Velvalee Dickinson

Born in 1893 in Sacramento, California, she was the daughter of wealthy southern parents. She attended high school in Sacramento and then attending Stanford university, graduating in 1917.

Worked as an accountant for a brokerage house run by Lee Dickinson. Velvalee married Lee and both worked servicing Japanese-American truck drivers and farmers. Because of a significant growth in the produce business in the area, Lee Dickinson opened a branch office of his company in 1932. The Dickinsons became acquainted with numerous Japanes diplomatic and miliatry officials and became active in a number of Japanes-American organizations.

The brokerage house failed due to the economic climate of the great depression and the couple was forced to move to New York in 1935. Velvalee took a job selling dolls in Bloomingdale, dolls having been a hobby of hers as a child. In 1938, she opened her own doll shop on Madison Avenue and met with enormous success. Her clientelle included famous socialities and movies stars and Velvalee became known as an expert on dolls and their clothing and accessories. In addition to her doll shop, she established a large mail-order business as well.

Re-established ties with the Japanes-American community and particularly friendly with the Japanes consul general in New York, Kaname Wakasugi, and Tchira Yokoyoma, the Japanes naval attache for the Japanes Embassy in Washington, D.C. Velvalee joined several Japanese organizations, often attending functions in Japanes attire. Was approached about spying on behalf of Japan and agreed to do so. After the attack on Pearl harbor in December 1941, lost contact with many of her Japanese associates, who were either under surveillance by the U.S. Government or were expelled to Japan.