot be obscured for the duration of the blackout.  

Aids to Traffic Moements

Adequate means for aiding movement of vehicles will be required in all streets likely to carry considerable volume of traffic.

Such aids to traffic movement under blackout conditions comprise the following:  1.  Screened traffic signals; 2.  Warning and directional signs; 3.  Painting on street curbs, trees, posts and pavements; 4.  Lighting of obstruction.

Traffic signal lights are kept in operation but are masked by opaque paint, leaving an opening for the emission of light in the form of a Maltese cross, 3 in. long and 1/4 inch wide.

Traffic signs, such as 'One Way Only' and 'No Left Turn,' route numbers and advance direction signs are also kept in operation but they are screened from above and are so dimmed as to be legible under blackout conditions, at a distance of 100 ft. horizontally but are not noticeable a few hundred feet above the street.

White or luminous paint and dim, well-screened indicator lights are used to mark curbs, trees and posts that flank streets and roadways and also to indicate the line of the road, obstructions, and danger points.  

Obstructions on all streets and roadways, such as safety islands, trees, etc., must be indicated by dimmed and well-screened lights that are not noticeable a few hundred feet above the street.

Lighting restrictions and blackouts are an important feature of precautionary measures against air attack, and they are effective only to the extent that the public wholeheartedly cooperates with the authorities in following the regulations and the ARW and police are vigilant in seeing that violations of the regulations are promptly corrected.

FREDERICK L. DEVEREUX,
Chairman Westchester Defense Council"

Source:  WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF "BLACKOUT," The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 2-6 & p. 8, cols.  2-3.

"Teachers Accompany  Grade School Pupils Home When Raid Alarm Sounds
-----

Supt. of Schools Joseph C. Brown yesterday announced that air raid precautionary measures in the local schools had already been successfully tried out in two elementary schools.  More than 500 pupils and teachers in Colonial and Siwanoy Schools participated in drills yesterday.  

Teachers have been assigned to resident zones, and at noon yesterday the pupils in each of these zones were accompanied to their homes by these teacher supervisors.

The air raid plans provide that immediately on receipt of an air raid alarm, North Pelham Police Headquarters will notify the office of Supt. Brown.  The alarm will be sounded in the schools.  The grade school pupils will proceed to gather at designated points outside their school building.  The assigned teachers will join each group, quickly take attendance and accompany the children to their home areas on foot.

In Memorial High School pupils will first go to their locker rooms and then join their respective resident area groups at designated points outside of the school building.  They will proceed to their home areas in these groups.

The pupils of the Hutchinson and Prospect Hill Schools will have air raid drill during the next week.

Supt. Brown will send outlines of the school air raid precaution plans to parents within a few days.  

Plans for the evacuation of St. Catherine's [sic] Parochial School in North Pelham have been prepared which provide for supervised conveyance of children to their homes, by members of the school factulty and a volunteer committee of the Mother's Club.  Those who reside at a distance from the school will be transported in automobiles."

Source:  Teachers Accompany Grade School Pupils Home When Raid Alarm Sounds,
The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 5-6.

"REGISTER NOW FOR CIVILIAN DEFENSE WORK
-----

A Civilian Defense Volunteer Office for the receiving of applications for enrollment in any of the defense training courses (except police, fire and warden's courses) is being set up under the Town of Pelham Defense Council at its headquarters, No. 35 Fifth avenue, North Pelham, next door to the Pelham Branch Bank opposite the Town Hall.

Residents of Pelham who wish to volunteer for defense or community service, or who wish to take any of the many training courses, being offered, may come to the headquarters for an interview on any day, Monday through Friday, after Tuesday, Dec. 16th.  The Volunteer Office will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, on those days.  Person who cannot report for enrollment between those hours may call at headquarters evenings or at other hours when it is open, and may make a special appointment with one of the volunteer interviewers.  A personal interview is necessary before assignment to a class or placement for work can be made.  

Miss Janet Swayne, Director of Training and Placement, will be in charge of the volunteer group of interviewers under the general supervision of the Council's Committee on Welfare and Women's participation, of which Mrs. Victor W. Henningsen is chairman."

Source:  REGISTER NOW FOR CIVILIAN DEFENSE WORK, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, col. 7. 


"RED CROSS MOBILIZES; APPEAL FOR SERVICE AND FUND OF $14,000
-----
UNIT RESPONDS TO WAR EMERGENCY CALL IN COUNTRY
-----
Mrs. R. Clifford Black and William L. Ransom are Honorary Chairmen for Campaign in Town.
-----

Mrs. James F. Longley, Chairman of the Pelham Branch of the American Red Cross has issued a 'Mobolization [sic] Call' as a result of the war emergency and the appeal of the President of the United States for support of the American Red Cross in its campaign to raise $50,000,000.

'We need both service and funds' said Mrs. Longley.  'On Monday night Norman Davis, president of the American Red Cross appealed to the people of the United States for $50,000,000 to finance the program of the Red Cross in its work in the new World War.  The quota for Westchester County [illegible].

'We in the Pelhams have been asked to raise $14,000.  I know that our answers will be 'Pelham will do its share, and now.''

Mrs. R. Clifford Black and William L Ransom have been appointed Honorary Chairmen for the Mobolization [sic] in the Pelhams.  The active head [illegible].  He has called a meeting of the Executive Committee at his home, No. 215 Loring avenue tomorrow.  A broad Citizens' Committee is being formed which already includes outstanding representatives of each of the three villages."

Source:  RED CROSS MOBILIZES; APPEAL FOR SERVICE AND FUND OF $14,000,
The Pelham Sun, Dec. 12, 1941, Vol. 31, No. 37, p. 1, col. 1. 


Labels: , , ,