Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Women

Biographies of Prominent
Utah Deaf Women

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner

Published in 2012
Updated in 2024

Author's Note

Women's Studies is a fascinating field, particularly when exploring the impact of Deaf women on their communities. It is essential to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Deaf women in Utah. Honoring the heroes of the Utah Deaf community not only inspires us with their significant contributions but also promotes a culture of appreciation and support. They have not only made a difference locally but also gained recognition beyond Utah. The biographies of prominent Deaf women in Utah, just like those of their male counterparts, are valuable learning resources for the Deaf community, particularly for young girls and women. This webpage showcases exceptional Utah Deaf women who have dedicated themselves to enhancing their quality of life through education, professional development, and community engagement. Their invaluable contributions have had a profound impact on many individuals, for which I am truly grateful.

Women have made significant progress in various aspects of their lives, including gaining the right to vote, access to education, employment opportunities, and involvement in advocacy organizations. However, despite outnumbering men in education and the workforce, women continue to face marginalization and underrepresentation in politics, education, social and economic status, and professional standing. Unfortunately, Utah ranks last in the nation for women's equality and representation in leadership, legal protections, rights, advanced degree attainment, workplace environments, and sexist and misogynistic attitudes. The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles is a significant concern that emphasizes the urgent need for change and support for gender equality initiatives. This issue should inspire and empower all of us to commit to achieving gender equality, as it is not only a matter of justice but also essential for creating a more prosperous and harmonious society.

While women nationwide are actively promoting, educating, and implementing programs to achieve gender equality, Deaf women in Utah face unique challenges due to double barriers and discrimination, particularly communication barriers. The Deaf American highlighted the marginalization of Deaf women in various aspects, including education, socialization, economics, professionalism, and politics, on February 6, 1980. It's crucial to acknowledge these challenges that Deaf women in Utah continue to face—challenges that often go unnoticed. These obstacles hinder their ability to lead fulfilling lives comparable to those of their hearing counterparts. Yet the resilience and determination of these women are truly inspiring. It's high time we recognize and appreciate the achievements of those who have overcome these obstacles and excelled in their lives, education, and careers.

This webpage is more than just a collection of stories. It serves as a platform for inspiring and empowering Deaf women in Utah. It encourages them to serve the Deaf community and improve its quality of life. The webpages 'Outstanding Resilience Contributed to the Success of Utah's Deaf Women's History' and 'Outstanding Contributions in the Early History of Utah's Deaf and Non-Deaf Women' are not only invaluable resources but also a testament to the strength and resilience of women throughout history. They provide a thorough understanding of the challenges and oppressions women have faced, which are directly relevant to our cause.

Inspired by the iconic poster of Rosie the Riveter during World War II, which symbolizes female empowerment. As a Deaf feminist, I am confident that the featured outstanding Utah Deaf women on this webpage will not only inspire but also empower Deaf girls and women to assume leadership roles in the future, both locally and nationally. I recommend visiting Dr. Karen Christie's website, 'Deaf Women in History,' for a more detailed look into Deaf women's history. Dr. Christie, a retired professor emeritus at NTID/RIT, has taught English, Deaf Women's Studies, ASL, and Deaf Literature. Her website is a valuable source of information about the history of Deaf women. I want to acknowledge and commend Utah Deaf women for their dedication and perseverance in striving for a respectable life and supporting others.

Religion, particularly The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has had a lasting impact on Utah's history. This influence also extends to the Utah Deaf community, making it an important part of our shared heritage. The biographies of these individuals, often including their religious affiliations, offer a unique perspective on their lives and contributions. These biographies are not only valuable to their families but also help preserve history and explore their lineage. They also play a significant role in contributing to Utah's cultural and religious diversity, which we can all take pride in. Additionally, these biographies preserve the life stories of these individuals for future generations to appreciate and remember.

When writing about individuals for our history website, I choose to use their first name to acknowledge all individuals who contribute to and advocate for our community's causes. Our patriarchal culture often expects to recognize women's advocacy, contributions, and achievements using their husbands' last names instead of their own. However, in the spirit of inclusivity, equality, and recognizing each individual's unique identity, I have decided to use their first names throughout the website. This decision reaffirms our commitment to these values and highlights the significant role of women's advocacy in our community.

Our organization, previously known as the Utah Association for the Deaf, changed its name to the Utah Association of the Deaf in 2012. The association was known as the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1962. The association changed its name to the Utah Association for the Deaf in 1963. Finally, in 2012, the association reverted to its previous name, the Utah Association of the Deaf. When writing the history website, I use both "of" and "for" to reflect the different eras of the association's history.

Thank you for taking an interest in this topic.

Enjoy!
Jodi Becker Kinner

'Rosie The Riveter ("We Can Do It")' by J. Howard Miller

Acknowledgement

Anne Leahy. Source: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, inc.

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Anne Leahy for her generous contributions to the collection of specific individuals, especially a copy of Elizabeth DeLong's biography from The Church History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and for inspiring me to create this "Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Women" webpage.

I would like to thank Doug Stringham for recommending the names of Deaf women for recognition.

I also want to express my gratitude to Valerie G. Kinney for her invaluable support and time spent proofreading this document.

Once again, I'd like to express my appreciation and gratitude to Helen Salas-McCarty for donating her time to proofread and edit the documents.

I want to express my gratitude to Eleanor McCowan for suggesting that I take on the Utah Deaf History project. Without her suggestion, none of this would have been possible.

I also want to thank my colleague, James Fenton, for recommending that I include a summary of each biography.

I am incredibly appreciative of the support and patience of my spouse, Duane Kinner, and my children, Joshua and Danielle, throughout the completion of this project. The "Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Women" webpage would not have been possible without their support. Thank you!

Jodi Becker Kinner

Utah Deaf Women's Conference, October 21-22, 1994

“When women's true history shall have been written,
her part in the upbuilding of this nation
will astound the world.”
~Abigail Dunaway~

Elizabeth DeLong, Feminist Leader

In 1909, Elizabeth DeLong, affectionately known as "Libbie," made history by defeating two male Deaf candidates, becoming the first female Deaf president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, an advocacy organization for accessibility and civil rights of the Utah Deaf community. Additionally, she became the first female Deaf president of any state chapter association of the National Association of the Deaf in the United States. Despite societal barriers, her victory over two Deaf male candidates in the election was a significant achievement, as women did not gain the right to vote until the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, and the National Association of the Deaf did not allow Deaf women members to vote in their elections until 1964. Libbie's remarkable accomplishment was a testament to her perseverance, likely inspired by her involvement in Gallaudet's O.W.L.S. presidential election in 1901, a secret society for women now known as Phi Kappa Zeta. Her active participation in Utah's early suffrage movement also fueled her educational, political, and spiritual aspirations. Libbie served as president of the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1915, marking a significant milestone in the organization's history. During her presidency, she delivered a powerful speech advocating for women's suffrage at the end of her second term. This speech from 1915 highlighted her strong commitment to advocating for women's rights, a passion that has inspired many and continues to empower us today. As a trailblazer for Deaf women in leadership roles, Libbie has supported women's suffrage and made significant contributions to both the Utah Deaf community and the women's rights movement, leaving a lasting impact through her work that continues to shape our society.

The BetterDays2002 website features Libbie's biography, as well as those of other Utah women trailblazers' accomplishments and contributions.

Please click the links below
to learn more about Elizabeth DeLong

Elizabeth DeLong. The DeLong Family Saga (PDF)

Elizabeth DeLong. Better Days 2020 (Website)

Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf (Website)

Elizabeth DeLong. Source: FamilySearch.org

Elizabeth DeLong, affectionately known as "Libbie," was born on April 2, 1877, in Panguitch, Utah, to Albert DeLong and Elizabeth Houston. At the age of five, she lost her hearing due to complications from scarlet fever and smallpox. Her mother, busy raising a large family, was unable to provide Libbie with much attention. Nevertheless, Libbie found a guiding light in her sister, Dicey, who was five years older than her. She not only taught her how to practice her speech but also served as her 'oral' interpreter. The bond between Libbie and Dicey was so strong that Libbie referred to her sister as her 'ears' until Dicey left for school in 1891 (Banks & Banks).

Libbie, in writing to her niece, Beth Cline, about her mother, Dicey, wrote the following:"

"You know - your mama and I were so closely associated all our lives. Had it not been for her untiring goodness to me when I was a kid, her perseverance in making me understand when I first lost my hearing, I might now be without speech. Grandma was too busy with her large family to pay attention but your mama was "ears" for me until I left to go to school" (Banks & Banks, p. 154).

Dicey and Elizabeth DeLong, about 1895. Source: The DeLong Family Saga

When Libbie was 14 years old, her life changed forever when she enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf at the University of Deseret, later renamed the University of Utah, in the fall of 1891 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This pioneering institution in Deaf education played a crucial role in shaping Libbie's future. The school paper, the Deseret Eagle, reported, "An address of welcome by Libbie DeLong of Garfield County, a girl of fourteen who lost her hearing at the age of five, and is now a member of the lipreading class" (Banks & Banks, p. 154).

Libbie's close cousin, John Houston Clark, known as "John H," lost his hearing at the age of 10 due to spinal meningitis. He attended the Utah School for the Deaf at the same time as Libbie, who was four years older than him. While on campus, she began learning sign language and actively participated in extracurricular activities (Banks & Banks).

In February 1892, Libbie participated in a demonstration of school activities for the State Legislature. During this event, she gave a welcome speech, showcased her lipreading skills, and narrated a story told by another individual (Banks & Banks).

