Noble Blood: Very Special Episodes – How a High-End Doll Shop Became a Hotbed for Espionage

Release Date: April 26, 2025
Hosts: Dana Schwartz and Jason English
Production: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Noble Blood, hosts Dana Schwartz and Jason English delve into an extraordinary tale that intertwines the delicate world of antique dolls with the high-stakes realm of World War II espionage. Titled "Very Special Episodes: How a High-End Doll Shop Became a Hotbed for Espionage," the episode uncovers the intriguing story of Velvely Dickinson, a seemingly ordinary doll shop owner who played an unexpected role in one of America's lesser-known spy cases.

The Intricate Web of Espionage

Velvely Dickinson: The Doll Shop Owner with a Secret

The episode begins by introducing Velvely Dickinson, a 50-year-old woman running a prestigious doll shop on Madison Avenue, New York City. To the casual observer, Dickinson appeared harmless—short, skinny, with round glasses and meticulously pinned hair. However, beneath this unassuming facade lay a web of espionage that would eventually draw the attention of the FBI.

Dana Schwartz (00:54):
"Velvely Dickinson had a secret. Unbeknownst to her, she'd been on the FBI's radar for more than a year."

FBI's Surveillance and the Arrest

By 1944, the FBI had been meticulously tracking Dickinson's movements. On January 21, 1944, agents observed her accessing a safe deposit box at the Bank of New York, suspiciously rifling through its contents. As Dickinson examined bundles of cash, FBI agents moved in to apprehend her.

Jason English (03:47):
"Get her."

Despite her petite stature—described as "scarcely five feet tall and weighs perhaps 100 pounds"—Dickinson fiercely resisted arrest, struggling against the agents.

Dana Schwartz (03:47):
"Dickinson didn't go quietly. She kicked, she screamed, she clawed at her captors."

Unraveling the Espionage Scheme

The Coded Letters

Central to the case were a series of typewritten letters sent to Argentina under the guise of innocuous communications about doll repairs. These letters contained coded messages about damaged warships, using terms like "Old English dolls" to represent "warships" and "balloons" to signify "monitoring defense installations." The sophistication of these codes highlighted the meticulous planning behind Dickinson's espionage activities.

Jason English (20:42):
"I just secured information of a fine aircraft carrier warship. It had been damaged, that is torpedoed in the middle, but it is now repaired and I like it very much."

The Investigation and Evidence

The FBI's investigation revealed Dickinson's extensive connections with Japanese officials, both domestically and abroad. Her involvement with the Japan American Family Society and friendships with Japanese naval attache Ichiro Yokoyama were particularly incriminating. Additionally, the discovery of $13,000 in bills traceable to Japanese sources further solidified the case against her.

Dana Schwartz (26:49):
"Dickinson had handled accounts for members of a Japanese community in the state's Imperial Valley region."

The Trial and Sentencing

Court Proceedings

Initially charged with violating wartime censorship laws, Dickinson's case escalated to espionage charges, a capital offense. During her trial, presented on July 31, 1944, Dickinson maintained her innocence, asserting that the money and coded messages were orchestrated by her late husband.

Dana Schwartz (33:40):
"Dickinson's plea remained unchanged. Not guilty."

Plea Deal and Sentencing

Facing overwhelming circumstantial evidence, Dickinson eventually accepted a plea deal, reducing her charges to censorship violations. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, a sentence deemed lenient given the gravity of espionage allegations.

Dana Schwartz (44:25):
"It is hard to believe that some people do not realize that our nation is engaged in a life and death struggle."

Aftermath and Legacy

Post-release, Dickinson's life faded from public view. Notably, she maintained correspondence with Eunice Kennedy, a social worker at the prison where she was incarcerated, and even attended Kennedy's marriage in 1953. The true motivations behind Dickinson's actions remain a subject of speculation, with theories ranging from financial desperation to ideological sympathy for Japan.

Jason English (43:19):
"She claimed the instructions on coding the letters, as well as $25,000 in hundred dollar bills, had been passed to her husband by the Japanese naval attache."

Historical Context: The FBI's Expanding Role

The episode provides a comprehensive backdrop of the FBI's evolution into a formidable counter-espionage force during World War II. Initially focused on white-collar crimes and internal security, the FBI's role expanded dramatically with the onset of global conflict, positioning it as the primary defense against domestic espionage threats.

Dana Schwartz (10:36):
"The threats largely faded into the background... but dark clouds began rolling in from across the Atlantic."

Conclusion: A Tale of Deception and Intrigue

Very Special Episodes: How a High-End Doll Shop Became a Hotbed for Espionage masterfully intertwines historical facts with the captivating narrative of Velvely Dickinson. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Dana Schwartz and Jason English shed light on a unique chapter of espionage history, illustrating how even the most unassuming individuals can become entangled in global conflicts.

Jason English (48:06):
"It's fascinating just because of some of the unique aspects of the case."

Notable Quotes

• Dana Schwartz (00:54):
  "Velvely Dickinson had a secret. Unbeknownst to her, she'd been on the FBI's radar for more than a year."

• Jason English (03:47):
  "Get her."

• Dana Schwartz (03:47):
  "Dickinson didn't go quietly. She kicked, she screamed, she clawed at her captors."

• Jason English (20:42):
  "I just secured information of a fine aircraft carrier warship. It had been damaged, that is torpedoed in the middle, but it is now repaired and I like it very much."

• Jason English (43:19):
  "She claimed the instructions on coding the letters, as well as $25,000 in hundred dollar bills, had been passed to her husband by the Japanese naval attache."

• Dana Schwartz (44:25):
  "It is hard to believe that some people do not realize that our nation is engaged in a life and death struggle."

• Jason English (48:06):
  "It's fascinating just because of some of the unique aspects of the case."

Final Thoughts

This episode not only uncovers the fascinating story of Velvely Dickinson but also highlights the broader implications of espionage during wartime and the pivotal role of the FBI in safeguarding national security. Through Noble Blood, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate and often hidden narratives that shape our history.