The Lost Sketches of Topaz

Ella accompanied her husband to Topaz, and they lived in one of the barracks reserved for administrators. Their daughter, Valerie, was born in Topaz.

A young woman in a dress sits on a sofa with a sketchboard on her lap and a small baby tucked under one arm.
Ella sketches while Valerie naps. Courtesy of Valerie Honderich.
A Japanese American Christian minister baptizes a Caucasian baby held by the mother, a young woman in a large hat, at a makeshift altar.
Valerie’s baptism at the Protestant Church in Topaz, March 25, 1944 by Rev. E.J. Kawamorita. Courtesy of Valerie Honderich.
A group photo of 8 Japanese Americans (two women, four men) of middle or old age, and one young Caucasian woman. They stand in front of a board with artworks mounted on it.
Topaz artists exhibit their works. Ella is standing, second from left. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of Valerie Honderich.

Brad Shirakawa writes, “Ella had a heavy Swedish accent and because of that, she perhaps found herself more at home with the Issei incarcerees. She spent hours sketching the everyday life of a woman at an ironing board in her barracks, or of people at work.”1

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