Both Libbie and her cousin, John H., were members of the Park Literacy Society, which was dedicated to promoting literacy within the Utah Deaf community. In the Christmas program of 1893, Libbie performed a recitation titled "Two Little Boys and Two Little Sleds." During her senior year, she served as an editor for The Eagle, a publication for the Utah School for the Deaf (Banks & Banks).

Elizabeth DeLong as a young girl. Source: FamilySearch.org

Libbie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She attended the Utah School for the Deaf, which was located at the University of Deseret. She was likely one of the first Deaf-Mute Sunday School students who were also members of the Latter-day Saints (The Daily Enquirer, February 11, 1892).

Libbie and John H. were the only two students to graduate from the Utah School for the Deaf on June 8, 1897 (The Ogden Standard, May 8, 1897), which the school had relocated to Ogden from Salt Lake City in 1896.

Libbie's success was not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone in the history of the Utah School for the Deaf. Her accomplishment enabled her to enroll at Gallaudet College, the national college for the deaf located in Washington, D.C. On September 15, 1897, a new chapter began when Libbie and John H. became the first students from the Utah School for the Deaf to attend Gallaudet College (The Ogden Standard-Examiner, September 15, 1897; Biennial Report of the Trustee & Superintendent of the Utah State School for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind: 1901–1902; Banks & Banks). This event marked a turning point in the history of the Utah School for the Deaf.

Frank M. Driggs, the superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind, played a crucial role in facilitating their journey to Gallaudet College. His dedication and support were vital in helping Libbie and John transition to college, where they would pursue a four-year course of study. In addition, Frank enrolled in a one-year teacher training program at Gallaudet College, further supporting their educational journey (The Ogden Standard-Examiner, September 15, 1897). His presence was instrumental in their journey; without him, John H. and Libbie would not have had the opportunity to travel so far.

John H. Clark. Source: FamilySearch.org

The United States government funded Libbie's education at Gallaudet College. During her time there, she actively participated in acting and writing. Her photo albums and captions showcased her involvement in drama and school activities, often reflecting her sense of humor. Libbie was also an excellent letter writer, maintaining close communication with her family, particularly her sister Dicey, with whom she shared a special bond (Banks & Banks).

Elizabeth Delong is shown in the center of the photograph while attending Gallaudet College. Source: Gallaudet University Archives

In her senior year, from November 1901 to June 1902, Libbie was elected as the associate editor of Gallaudet's publication, 'The Buff and Blue.' In this role, she worked closely with her cousin, John H., who was editor-in-chief and contributed significantly to the publication's success.

Elizabeth DeLong, a student at Gallaudet College, about 1902. Source: The DeLong Family Saga

During her time at Gallaudet, Libbie also wrote a monthly column titled "Our Washington Letter" for the Utah Eagle, the newspaper at the Utah School for the Deaf. In her column, she covered various events happening in Washington at the time.

November 1901: The Death of President McKinley and the Funeral
December 1901: The New President, T. Roosevelt, and the Civil Service
January 1902: A Visit to the Opening of Congress after McKinley's Death
February 1902: A Reception at the White House Given by President Roosevelt
March 1902: The Visit of Prince Harry of Germany
April 1902: A Mother Goose Party-Baseball Game with Yale
May 1902: A Visit by Helen Keller
June 1902: A Review of Her Five Years at Gallaudet (Banks & Banks).

Elizabeth DeLong wrote 'Five Years at Gallaudet' for The Utah Eagle magazine in June 1902. Source: The DeLong Family Saga

During Libbie's senior year at Gallaudet College, she was elected president of the O.W.L.S., a secret society for women at Gallaudet College, today known as Phi Kappa Zeta, in 1901 (The Buff & Blue, October 1901). The O.W.L.S. was founded by Agatha Tiegal Hanson, an early champion of both deaf and women's rights, in 1892. Her vision and dedication were instrumental in addressing women's barriers in a largely male environment on the Gallaudet campus. When women were first allowed to enroll at Gallaudet College in 1887, they faced gender discrimination. They could only join clubs or organizations if a man invited them. Female students were not allowed to engage in debates with male students at the time. Nevertheless, the O.W.L.S. club was formed to provide a safe space to debate, study poetry and literature, and form sisterhood bonds (This Week in 19th Amendment History: Agatha Tiegel Hanson, October 17, 1959).

OWLS. Source: Gallaudet's The Buff and Blue, October 1901

Elizabeth DeLong at Gallaudet College. Source: The DeLong Family Saga

Libbie graduated from Gallaudet College in 1902, marking a significant milestone in her life. She was the first Deaf female graduate from Utah to earn a bachelor's degree in domestic arts and sciences. This achievement was particularly meaningful for her, as it enabled her to contribute practically to her community. Furthermore, she was the first member of her family to attain a college education (Banks & Banks).

Elizabeth DeLong and John H. Clark are shown with their Gallaudet students between 1897 and 1902. Elizabeth is on the right in the second row, while John H. is in the front row on the right, marked by the blue arrow

Elizabeth DeLong and her cousin, John H. Clark, Class of 1902, Gallaudet College Graduation. Source: FamilySearch.org

After returning to Ogden from Washington, D.C., on September 3, 1902, Libbie became the first Deaf woman with a college education. She then began teaching at her alma mater, the Utah School for the Deaf, where she worked for fifteen years (Banks & Banks). Her tenure as a school teacher was more than just a job; it reflected her unwavering dedication to the Utah Deaf community, marking a significant accomplishment in her career.

While teaching at the school, Libbie is mentioned in excerpts from the school paper, which chronicled daily life and events at the Utah School for the Deaf.

"Miss DeLong entertained for the older boys and girls Saturday, April 4. The party was a rare treat for those who were favored with an invitation."

"Miss DeLong contemplates spending most of the summer in Idaho with her sister."

"The girls basketball team was assisted by Misses Eddy, DeLong, Maughan, and Devine. They gave a pretty reception Monday afternoon. The hostesses were gowned in Colonial style, and the effect was very unique" (Banks & Banks, p. 155).

Elizabeth DeLong is shown with a blue arrow. Teachers, instructors, and supervisors of the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind in Ogden, Utah, in 1903-1904. Source: Biennial Report of the Trustees and Superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind: 1903-1904

One of the fondest memories of Libbie's niece and nephews was the Christmas box they eagerly anticipated receiving each year from Aunt Lib, as they affectionately called her. There were seven families to consider, each with its own unique connection to Aunt Libbie. A talented and beautiful seamstress, Libbie often sewed many of her own clothes, making her nieces feel particularly special, especially when they received a dress she made. The following is a story written by her niece, Beth Showalter Cline:

"I cannot remember all that Mamma said, except that we had no money for Christmas gifts. "You have had some wonderful Christmases, but this year is different. Will you let Aunt Libbie send the gifts to Bobbie, Maggie, and little Phillip? Will you be willing to go without this Christmas? Aunt Libbie was a beautiful woman. She was deaf. She taught in the deaf school. She would talk with her fingers. She read lips. She gave us gifts-- city gifts to country children. Her name was Elizabeth, and I was her namesake. She had lots of nieces 'in Utah, and several were named Elizabeth, too. But Aunt Lobbie's money could buy only so many presents. Aunt Libbie's box came. In it were toys for the three little ones. There was no Christmas tree, and there was no talk about Santa Caluse that year. But beautiful! The day before Christmas, another box came for Beth (she meant "me"), Paul and Dee. In it were some clothes and a book for each. My dress. I can see it yet. It was red plaid with white Wool bouse. Aunt Libbie was deaf but could sew like a dream. How joyful and happy we were. "Oh, Mama, it's been our best Christmas, we sang" (Banks & Banks, p. 156).

The Utah School for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind, as it was called back then, was featured in the Ogden Daily Standard on December 20, 1902. The staff members were, from top to bottom, L-R: Albert Talage, Catherine King, Elizabeth DeLong, Superintendent Frank M. Driggs (Center), Sarah Whalen, E.S. Henne, and Max W. Woodbury

In 1909, Elizabeth Delong played a vital role in proposing the formation of the Utah Association of the Deaf. The main objective of this organization was to address the social and welfare needs of alums from the Utah School for the Deaf. Superintendent Frank M. Driggs of the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind approved her proposal, fostering confidence in the association's ability to advocate for and lead the Utah Deaf community. Libbie's efforts led her to be elected as the first Deaf female president of the association (Evans, 1999). Her victory was a significant milestone, as she became the first Deaf female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf and the first Deaf female president of a National Association of the Deaf (NAD) state chapter in the nation, as detailed in the following section.

Libbie was a founding member of the ByLaws Committee for the Utah Association of the Deaf, which was established in 1909. She collaborated with Frank M. Driggs, the superintendent, as well as Melville J. Matheis, Paul Mark, and Elsie M. Christiansen. Together, they organized the association and elected its officers (UAD Bulletin, October 1999).

On June 10, 1909, a group of founders established its own chapter of the National Association of the Deaf, which was formed in 1880. This event was celebrated at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, where the first alum reunion took place, marking the official founding of the Utah Association of the Deaf (Evans, 1999).

The 1909 Utah Association of the Deaf Officers. Source: J. Willard Marriott Library of the University of Utah

The following day, on June 11, 1909, at the Utah Association of the Deaf Convention, Libbie ran for president and won the election by thirty-nine votes. She defeated two male Deaf candidates, Paul Mark and Melville J. Matheis, who each received only two votes (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963). As a result, Libbie made history by defeating two male Deaf candidates and becoming the first female Deaf president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, an advocacy organization for accessibility and civil rights in the Utah Deaf community.

