World War II-dated TLS signed “Saburo Kido,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Japanese American Citizens League letterhead, November 24, 1943. Letter to Mrs. Burton W. Musser of Salt Lake City, Utah, in full: "Utah celery, 'pride of the State of Utah,' will soon be on its way to adorn the tables of the American people throughout the nation. Members of the Japanese American Citizens League have been doing their share in raising this Utah celery, which has won a national reputation. The Salt Lake Chapter has made a selection of the choicest celery that the members have grown for this season. And as a remembrance for Thanksgiving Day to the many friends who have faith and confidence in our loyalty and who are deeply concerned with our future national headquarters is sending you a box of this celery. We hope that Utah's glory will be enhanced by being permitted to adorn your table, side by side with the holiday turkey." In fine condition.
Saburo Kido (1902–1977) was an attorney and wartime president of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). He, with other JACL leaders, made the controversial decision to cooperate with the forced removal of Japanese Americans from the west coast and their subsequent incarceration in internment camps, and promoted methods of demonstrating loyalty to the American government. One of these methods—the cultivation of popular 'Utah celery' by Japanese farmers—ensured that a Japanese-American product was enjoyed at the Thanksgiving tables of Americans nationwide.
