Ella accompanied her husband to Topaz, and they lived in one of the barracks reserved for administrators. Their daughter, Valerie, was born in Topaz.
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
Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing your story about your grandmother. She was very good at portraying life in Topaz; her artistry was superb. Hope her other artwork can be found somewhere.
I was 7, going on 8, the year we were interned. I do remember some things, but not all. So every artwork/photos help to bring back some memory of that era.
In the meantime, Happy New Year and all the best for 2024. — jun, san francisco, ca
Thank you for the kind words Jun. I appreciate you reading and commenting on the story and am happy to have been able to share with the help of Topaz Stories.
My mother was just a baby and my grandparents have past. It’s so nice to hear from someone that experienced it first hand. It’s so important to remember, understand and share so it never happens again.
Have a wonderful New Year-
Cynthia, this is a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing your and your family’s experience and relationship with the Topaz internment camps. Your daughters look very happy to be at this amazing exhibit.