Natalie Crouter

(October 30, 1898 — October 15, 1985). Resident of Vigan and later Baguio in the Philippines. Interned by the Japanese with her family in Baguio, then Bilibid Prison in Manila.

January 23, 1942

We had lemon pie—a gift from some Japanese.

January 24, 1942

I was not well but rested on mat after working on beans and carrots. Many children throwing up and crying in the night. No garbage

January 26, 1942

Fourth week anniversary.

January 27, 1942

Nakamura is proud of his camp organization and we had many bowls of flowers for the inspection, but the officer only looked in at the

January 28, 1942

Jerry and his garbage salad marvelous! Made from pieces of lettuce cut off leaves thrown out. The lootenants told a good story of a guard

January 30, 1942

The missionaries were called onto the court where an announcement was read that they were to be packed to go out at two! It does

January 31, 1942

When I told Isobel she was like a heroine of drama, her baby the first American born in Igorot Barracks Concentration Camp, she could only

February 1, 1942

Every night we meet on Pegs mat with our children, for a snack and songs. Five officers trooped in about nine. The guard tried to

February 3, 1942

Our fifteenth wedding anniversary. Jerry came early on the back porch where we meet as he carries out the garbage cans and thus has an

February 5, 1942

I was up at two and saw the guard covering small Diana. A seven course meal of bean soup, meat loaf (too hot with peppers),

February 6, 1942

Peg washed my hair in a fire-bucket. Mrs. Dawson would have set it in waves, but the straight-back effect plaited into a pigtail every morning

February 7, 1942

It costs each about P8 a month for food here and the Committee uses somewhat less than P100 a day. One Japanese ex-miner said to

February 9, 1942

A bag came from Ismael with loaf of bread and two tins of jam we had left as their portion! We were thrilled. Nearly two

February 10, 1942

Japanese radio claims Singapore landing and taking Tengah Airport, also bombing Sumatra. This was almost eclipsed by the furor of four pies made in the

February 11, 1942

Bedie’s 11th birthday. I whispered a song to him with kisses. He received a bag with 12 pan de sal with “Happy birthday from Ismael

February 13, 1942

The dentist’s hours are three to four, his dental chair is an Epsom Salt tin, his fillings are temporary, only guaranteed as far as the

February 14, 1942

Some of the children’s valentines were very bright. June’s to Mrs. Macabee, “a dish cloth dripping with love for you”—to Daddy, “A garbage can full

February 15, 1942

Junkin baby born in cottage hospital at 5:30, starting at midnight. What are these babies –Japanese subjects, citizens? It is Chinese New Year today also.

February 16, 1942

With loud pounding, Nakamura and the guards waked us in the darkness, tacking a huge sign on the tree in front of barracks—headed by “NEWS”

February 18, 1942

High school began this morning here. We were allowed half an hour on the court at 6:30. Can take husband’s arm if we walk fast,

February 19, 1942

I went on the rampage and jacked up people about Lysoling and rolling up mattresses every day as ordered, We are military now and must

February 20, 1942

Jerry was on the rampage over the 12 five-pound cans we had turned in—milk enough for three months for four of us. They won’t give

February 22, 1942

There is to be no more cocoa or sugar. There is some but the Japanese won’t sell it to us. Looting has emptied many places

February 23, 1942

Nakamura also chafes at the Inactivity. His home at the mine is looted and gone. It is war, he says. His wife has only the

February 24, 1942

A package from Ismael with olives, chicken spread, from our own stores, plus Bedie’s and Jerry’s shorts! June made herself a sunsuit out of a

February 25, 1942

Several people still smile as they remember how I held a vase of sweet peas in Brent office the night we were taken over and

February 26, 1942

There are many thoughtful acts here—stronger arms doing the personal washing for older or weaker people; sharing of food packages with those who get none.

February 27, 1942

I still marvel at what food craving does to individuals. The strangest acquaintances—not really friendships—spring up. One who gets gifts or purchases attracts one or

February 28, 1942

Nakamura at the Committee meeting burst forth profanely that we would not need the bomb holes in our roof mended for the rains as we

Mar. 4, 1942

March 4, 1942

Annoyances are inevitable in such close proximity and scarcity. One woman who usually loves children hopes not to see any for months after she gets