'Association for Deaf Is Fully Organized.' Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, June 12, 1909

Additionally, she became the first female Deaf president of any state chapter association of the National Association of the Deaf in the United States. Despite societal barriers, her victory over two Deaf male candidates in the election was a significant achievement, as women did not gain the right to vote until the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, and the National Association of the Deaf did not allow Deaf women members to vote in their elections until 1964. Libbie's remarkable accomplishment was a testament to her perseverance, likely inspired by her involvement in Gallaudet's O.W.L.S. presidential election in 1901, a secret society for women now known as Phi Kappa Zeta. Her active participation in Utah's early suffrage movement also fueled her educational, political, and spiritual aspirations.

Elizabeth DeLong is shown with a blue arrow at the 1909 Utah Association of the Deaf Convention at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah

On March 27, 1910, the Salt Lake Herald Republican reported that Elizabeth DeLong, president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, attended the celebration marking the opening of the Utah Commercial Club of the Deaf. The event featured music and dancing, and it was noted that Elizabeth can speak but cannot hear (Salt Lake Herald Republican, March 27, 1910).

Libbie served as president of the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1915, marking a significant milestone in the organization's history. During her presidency, she delivered a powerful speech advocating for women's suffrage at the end of her second term (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963). This speech from 1915 highlighted her strong commitment to advocating for women's rights, a passion that has inspired many and continues to empower us today. As a trailblazer for Deaf women in leadership roles, Libbie has supported women's suffrage and made significant contributions to both the Utah Deaf community and the women's rights movement, leaving a lasting impact through her work that continues to shape our society.

Elizabeth DeLong's Suffrage Talk at the 1915 Utah Association of the Deaf Convention. Source: UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

Utah played a unique role in the women's suffrage movement, shaped by its distinct blend of religious and political dynamics, which is crucial for understanding Libbie's origins. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a major political and social force in Utah, played a significant role in supporting women's rights. Utah made history as the first territory in the United States to grant women the right to vote, a victory achieved through the collective efforts of many individuals. Women's suffrage was established in Utah on two occasions: first in 1870 and again in 1896, marking important milestones in the state's history.

During Libbie's upbringing, women in Utah had the right to vote, a law passed by the territorial legislature on February 14, 1870—seven years before her birth. She grew up in an environment where women enjoyed their voting rights—a privilege that shaped her understanding of civic duty and equality. These milestones, the 1870 and 1896 victories, carry the weight of history and signify the hard-fought battle for women's rights in Utah. When Utah regained its voting rights upon becoming a state in 1896, Libbie was nineteen years old. Prior to this, the United States federal government had revoked voting rights for women in Utah due to the anti-polygamy Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1878. This federal law aimed to suppress the practice of polygamy in the Utah Territory and disincorporate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was a significant political and social force in Utah at that time. Personal stories of women like Elizabeth DeLong, who were directly affected by these laws, highlight the human side of the historical struggle for women's rights in Utah, adding a personal dimension to the narrative.

Libbie's experiences of gaining, losing, and ultimately regaining the right to vote motivated her to advocate for women's voting rights. Alongside Emma Magdalene Emmertson—who graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1907 and from the University of Utah in 1917— and many others, Libbie played a significant role in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. This critical milestone allowed women across the nation to participate in elections and represented a crucial step toward gender equality. However, while this amendment granted white women the right to vote after years of struggle and perseverance, it primarily benefited them. It wasn't until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that all women, including women of color, were guaranteed the right to vote. This intersectional aspect of the suffrage movement, where women of color, who had been at the forefront but often marginalized in historical accounts, finally received the recognition they deserved, is an important part of the history of women's rights.

The transformative impact of this campaign, both in Utah and across the broader suffrage movement, highlights the importance of collective action and underscores the early history of women's suffrage in Utah. This history is particularly significant within both Deaf and hearing communities, which played a crucial role in the suffrage movement. The Deaf community, often overlooked in historical narratives, was not only instrumental in advocating for women's suffrage but also demonstrated the intersectionality of the movement. Their contributions, often overshadowed, are a vital part of the history of suffrage and deserve recognition. For more information, you can explore it more on the 'Outstanding Contributions in the Early History of Utah's Deaf and Non-Deaf Women' webpage on this website.

Elizabeth DeLong's Suffrage Talk at the 1915 Utah Association of the Deaf Convention. 'Deaf People of Two States Will Hold Reunion.' Source: The Ogden Daily Standard, June 9, 1915

Shortly after the Ogden Branch for the Deaf was established in Ogden, Utah, on February 4, 1917, Libbie made history by becoming the first Deaf female Superintendent of the Sunday School. She worked alongside three Deaf males: Nephi Larsen as the 1st Assistant, Grant Morgan as the 2nd Assistant, and Loran Savage as the Secretary (Historical Record Book 4, 1941–1945; Historical Events & Persons Involved in the Branch for the Deaf, 1992).

Elizabeth DeLong at the top left with her mother, Elizabeth Houston DeLong and sisters. Back Row: Elizabeth DeLong, Gladys DeLong, Winnie Belle DeLong, Front Row: Kate DeLong, Elizabeth Houston (mother), and Margaret Amanda DeLong. Source: FamilySearch.org

While teaching at the Utah School for the Deaf, Libbie became friends with a young man named Thomas Loran Savage, also known as Loran Savage, from Antimony, Utah (Banks & Banks; Roberts, 1994). The residential nature of the school at the time allowed students and staff members to socialize, leading to several weddings between Deaf individuals (Robert, 1994). Loran, born June 18, 1891, was 14 years younger than Libbie. He was an exceptionally athletic student at the Utah School for the Deaf, excelling in basketball. He studied to become a shoemaker at the school (Banks & Banks).

Elizabeth and her husband, Loran Savage, about 1930. Source: The DeLong Family Saga

On July 25, 1917, Libbie and Loran Savage were married in Panguitch, Utah. Libbie decided to give up her teaching position, and they moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where Loran established his shoe repair business called "Savage's Shoe Repair Shop." They did not have any children (Banks & Banks).

Thomas Loran Savage's Shoe Repair Shop. the Coconino Sun, December 26, 1924

Loran Savage, Elizabeth DeLong, and friend, about 1920. Source: The DeLong Family Saga

Loran and Libbie worked side by side at a shoe repair shop and shared a wonderful relationship. Libbie handled the clerical duties for the business. They were a perfect match in their shoe repair venture, always supporting one another. According to Banks & Banks, the entire town held them in high regard, reflecting the positive impact they had on the community. Everyone felt their influence, and they were a happy couple who enjoyed each other's company until Libbie fell ill. Despite her illness, Libbie's sweet cheerfulness and Loran's loving devotion remained unchanged until her last days (Banks & Banks).

Libbie and friends on the road. Source: FamilySearch.org

After fourteen years of marriage, Libbie passed away on September 25, 1931, at the age of 57, after a courageous battle with cancer. Professor Larson of the Arizona Teachers College and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, conducted her funeral. Her obituary described Libbie as "a bright and attractive personality, familiarly known among her associates here." She was loved by all who knew her." The obituary from the Coconino Sun, the local county newspaper, said Mrs. Savage shared with her husband the esteem of the entire community. Their married life was ideal. She attended to most of the clerical duties connected with his business, and they were happy 'in their constant companionship until her last illness, which, however, did not abate her sweet cheerfulness nor his loving devotion" (Banks & Banks, p. 156).

Elizabeth DeLong, 1st Deaf female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963

While Libbie was battling cancer, she wrote a final letter to her sister, Winn, on August 5, 1931, just a month before her death. In this letter, Libbie shares her physical struggles and her inability to participate in social activities because of her illness. She expresses her hope for recovery and looks forward to future visits with her sister.

"They found that the doctor who did the tumor operation so long ago bungled his job, and it came back again, so they put me under the radium, which just about killed me. But, I seem to be getting over it now and in time, may be myself again. In the meantime, I'm not traipsing about the country or going to any parties or such things, and I don't want to be seen by folks who say, "Why, Mrs Savage, how thin you are!" We will be along to see you when we get there, but it won't be soon. Love to you all, Lib" (Banks & Banks, p. 157).

According to Libbie's obituary, her health began to decline in 1929. She remained active as usual until 1931 when she realized there was little chance for recovery. In February 1931, she was taken to a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, for treatment by specialists. Unfortunately, her health deteriorated rapidly from that point on. Three weeks later, she was transferred to Mercy Hospital in Flagstaff, Arizona, in hopes of building her strength for an operation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Sadly, she was brought home from the hospital about a week before her death on the morning of Friday, September 25 (Elizabeth DeLong's Obituary, Coconino Sun Newspaper, October 2, 1931).

The community, saddened by her illness—of which few realized the seriousness—was shocked by her death. They rallied around her family, offering numerous expressions of grief and condolences, showcasing a heartwarming display of support during their time of loss (Elizabeth DeLong's Obituary, Coconino Sun Newspaper, October 2, 1931).

Libbie's nieces and nephews, who affectionately referred to her as "Aunt Lib," admired her as a bright and talented woman. They often said, "With her quick wit and sense of humor, she never allowed her deafness to prevent her from enjoying life and achieving success" (Banks & Banks, p. 157). Her unwavering dedication to her family was truly inspiring, especially in the face of adversity, such as her battle with cancer.

