Fri-Sun Club of the 232nd Engineers

The Fri-Sun Recreational Club celebrated its second anniversary July 17 in the day room of the 232nd Engs. of the Japanese American Combat Team. The Fri-Sun, a club created especially for and by defense workers in Hawaii, got its name from the meetings and dances which were held every Friday and Sunday evenings in Honolulu. The defence workers arriving in Honolulu from surrounding islands were often lonely and friendless with nothing to do in their spare time. The YWCA, with Miss Mildred Towle as supervisor, began the Fri-Sun Club in an effort to acquaint the young people who had left their homes to take defense jobs in Honolulu. Started as an idea, the Fri-Sun club soon gained momentum and popularity and now boasts a membership of over 1500. Approximately 40 Fri-Sun members are in Camp Shelby with the 442nd Combat Team. Wishing to have a Fri-Sun anniversary celebration here on the mainland as well as in Honolulu, Miss Towle, through the Red Cross, sent these Fri-Sun members a beautiful cake which was presented to Pvt. Robert Toyama, a charter member. Chaplain John T. Barrett made the presentation as well as most of the arrangements for the get together. Pvt. Toyama modestly accepted the cake and said a few words about the origin and function of the Fri-Sun Club. Pvt. Harry Hamada and his Shelby Hawaiians played several selections; then everyone enjoyed cake, cold watermelon, coke, and salted nuts. As a guest of honor, Miss Ivelle O’Donnell, principal hostess of Service Club 5 cut the first slice of cake.