Name/Title
Print, PhotographEntry/Object ID
2025.6.13Description
Black and white photograph of two children, Geraldine and Newton Oki, standing in a garden.Photograph Details
Subject Person or Organization
Geraldine Oki, Newton OkiContext
Geraldine "Gerry," and Newton's parents, Thomas and Kikue Oki, were both born in Portland, Oregon. Thomas and Kikue married in 1939.
They were incarcerated at the Tule Lake Segregation Center from May 27, 1942 to July 5, 1943 according to government records after which they left on "Indefinite Leave for Employment" to Chicago.
Thomas enlisted with the U. S. Army where he served honorably. The Oki family arrived in Batavia in 1943 and made their home on S. River Street. In Batavia, Gerry, Newton, and their sisters Katherine, Mary, and Ruth were very involved in art, language, music, and the 4-H program. Gerry gradualted in '59 and Newton in '62.Collection
Photograph CollectionLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
Print, PhotographicNomenclature Primary Object Term
PhotographNomenclature Sub-Class
Graphic DocumentsNomenclature Class
Documentary ObjectsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsLOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials
ChildrenSearch Terms
Childhood, Japanese AmericanDimensions
Height
3-1/4 inWidth
4-1/2 inRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Geraldine OkiPerson or Organization
Newton OkiExhibitions
Exhibition
To Secure These RightsNotes
Exhibit Start: 2026-03-01Research Notes
Research Type
ResearcherPerson
Kate GarrettDate
May 7, 2025Notes
"Gerry" and Newton's parents, Thomas and Kikue Oki, were both born in Portland, Oregon. Thomas and Kikue married in 1939.
Incarcerated at the Tule Lake Segregation Center from May 27, 1942 to July 5, 1943 according to government records. They left on Indefinite Leave for Employment to Chicago.
Thomas enlisted with the U. S. Army where he served honorably. The Oki family arrived in Batavia in 1943 and made their home on S. River Street. In Batavia, Gerry, Newton, and their sisters Katherine, Mary, and Ruth were very involved in art, language, music, and the 4-H program. Gerry gradualted in '59 and Newton in '62.Research Type
ResearcherNotes
The Oki family was sent to a Japanese Internment Camp during WWII. They were among the first families released and were able to return to their home in Batavia, IL. When they returned, they were threatened with lynching by a group in the community. The Oki Family lived behind 18 E. Wilson St. and were sponsored by the family that owned the Chinese laundry on E Wilson St.Updated By
Kate GarrettUpdate Date
July 17, 2026