Elizabeth DeLong's mother, Elizabeth and her sister. L-R: Elizabeth DeLong (mother), Margaret, Kate, Elizabeth, Gladys, Winnie. Source: FamilySearch.org

Three years after Libbie's passing, Loran and his mother, Caroline King Savage, tragically lost their lives in a vehicle accident north of Cedar City, Utah, on June 7, 1934. The accident was caused by a tire blowout in their car while returning home from the 1934 Utah Association of the Deaf Convention at the Utah School for the Deaf, which took place from May 31 to June 2 (Banks & Banks). Loran's untimely death at the age of 43 left a significant void in the Utah Deaf community.

Elizabeth Houston DeLong with son-in-law, Loran Savage. Source: The DeLong Family Saga

Exciting news has emerged from the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, which has actively sought suggestions from the Utah Deaf community to name their new Deaf school located on the USDB campus in Springville, Utah. Associate Superintendent Michelle Tanner received several nominations, with the most popular choice being Elizabeth DeLong. Inspired by Jodi Becker Kinner's biography of Elizabeth DeLong, available on the Better Days 2020 website, Nathan Harrison proposed naming the school in honor of Elizabeth DeLong. This proposal reflects the community's involvement in this significant milestone.

In October 2019, the administrators of the Utah School for the Deaf and the Utah State Board of Education, along with the USDB Advisory Council, unanimously approved the proposal for a new ASL/English bilingual program. This program was officially named the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf in Springville, Utah, in honor of Elizabeth DeLong, who was affectionately known as "Libbie" (Michelle Tanner, personal communication, February 8, 2024).

The Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf opened on January 6, 2020, proudly embracing its new name and identity. This tribute serves as a meaningful way to honor Libbie's legacy. Inspired by the early Utah suffrage movement, Libbie pursued her academic, political, and spiritual aspirations. She achieved several significant milestones, including becoming the first female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, making her a true trailblazer. Naming the new school after her is a fitting homage, as her spirit continues to inspire the community.

Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf on the USDB Campus in Springville, Utah. Source: USDB Website

Note

Thomas C. Clark, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, November 13, 2008.

References

"A Sunday School Organized for the Deaf Mutes." The Daily Enquirer, February 11, 1892. Transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Aug. 2006. http://jared.pratt-family.org/orson_family_histories/laron_pratt_organization.html

Banks, Gladys W. & Banks, Douglas W. "The DeLong Family Saga."

"DeLong and Clark with Driggs to Gallaudet." The Ogden Standard, September 15, 1897.

"Delong and Clark on Gallaudet Buff and Blue." Ogden Standard, June 19, 1901.

"Elizabeth DeLong's Obituary." Coconino Sun Newspaper (October 2, 1931).

Evans, David S. “A Silent World in the Intermountain West: Records from the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind: 1884-1941.” A thesis presented to the Department of History: Utah State University. 1999.

“From the Minutes.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 10 (Summer 1963): 4 & 5.

Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957, "Elizabeth DeLong: B.A., 1902." http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/45785

"Graduates." Biennial Report of the Trustee & Superintendent of the Utah State School for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind (1901–1902): 9.

Historical Events & Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf, February 11, 1992.

Historical Record Book 4 of the Branch for the Deaf, 1941-1945. https://www.utahdeafhistory.com/uploads/5/4/2/6/5426987/ogden_deaf_branch_minutes_1941_-_1945.pdf

Kinner, Jodi Becker. Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf. Utah School for the Deaf. https://www.usdb.org/programs/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/deaf-south-region/

“Locals.” The Buff and Blue, vol. 10, no. 1 (October 1901), p. 29.

“NAD History.” https://www.nad.org/about-us/nad-history/

Roberts, Elaine M. “The Early History of the Utah School for the Deaf and Its influence in the Development of a Cohesive Deaf Society in Utah, circa. 1884 – 1905.” A thesis presented to the Department of History: Brigham Young University. August 1994.

“This Week in 19th Amendment History: Agatha Tiegel Hanson.” (October 17, 1959). https://library.arlingtonva.us/2019/10/14/this-week-in-19th-amendment-history-agatha-tiegel-hanson/

“The History of UAD.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.5 (October 1999): 1 & 3.

UAD’s First Convention Minutes: 1909 Minutes.

"USDB." Ogden Standard, May 8, 1897.

"Utah Commercial Club of the Deaf Dedicates its Club Rooms." Salt Lake Herald Republican, March 27, 1910, p. 57.

Elsie M. Christiansen, Community Leader

In 1907, Elsie M. Christiansen graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf and began her dedicated journey in education and community service. She taught history and social studies at the school, served as a houseparent at Driggs Hall, an all-girls dormitory, and played a vital role in the Utah School for the Deaf. Her involvement with the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, the Utah School for the Deaf, and the Utah Association of the Deaf highlighted her as a committed community leader who made significant contributions to the Utah Deaf community. Elsie's twenty-eight years of service as a branch clerk at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, as well as her unique distinction as the first and only Deaf woman in the country to serve as a church clerk, stand as testaments to her unwavering commitment.

Elsie M. Christensen, a 1907 Utah School for the Deaf Senior. Source: The Utah Eagle, June 6, 1907

Elsie M. Christiansen was born on June 24, 1884, in Riverton, Utah, to parents Niels John Johanssen-Christiansen and Ellen Stark (Obituaries, December 25, 1972). She was most likely born deaf. According to a family legend, Elsie hurt her eardrums when she jumped on a bed to play and fell off. As a result, her condition was determined to be irreversible (Anne Leahy, personal interview with Carol Lenichek, October 27, 2011).

According to sources close to her, Elsie was a dedicated professional and a warm and caring individual. She diligently maintained her physique and cleanliness, and her residences were always impeccably neat and clean. Her lovely, thick head of hair that reached her waist and could be wrapped six times around her head was a testament to her personal care. Her family remembers her teaching every family member to say "please" and "thank you," a small but significant detail that reflects her warmth and personal touch (Anne Leahy, personal interview with Carol Lenichek, October 27, 2011).

Elsie enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, in 1906. However, she only stayed for a year. Before enrolling, she likely attended a public school near her home.

During her senior year in 1907, Elsie joined the school's girls' basketball team. Her height was another advantage; she was 5'10". She graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf the same year, in 1907 (Public Documents: State of Utah, Part 2 1907–1908).

The Utah School for the Deaf Basketball Team, 1907. L-R: Nettie West (Carter), Emma Emmertson (Jorgenson), Elsie M. Christiansen, John P. Bush - Coach, Elizabeth Eggingston (Buck), Ivy Griggs (Low)

After graduating, Elsie moved to Lents, Oregon (Tenth Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of Utah, June 30, 1914). Unlike her two classmates, Mary Woolslayer and Emma Emmertson, who both attended the University of Utah, there is no evidence that Elsie did as well. However, Elsie's family believes she attended college (Anne Leahy, interview with Carol Lenichek on October 27, 2011).

Elsie, as a secretary, was a founding member of the ByLaws Committee for the Utah Association of the Deaf, which was established in 1909. She collaborated with Frank M. Driggs, the superintendent, as well as Melville J. Matheis, Paul Mark, and Elizabeth DeLong. Together, they organized the association and elected its officers (UAD Bulletin, October 1999).

In 1911, Elizabeth DeLong, the first female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf and a Deaf teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf, left to pursue a business opportunity. After her departure, Elsie, a high school graduate, replaced her. Elsie taught domestic arts and science at the school (Fay, 1911). Possibly at that time, the Utah School for the Deaf did not mandate that all teachers hold a college degree; a high school diploma was considered sufficient.

When houseparents became integral to the Utah School for the Deaf, Elsie became a houseparent at Driggs Hall, a girls' dormitory. Elsie worked as an ironing supervisor at the laundry, directing high school girls to iron boys' shirts and pajamas. Marion Brown West, a 1949 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, recognized Elsie as a strict yet fair housemother. Marion Brown recalled Elsie making the girls iron their bed sheets when she felt it was unnecessary (Marion Brown West, personal communication, September 30, 2011). In addition, Elsie's family remembers her teaching every family member to say "please" and "thank you" (Anne Leahy, personal interview with Carol Lenichek, October 27, 2011).

Elsie M Christiansen in earlier days with some of the girls at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah that she loved and cared for. Front row L-R: Kimiko (Mariyama) Taylor, Irene (Liddle) Bauer, Elaine (Mills) Honey. Middle row L-R: Mary (Antainetti) Sanderson, Josie (Feichko) Lutton, Pearl Langhurt, Josephine Gertino. Back row L-R: Marjorie (Hales) Manson, LaVern (Peterson) Burnett, Elsie Christiansen, Larraine (Whitesides) Welsh, Mildred (Johnson) Lewis. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964

Elsie served in various roles at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, the Utah School for the Deaf, and the Utah Association of the Deaf. She was an outstanding community leader who achieved much for deaf causes.

Elsie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, she held several positions and worked closely with Max W. Woodbury, the branch president. Max, a teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf, became the assistant superintendent of the Sunday School at the Ogden 4th Ward in 1907, while Elsie took on the role of secretary. By 1911, Max had been promoted to superintendent of the Sunday School, with Elsie serving as his assistant superintendent.

In 1912, Max and Elsie wrote to President Joseph Fielding Smith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, outlining the challenges faced by the 4th Ward Sunday School for Deaf members and requesting a dedicated place of worship. Many older Deaf members supported their request by signing a second letter. Additionally, Max and Elsie held two meetings with the Church's Presidency to discuss these concerns. The Church ultimately granted their request, as documented in the Ogden Branch for the Deaf Historical Record Book (1941-45).

President Joseph Fielding Smith dedicated the Ogden Branch for the Deaf on February 14, 1917, establishing it as an independent branch of the Ogden Stake. Max assumed the role of branch president, while Elsie fulfilled the role of branch clerk (Ogden Branch for the Deaf Historical Record Book 1941-1945; Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf, February 11, 1992).

Historical Record Book of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf: 1941–1945, written by Elsie M. Christiansen

Elsie was the president of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association for thirteen years, from 1917 to 1930. She also served as a class teacher and branch clerk for twenty-eight years, from 1917 to 1945. In addition to these roles, she was a great leader, teacher, and a talented writer.

Elsie served with unwavering dedication as a clerk for the Ogden Branch for the Deaf from 1917 to 1948, a total of twenty-eight years. She was the first and only Deaf woman to hold this position. Branch President Max W. Woodbury of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf noted that her records were meticulously maintained and that Elsie was always able and willing to provide information whenever needed. Elsie's work was consistently neat and thorough, as demonstrated in the section above.

YLMIA of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf written by Elsie M. Christensen in 1918

In 1920, Elsie worked as an assistant to Arthur W. Wenger, the director of theater for the Utah School for the Deaf. The Park Literary Society at the school organized a highly ambitious and successful theatrical production, which was the most extensive effort ever undertaken by Deaf students. The play, "The House of Rimmon," was based on the Bible. Upon request, it was performed once at the school chapel and Salt Lake City's East High School. The performances had no admission fee, and the audience reacted enthusiastically. Moreover, the play played a significant role in helping the general public recognize the abilities of Deaf individuals (White, The Silent Worker, June 1920; Wenger, The Silent Worker, January 1921; UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964).

“The House of Rimmon” Play in 1920 Source: The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1964

In 1934, Elsie, who couldn't drive, purchased a black vehicle. She relied on a Deaf man named Ezra Christensen, who had a facial disfigurement, to drive her. Some sources mention the man's name as "Ethan," but after reviewing certain images, it seems more likely that his name was "Ezra Christensen." Ezra would drive Elsie to Salt Lake City, Utah, so she could occasionally visit her mother while living in Ogden, Utah. Elise and Ezra were friends (Anne Leahy, October 27, 2011, personal interview with Carol Lenichek).

In the mid-1950s, Elsie retired from the Utah School for the Deaf. She lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her sister, probably Olive, and attended the Salt Lake Branch for the Deaf located at 700 South and 800 East. According to property records, Elsie might have bought the family home in Rose Park with her sister, Olive. The address was 1149 South 200 West in Salt Lake City. The house was later demolished to build a highway (Anne Leahy, personal interview with Carol Lenichek, October 27, 2011).

Elsie M. Christensen. Source: FamilySearch.org

In 1961, Elsie was chosen by the State of Utah Department of Welfare and the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct interviews in the Salt Lake area on behalf of the Utah Association of the Deaf, which she helped establish on June 10, 1909. She went door to door in the fall of 1961, asking Deaf individuals aged 55 or older to complete a questionnaire for the Utah Study of the Aged Deaf. Kate Orr Keeley, another Deaf woman, assisted her by driving her around. Various government and private agencies had previously spent significant resources studying issues related to aging and older people, but no one had considered the unique problems faced by the elderly Deaf population in Utah. As a result, the Utah Association of the Deaf, with its significant role, requested this group to participate in this groundbreaking research (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, Fall 1961).

Elsie was a unique individual who chose not to marry. Her sister described her as refined. Elsie felt that her identity was not fully aligned with the Deaf community, which led her to abstain from dating. She believed that her "half and half" identity made it challenging to consider marrying a hearing man (Anne Leahy, personal interview with Carol Lenichek, October 27, 2011).

One of the family's most cherished memories is the warmth and love Aunt Elsie extended to her visitors. Her tradition of serving fresh, cold milk and peaches during their visits is etched in the family's collective memory, reflecting her nurturing spirit (Anne Leahy, personal interview with Carol Lenichek, October 27, 2011).

Having lived a full life, Elsie passed away peacefully of natural causes on December 23, 1972, at the age of 88. She was in a nursing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by the care and love of those who knew her (Obituaries, December 25, 1972).

Housemothers and supervisors at the Utah School for the Deaf. L-R: Lottie Blessing, Elise Christiansen, Cora Davis, Mabelle Clinkenbeard, Kenneth Burdett, Pearl Huseman, Minnie Gibson, Don Jensen, Birdie Reynolds in the 1940s

Notes

Carol Lenichek, interview by Anne Leahy, October 27, 2011.

Marion Brown West, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, September 30, 2011.

References

Christensen, Elsie. Ogden Branch for the Deaf Historical Record Book 1941 – 1945.

Fay, Edward Allen. Organ of the convention of American instructors of the deaf. American Annals of the Deaf, vol. VIL, Washington, D.C.: Conference of Superintendents and Principals of American Schools for the Deaf, 1911.http://books.google.com/books?id=d8AJAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA455&lpg=PA455&dq=Elsie+Christiansen,+utah+and+deaf&source=bl&ots=ovSqzoQyv4&sig=0BXfmLY9_R5wE_G1LSU4KUbTUDc&hl=en&ei=_VdyTqSYJ8GlsQKSuPTCCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Elsie%20Christiansen%2C%20utah%20and%20deaf&f=false

“Historical Events and Persons Involved Branch for the Deaf,” February 11, 1992.

"Obituary: Elsie M. Christiansen.” The Deseret News, December 25, 1972. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YQ0pAAAAIBAJ&sjid=n4UDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7028,6501950

Occupation of Graduates: Utah School for the Deaf. Salt Lake City: The Arrow Press Tribune-Reporter Printing Co, June 30, 1914. http://books.google.com/books?id=-ghQAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA376&lpg=PA376&dq=Emma++Emmertson+utah++deaf&source=bl&ots=RrbNznbx_l&sig=EAiSF433vQTRKrE2coS3SBMs92w&hl=en&ei=-ZJzTrzPLoHgiAKY0720Ag&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFgQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=Emma%20%20Emmertson%20utah%20%20deaf&f=false

Report of the Coal Mine Inspector for the State of Utah: For the Years 1907 and 1908. Salt Lake City Tribune-Reporter PTG. Co, 1909. http://books.google.com/books?id=om8K4RfEq0YC&pg=PP7&dq=Public+Documents:+State+of+Utah,+Part+2+1907-1908&hl=en&sa=X&ei=TAmUUN-sI-SbjALCgoGACQ&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA

Sanderson, Robert G. "Old age study gets rolling." UAD Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 4 (Fall 1961): 4.

“The History of UAD.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 23.5 (October 1999): 1 & 3.

“Those Were The Days…” UAD Bulletin, vol. 3, no. 4. (Summer 1964): 5.

White, Bob. "Notes and Comments from the Land of the Mormons.” The Silent Worker, vol. 32 no. 7 (April 1920): 186.

Mary Anne Wooslayer, Resilient Leader

Mary Anne Wooslayer, a 1907 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, was the first Deaf female student at the University of Utah, enrolling in 1911 and graduating with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1916, which demonstrated her courage, resilience, and determination. Her coursework was more comprehensive than that of any other university student, and she excelled in domestic science, achieving the top rank in a class of nearly 100 students. Remarkably, Mary attended the University of Utah without the accommodations that the Americans with Disabilities Act now provides for many Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Additionally, she could attend Gallaudet University to access a better communication environment. However, she chose to enroll at the University of Utah instead. After graduating, Mary worked as a Deaf school teacher in Texas, Virginia, and Kentucky.

Mary Woolslayer

Mary Anne Woolslayer was born on January 5, 1887, in Millvale, Pennsylvania, to Samuel Wullschleger, also known as 'Woolslayer' and Anna Maria Marianne Haller. Her family later moved to Utah, where she grew up in Bountiful (Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography; UAD Bulletin, March 1984).

According to Mary's autobiography, she became partially deaf at the age of five due to diphtheria. Although she had some residual hearing and could hear reasonably well, her mother was worried about potential learning loss. Seeking help, Mary's mother consulted a local doctor who claimed he could cure deafness. However, during the visit, the doctor damaged Mary's hearing further, losing most of her ability to hear (Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography).

As Mary grew older and lived on a farm in Millvale, Pennsylvania, she often played outdoors, usually by herself. She would imitate her brothers and sisters, walking on stilts, building snowmen, playing marbles, and climbing fences. Mary also had a friend named Nellie who lived in the same neighborhood. During the summer, they frequently played together, exploring fields and forests. Despite living in Pittsburgh, Mary did not attend the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and was unsure why. She suspected her parents were unaware of the school's existence (Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography).

In 1897, when Mary was 10 years old, her family moved to Utah to join the Latter-day Saints community, as her mother, Anna Maria Marianne Haller, had converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Switzerland. Before this move, Mary's father, Samuel Wullschleger (or 'Woolslayer'), had found a job working on a farm in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, prompting the family to leave Switzerland (Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography).

While living in a new, small, crowded house near the Bamberger Station in Bountiful, Utah, Frank M. Driggs, the superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, paid a visit to Mary and her family. He informed Mary’s parents about the school, and they decided that she would attend. The following fall, in 1898, at the age of eleven, Mary’s mother brought her to the Utah School for the Deaf (Mary Wooslayer’s Autobiography).

When her mother was ready to leave, Mary wanted to go with her. She clung to her mother's skirt until Clara Eddy, a Deaf individual, and Mary's girls' supervisor, gently pulled her away. Gradually, Mary overcame her homesickness and adjusted to the school and its new environment. She made new friends to play with and was eventually happy at school (Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography).

In seventh grade, Mary wrote and published an article titled "Good Books" in the Utah Eagle magazine. This article emphasized the importance of reading quality literature and showcased Mary's early commitment to advocating for education. It also reflected her determination and dedication to learning, as shown in the section below.

GOOD BOOKS

If we read good books, we shall certainly obtain many benefits from them. They will assist us to live good, true lives and also give us far higher and nobler ambitions in life.

If we read poor, or bad books, we shall not be helped by them, but harmed, because they do not teach us what is right.

They will help to improve our language if we read them and make our minds brighter and broader. Read! Read! Good books for they will do you much good and will be useful.

We will be capable of doing well in the world from the effects of reading good books. Anyone who never reads good books will be sorry for it later in life.

Abraham Lincoln had never been to school, but he had spent much of time reading good books. This made him a great man (Woolslayer, The Utah Eagle, May 15, 1904). If we read good books, we shall certainly obtain many benefits from them. They will assist us to live good, true lives and also give us far higher and nobler ambitions in life.

If we read poor, or bad books, we shall not be helped by them, but harmed, because they do not teach us what is right.

They will help to improve our language if we read them and make our minds brighter and broader. Read! Read! Good books for they will do you much good and will be useful.

We will be capable of doing well in the world from the effects of reading good books. Anyone who never reads good books will be sorry for it later in life.

Abraham Lincoln had never been to school, but he had spent much of time reading good books. This made him a great man (Woolslayer, The Utah Eagle, May 15, 1904).

Mary Wooslayer, a 1907 Utah School for the Deaf Senior. Source: The Utah Eagle, June 6, 1907

Mary graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1907, where she completed her regular classes and continued her education by taking high school courses at the same school for three additional years. After finishing these courses in 1910, she made history by enrolling at the University of Utah as its first Deaf female student. To support herself while attending the university, Mary worked as a housekeeper, a testament to her determination and resilience. This groundbreaking achievement marked a pivotal moment in the history of Deaf education.

Mary wrote in her articles for the Mt. Airy World on October 26, 1916, and the Lone Star on November 15, 1916, that the only assistance she received during her university course came from interested friends and classmates who encouraged her to persevere through the University of Utah, where she excelled in the classroom (Wooslayer, Mt. Airy World, October 26, 1916; Wooslayer, The Lone Star, November 15, 1916).

In her 1916 article for Lone Star, Mary recounted how many people doubted her ability to take a full university course. When she decided to apply to the University of Utah, her friends were surprised and warned her about the challenges she might face in a traditional learning environment, particularly in lecture classrooms designed for hearing students. Her family members also expressed skepticism about her chances of success, but they refrained from discouraging her. Despite their doubts, Mary remained resolute and determined to pursue what they considered an extraordinarily ambitious goal. She stated, "I only thought that if it ended in failure, it would not hurt me at all" (Wooslayer, The Lone Star, November 15, 1916).

However, gaining admission to the University of Utah proved difficult, as several university authorities, including two or three professors, openly opposed her application. They seemed perplexed about how they could teach her effectively. Ultimately, it was Dr. Maud May Babcock, the president of the Board of Trustees of the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind, who used her considerable influence to persuade the university authorities to admit Mary (Wooslayer, The Lone Star, November 15, 1916). This incident underscores the systemic barriers Deaf individuals face in education and the importance of advocacy in overcoming them.

Mary Wooslayer. Source: Salt Lake Telegram, January 10, 1914

Upon entering the university, Mary felt a mix of strange emotions, particularly when she found herself among hundreds of unfamiliar faces. As crowds of students passed her by without so much as a glance at the insignificant freshman, she sensed a warmth in her heart that contrasted sharply with the cold stares of some seemingly heartless professors (Wooslayer, The Lone Star, November 15, 1916). This initial experience was just the beginning of her many challenges at the University of Utah.

When Mary declared her major in physical education, she struggled to balance her studies with the demands of working in the gymnasium. For the first time, she recognized that she was at a disadvantage due to her limited access to lectures and her lack of familiarity with the specialized vocabulary of the field. There were moments of deep discouragement when she considered giving up her course altogether (Wooslayer, The Lone Star, November 15, 1916).

Fortunately, Lucy M. Van Cott, the first Dean of Women at the University of Utah from 1907 to 1931, played a significant role in encouraging Mary to remain in school. She consulted with Mary’s professors regarding her academic progress, and due to her influence, they occasionally dedicated extra time to provide Mary with the attention she needed. Additionally, a supportive male classmate offered to help clarify her coursework, for which she was always grateful, as his assistance contributed to her success (Wooslayer, The Lone Star, November 15, 1916).

Lucy Van Cott. Source: Utah State Historical Society

While at the university, Mary's skills in dressmaking and manicuring were truly impressive. She assisted several other university women during a faculty dinner, where her talents were on full display. Lucy Van Cott, a staunch admirer of Mary, believed she was one of the most refined, best-groomed, and wonderful women at the university. Mary's capabilities were evident, as she was considered more adept at handling large events than the other girls who worked alongside her. Her quick work in the dressmaking and millinery departments further showcased her talents (Mary Woolslayer. Source: Salt Lake Telegram, January 10, 1914).

In 1912, Lucy Van Cott praised Mary for her resourcefulness and took her under her wing. Mary's many achievements, including her expertise in manicures, allowed her to earn a living. She often made a significant amount of money during vacation weeks, demonstrating her financial independence (Mary Woolslayer. Source: Salt Lake Telegram, January 10, 1914).

In her second year, Mary finally began tackling her studies and became motivated to broaden her course load, taking on subjects like English, education, chemistry, and others. However, her path was still filled with obstacles. While she didn’t connect with everyone, she managed to stay informed about all the important events in university life. Mary adopted the motto: "To be banished from Rome is but to live outside of Rome." This mindset made little difference to her; during this time, she made many friends among her classmates, from whom she obtained lecture notes. Often, she found these notes incomprehensible due to their hasty writing (Wooslayer, The Lone Star, November 15, 1916).

Mary considered her degree to be incidental and didn’t think seriously about obtaining it until her junior year when a friend suggested, “Wouldn’t it be splendid if you graduated next year?” By her senior year, she had accumulated enough credits but felt overwhelmed with more work than she could handle. In her reflections, Mary noted that she lacked the time and opportunity to absorb knowledge or to develop her feelings and emotions alongside her intellect. She felt like she had become a machine—so mechanical that she could hardly appreciate the beauty of flowers, trees, and mountains. It felt like nature was turning against her (Wooslayer, The Lone Star, November 15, 1916).

Some professors emphasized the importance of tests, often surprising students with them. She completed her challenging university journey by receiving a Bachelor of Science degree while wearing mourning attire (Wooslayer, The Lone Star, November 15, 1916).

Mary Woolslayer, a 1916 graduate of the University of Utah

During Mary's senior year at the University of Utah, she wrote an article for the University Pen in March 1916. In this article, she discussed the differences in language development between Deaf and hearing individuals. She noted that children who can hear seem to acquire language effortlessly; they catch words that fall from others' lips without even trying. In contrast, Deaf children must capture these words through a slow and often challenging process. However, she emphasized that the outcome of this process is remarkable (Woolslayer, University Pen, March 1916).
Mary recalled her experience enrolling at the Utah School for the Deaf, where she realized she could receive an education and learn to speak orally. After careful consideration, she chose not to pursue oral speech. Upon arriving at the school with her mother, she no longer felt lost in the darkness, unsure of where to go (Woolslayer, University Pen, March 1916).

On her second day at the school, Mary began learning to write her name repeatedly until she could remember it by heart. They also taught her to associate names with objects like "chair," "cup," and "doll." As her education progressed, she and her classmates learned to construct sentences using verbs such as "John fell down" and "Kate opened the window." Gradually, they moved from naming objects and writing simple sentences to expressing complex thoughts, eventually bridging the gap between their initial stammered syllables and the profound lines of Shakespeare (Woolslayer, University Pen, March 1916).

Initially, their ideas were vague and often amusing, and their vocabulary was confused. However, as their knowledge grew, so did their curiosity. Mary remembered that she and her close friend, Jane, whom she often played with, would march to the old chapel every Sunday afternoon to attend the lecture. Sometimes, it was monotonous, and other times, it was interesting (Woolslayer, University Pen, March 1916).

One Sunday at the chapel, a tall, dignified man stood on the platform with his hands folded and his cold eyes fixed on the girls as they took their seats one by one. The girls took their seats in the front row, just a few feet away from the platform. Mr. Wendell wrote the title of his lecture on the blackboard in bold letters: "An Eye for an Eye and a Tooth for a Tooth." In an instant, Mary recognized the phrase word for word, yet its meaning was incomprehensible to her young mind. What did it matter? Under her teacher's guidance, she had learned to slowly and awkwardly write the words "teeth" and "eyes" on her slate the week before (Woolslayer, University Pen, March 1916).

The girls grew restless as Mr. Wendell's long and exhausting talk continued. They became easily distracted and interrupted his lecture several times. One day, Mr. Wendell lost his patience when Mary shook her head and loosened her hair ribbon, which fell over her shoulders. Jane snatched the ribbon and refused to give it back. In Mary's frantic effort to recover it, she suddenly felt a pair of big, strong hands grasping her tiny waist, with her face toward the blackboard and her back turned to the audience. Mr. Wendell inscribed the word "nuisance" on the board, leaving her perplexed as he continued his lecture (Woolslayer, University Pen, March 1916).
Mary had not yet learned the meanings of shame or sorrow in her own little world, where sound and music were completely absent. She was even incapable of feeling repentance. Overwhelmed with fear, Mary couldn’t bring herself to turn and see Mr. Wendell's intimidating face (Woolslayer, University Pen, March 1916).

A few minutes later, the lecture ended. After watching the other girls march out the door, Mr. Wendell turned to Mary and said, "Now, little girl, will you be a good angel next time?" She nodded in response. That afternoon, she found her doll, Nan, lying on the floor with a crack diagonally across its face while Jane slept peacefully in her little crib. Jane had dragged her poor Nan out of her bed and thrown her onto the floor. Mary felt a surge of anger. It was a sudden realization when the phrase "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" flashed through her mind. She understood the weight of this saying—the idea that individuals must face the consequences of their actions. At that moment, she felt compelled to take Jane's doll. But why should I detail the tragedy that followed, with the doll's eyes and teeth being knocked out? Mary stood on the floor, clutching the doll in one hand and a hatpin in the other as she recounted the story. No remorse followed her passionate outburst; she delighted in her successful accomplishment (Woolslayer, University Pen, March 1916).

Mary Woolslayer

After Mary's father's death, her mother was unable to help her in the pursuit of a college degree. While studying at the University of Utah, Mary received sponsorship from Maud May Babcock, a member of the Utah School for the Deaf Board of Trustees and a faculty member at the university (Mary Woolslayer Photograph Collection, 1890). To support herself during her studies, Mary worked part-time in laundry services during the summer and was provided with board and lodging by a private family during the winter (Mary Woolslayer. Source: Salt Lake Telegram, January 10, 1914).

During her senior year, Mary received a scholarship that alleviated her financial burden, allowing her to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in physical education in the spring of 1916 (Woolslayer, Mt. Airy World, October 26, 1916; Mary Woolslayer's Autobiography). Her motivation to pursue an education at the University of Utah likely stemmed from its early emphasis on promoting education and career opportunities for women in Utah, as well as its connection to Maud May Babcock and Lucy Van Cott.

Maud May Babcock gave Mary Woolslayer a photograph with the message, "With much love to Mary." Yours sincerely, Maul May Babcock." Mary attended the University of Utah under Miss Babcock's sponsorship and graduated with the Class of 1916. Source: J. Willard Marriott Library of the University of Utah

Mary graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1916, a testament to her courage, resilience, and determination. Despite facing challenges, such as being unable to speak or read lips, Mary excelled academically. She persevered through lectures with great determination, successfully completing all her courses and earning more credits than many of her classmates. She also excelled in domestic science, achieving the top rank in a class of nearly 100 students. Lucy Van Cott expressed her admiration for Mary’s honesty, character, and polished appearance, stating, “She is one of the most refined and well-groomed young women at the university, and I admire her more than words can express” (Mary Woolslayer. Source: Salt Lake Telegram, January 10, 1914). Remarkably, Mary attended the University of Utah without the accommodations that the Americans with Disabilities Act now provides for many Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Additionally, she could attend Gallaudet University to access a better communication environment. However, she chose to enroll at the University of Utah instead.

Mary Wooslayer, University of Utah Class of 1916. Source: J. Willard Marriott Library of the University of Utah

Mary, a recent graduate from the University of Utah, wrote in the Mt. Airy World on October 26, 1916, "It is true that there is no bar to any intelligent, earnest deaf person's higher education, provided that he has sufficient strength of mind to overcome his obstacles and discouragements. I never dreamed that I would ever be able to take out my degree, for my path was actually strewn with obstacles, and I was experiencing a thousand discouragements. Anyhow, it pays to be a digger and not a skimmer and skipper. The encouragement of my friends and their unshaken faith in my ability to come out successfully in the end have wonderfully goaded me on to greater accomplishments." Mary's words reflect her resilience and determination, inspiring others to overcome challenges.

A year before graduating from the University of Utah in 1916, Mary demonstrated her exceptional leadership skills by serving as the 'first vice president' of the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1915 to 1916. She worked closely with Paul Mark, the association's president and a successful shoemaker of Ogden (The Salt Lake Herald on June 12, 1915). Her ability to guide and inspire others made her an ideal choice for this role.

On the evening of Washington's Birthday, February 21, 1920, Mary's commitment to the Utah Deaf community was further demonstrated when she joined the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf. This significant event took place during a banquet hosted at the Newhouse Hotel, marking her active involvement in the society (White, The Silent Worker, April 1920; Golden Anniversary: Salt Lake City Division No. 56 National Fraternal Society of the Deaf 1916-1966).

The National Fraternal Society of the Deaf Banquet of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 on November 21, 1920, at the Newhouse Hotel. L-R: Roy Donelson, Florence Young, George Preece, Elsie Preece, Emery Preece, Evelyn Fehr, John Fehr, Hatti Wright, Alex Wright, - - - - - - , - - - - - - . Mary Woolslayer, Pearl Jacobsen, Elgin Jacobsen, Mrs. Rowan, John Rowan, Mildred Amundsen, Axel Amundsen, Hannah Cameron, Joseph Cameron, Amy Hawlins, Leo Hawkins, Lucille Elben, Slanley Brodie, Alice Vicks, Michael Rowan, Alma Wild, Ezra Chrislensen, Kennelh Murphy, Jack Waterhouse, Floyd Underwood

In the fall of 1916, Mary moved to Austin, Texas, where she taught physical education at the Texas School for the Deaf, the third largest school of its kind in the United States, for three years (Fay, 1916; Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography). Her dedication to her students was unwavering, and she was known for her commitment to providing quality education. However, the low altitude in Texas did not agree with her, so she relocated to Staunton, Virginia, where she continued teaching physical education at the Virginia School for the Deaf. Similar to the Utah School for the Deaf, Mary organized an annual May Festival in Staunton, Virginia, which drew a large crowd with the girls' impressive dancing performances (Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography).

Two years later, the Kentucky School for the Deaf offered Mary a position with a better salary. In the fall of 1922, she moved to Danville, Kentucky, where she became the school's first female physical education teacher and the first girls' basketball coach. Additionally, she taught physical education (Fosdick, 1856; Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography). By 1922, there was a shift in attitude toward physical fitness, recognizing that students needed exercise beyond just cleaning chores and short-term activities. In 1925, Mary began teaching in the academic department in the mornings and physical education in the afternoons. As a physical education teacher, she organized the Jollity Club, girls' tennis, and several dance clubs. She remained at the school until her retirement in 1958 (Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography).

Bill Jr. Jarvis shared that when he visited his Aunt Mary in Kentucky, she lived in a lovely second-floor apartment near the Kentucky School for the Deaf. She had a lot of energy and could climb up and down the stairs to her apartment faster than Bill could. He also recalled that when Aunt Mary took Bill and his mother to Mammoth Cave, she would always get ahead of the group while walking through the vast cave. The guide repeatedly asked her to stay with the group and even questioned Bill about where Aunt Mary got her energy. Bill explained that she was a physical education teacher and practiced what she taught (Bill Jr. Jarvis's Remembrance of Aunt Mary Woolslayer).

Before Mary moved into an apartment, she lived on the third floor of the dormitory at the Kentucky School for the Deaf for nineteen years until 1944. She was the last resident to move out. Her dorm apartment had no bathroom, so she had to go downstairs to use the restroom. Mary kept only one week's worth of clothes in her closet, storing the rest of her belongings in the basement. She frequently rode her bicycle around the campus, as it was uncommon for women to drive or own cars at that time (Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography).

Despite receiving low pay, Mary supervised the dining hall and weekly church services, where students memorized scriptures and organized entertainment for twenty-four hours each week. During her tenure, the school emphasized oral education, and most teachers did not know sign language. However, Mary was well-liked by the students because she could communicate with them through signing. The campus covered 300 acres and had a fence that separated Black and White students, who were educated on different campuses (Mary Wooslayer's Autobiography).

Mary Woolslayer

During her adult years, Mary traveled extensively and lived a happy and productive life (Mary Woolslayer Photograph Collection, 1890; Mary Woolslayer's Autobiography). She was well-read and an excellent writer, sharing her travel experiences in The Kentucky Standard publications, including Cuba and England. Additionally, she often visited Utah to spend time with family and friends. Since she never married, she was able to further her education, pursue her career, and explore the world.

Her nephew, Bill Jr. Jarvis, recalled that Aunt Mary would visit their family in Utah for a few weeks each summer. It was always a joy to see her as she spoiled her nieces and nephews with presents and treats. Mary would take them on picnics or outings to the Great Salt Lake. At that time, there were two beautiful beaches, Black Rock Beach and Sunset Beach, and a resort called "Salt Air" (Bill Jr. Jarvis's Remembrance of Aunt Mary Woolslayer).

Mary once took them to "Lagoon," a Bountiful amusement park reminiscent of an early Disneyland in Utah. Everyone loved Mary—adults and children—and they hated seeing her leave at the end of summer. Her nephew, Bill Jr. Jarvis, remembered her as a cheerful person with an infectious smile that made everyone around her smile (Bill Jr. Jarvis's Remembrance of Aunt Mary Woolslayer).

Mary Wooslayer

Later in life, Mary returned to her home state of Utah, where she could be close to her family, and she spent her final years at the Heritage Place Retirement Home in Bountiful. Mary was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attending the Salt Lake Valley Branch and teaching Relief Society. She passed away in Bountiful, Utah, on March 21, 1984, at the age of 97 (Mary Woolslayer Photograph Collection, 1890; UAD Bulletin, March 1984).

The Utah Deaf community is fortunate to have had Mary Woolslayer, a pioneer and the first Deaf female graduate of the University of Utah. She dedicated her life to advancing Deaf education, and her exceptional teaching skills were a tremendous asset to the three deaf schools. Her legacy continues to inspire us and remains a source of pride for our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gillian Nolan, Mary’s second great-niece, and Mary’s nephew, Bill Jr. Jarvis, for their invaluable contributions in preserving Mary’s legacy through the biography provided for this history website.

Gillian Nolan. Source: Facebook

References

"$1,000,000 Spent For Deaf and Blind." Salt Lake Herald (June 12, 1916): 10.

Bill Jr. Jarvis's Remembrance of Aunt Mary Woolslayer.

“Deaf Mute Working Her Way Through University Leads in her classes, adept in many arts.” Salt Lake Telegram (January 10, 1914).

Fay, Edward Allen. Organ of the Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf. American Annals of the Deaf.Washington, D.C.: Conference of Superintendents and Principals of American Schools for the Deaf, 1916. http://books.google.com/books?id=ZqlKAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA461&lpg=PA461&dq=Mary+Woolslayer+utah+deaf&source=bl&ots=lmFN_lM-J8&sig=GoVttIsw68vn5YTT0kn21OCyGow&hl=en&ei=-X5zTuOLFa6EsALR68yLBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CDsQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Mary%20Woolslayer%20utah%20deaf&f=false

Mary Woolslayer's Autobiography.

Occupation of Graduates: Utah School for the Deaf. Salt Lake City: The Arrow Press Tribune-Reporter Printing Co, June 30, 1914. http://books.google.com/books?id=-ghQAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA376&lpg=PA376&dq=Emma++Emmertson+utah++deaf&source=bl&ots=RrbNznbx_l&sig=EAiSF433vQTRKrE2coS3SBMs92w&hl=en&ei=-ZJzTrzPLoHgiAKY0720Ag&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFgQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=Emma%20%20Emmertson%20utah%20%20deaf&f=false

Fosdick, C.P. "Centennial History of the Kentucky School for the Deaf, Danville, Kentucky." Kentucky Standard, 1923.http://kdl.kyvl.org/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=kyetexts;cc=kyetexts;q1=Mary%20Woolslayer;rgn=full%20text;idno=b92-138-29331425;didno=b92-138-29331425;view=pdf;seq=52;passterms=1

Mary Woolslayer Photograph Collection. (1890). J. Willard Marriot Library, University of Utah. Collection Number UU_P0669.

Mary Woolslayer’s University of Utah Transcript, 1916.

"News of Note: Mary Woolslayer. "UAD Bulletin, vol. 7, No. 10 (March 1984): 5.

Wooslayer, Mary. "Good Books." The Utah Eagle, vol. XV, #7 (May 15, 1904): 107.

Woolslayer, Mary. "An Eye For An Eye And A Tooth For a Tooth." University Pen (March 1916).

Woolslayer, Mary. "Deaf Student Wins Her Way Through A University." Mt. Airy World (October 26, 1916).

Woolslayer, Mary. "University Experiences of Deaf Student." The Lone Star (November 15, 1916).

Emma Magdalene Emmertson,
Suffragette Leader

Emma Magdalene Emmertson's academic journey is truly remarkable. She graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1907, and in 1911, she took a significant step by enrolling at the University of Utah. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she earned a diploma in kindergarten education in 1917. At a time when Deaf individuals had limited access to higher education, Emma's ability to speak and read lips was likely a significant advantage that helped her navigate her university studies. Her resilience in overcoming these challenges is both inspiring and a source of pride. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Emma taught briefly in Salt Lake City, Utah, before moving to Wyoming to teach at the Wyoming School for the Deaf. Emma's commitment to women's rights was evident in her role as a suffragette during the Women's Rights Movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her achievements, against all odds, serve as a testament to her determination.

Emma M. Emmertsen, a 1907 Utah School for the Deaf Senior. Source: The Utah Eagle, June 6, 1907

Emma Magdalen Emmertson was born on June 27, 1888, in Huntsville, Utah, to Emmert Emmertsen and Petra Sorensen. She was originally from Ogden, Utah.

Emma lost her hearing at the age of four due to an illness. Her granddaughter, known as KristanKap, documented what happened to Emma on FamilySearch.org. According to the story passed down to KristanKap, Emma fell seriously ill when she was around four years old. At that time, her father worked all week in Ogden, Utah, and would return home to Huntsville on the weekends (KristanKap, FamilySearch.org).

One day in January, while at work, he suddenly sensed something was wrong. Despite his attempts to shake the feeling, it persisted and felt urgent. Concerned, he left work and began the long, cold hike home, seventeen miles over the North Ogden Divide (KristanKap, FamilySearch.org, December 7, 2017).

When he finally reached their house, he opened the front door to find his wife and the local doctor standing over Emma's bed. The local doctor and his wife had covered Emma's bed with a white sheet, and his wife was in tears, telling him, "Our little Emma has gone!" Emma's grandfather approached the bedside, pulled back the sheet, and gently lifted her. To their astonishment, she caught her breath. It was a miracle, and if not for that moment, I wouldn't be writing this memory today (KristanKap, FamilySearch.org, December 7, 2017).

Emma's influence reached far beyond her own accomplishments. Her granddaughter, KristanKap, fondly recalls the lessons Emma shared with her. Emma always emphasized the importance of remembering meaningful things, such as the story KristanKap had just written. Additionally, Emma nurtured a love for reading in her granddaughter, a passion that KristanKap still cherishes today. Her guidance and wisdom continue to inspire KristanKap, highlighting the lasting impact of their relationship (KristanKap, FamilySearch.org, December 7, 2017).

Emma began her academic journey at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, at the age of 15. During her senior year in 1907, she not only excelled in her studies but also joined the girls' basketball team, where she demonstrated her leadership and teamwork skills.

The Utah School for the Deaf Basketball Team, 1907. L-R: Nettie West (Carter), Emma Emmertson (Jorgenson), Elsie M. Christiansen, John P. Bush - Coach, Elizabeth Eggingston (Buck), Ivy Griggs (Low)

Emma's academic journey is truly remarkable. She graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1907, and in 1911, she took a significant step by enrolling at the University of Utah. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she earned a diploma in kindergarten education in 1917, as documented in her transcript, the general catalog, and the University of Utah Commencement program for that year.

Emma Magdalene Emmertson's class of 1917 at the University of Utah. 'School of Education: Candidates for the Kindergarten Diploma.' Source: The 1916-1917 University of Utah Commencement Program

At a time when Deaf individuals had limited access to higher education, Emma's ability to speak and read lips was likely a significant advantage that helped her navigate her university studies. Her resilience in overcoming these challenges is both inspiring and a source of pride. Emma's achievements, against all odds, serve as a testament to her determination.

After obtaining her bachelor's degree, Emma briefly taught in Salt Lake City, Utah, before moving to Wyoming to teach at the Wyoming School for the Deaf (Mary Woolslayer, Salt Lake Telegram, January 10, 1914; Anne Leahy, personal communication, September 30, 2011).

The Salt Lake Telegram published on January 10, 1914, contradicts Emma's university transcript. The article states that Emma Emmertson graduated from the University of Utah a few years before her classmate Mary Woolslayer, who graduated in 1916. This intriguing discrepancy adds a layer of mystery to Emma's story, and we will use the transcript as our primary source until we find further information to resolve this.

Emma Magdalene Emmertson's class of 1917 at the University of Utah. The 1916-1917 Catalog of the University of Utah

Emma, in her capacity as the secretary for the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1915, played a crucial role in documenting and organizing the association's activities. She worked closely with Paul Mark, the association's president and successful shoemaker of Ogden (The Salt Lake Herald on June 12, 1915). Her excellent writing skills were a perfect fit for her secretary role.

At the age of 30, Emma married a Deaf man named Carl Emil Jorgensen, an Ogden native, on August 8, 1918, in Farmington, Utah, and had two sons, Emmert Christian (b. 1919) and Don Carl (b. 1922).

Emma's role as a suffragette, as revealed by her grandson Don Jorgenson II in an interview with Carolyn Jorgenson conducted by Anne Leahy, an ASL interpreter and history researcher, has significantly shaped her enduring legacy. Utah played a unique role in the women's suffrage movement, shaped by its distinct blend of religious and political dynamics, which is crucial for understanding Emma's origins. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a major political and social force in Utah, played a significant role in supporting women's rights. Utah's women's suffrage campaign was more than just a local effort; it was a transformative movement that had a significant impact on Emma's life. The campaign successfully secured women's right to vote, first in Utah in 1870 and then again in 1896, marking important milestones in the state's history.

Emma grew up in an environment where women enjoyed their voting rights—a privilege that shaped her understanding of civic duty and equality. This right was granted by the territorial legislature on February 14, 1870, sixteen years before her birth. By the time Emma was eight years old, Utah had become the third state to grant women the right to vote in 1896. The victories of 1870 and 1896 are significant, reflecting the hard-fought battle for women's rights in Utah.

Emma's steadfast commitment to advocating for women's voting rights played a crucial role in the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. This landmark event in the history of women's suffrage allowed women across the nation to participate in elections and represented a significant step toward achieving gender equality. However, while this amendment granted white women the right to vote after years of struggle and perseverance, it primarily benefited them. It wasn't until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that all women, including women of color, were guaranteed the right to vote. Women of color, who had been at the forefront of the suffrage movement but were often marginalized in historical accounts, finally received the recognition they deserved. Their contributions, often overlooked, were instrumental in the fight for women's rights.

In 1915, Emma attended the Utah Association of the Deaf, where Elizabeth DeLong, the organization's first female president, delivered a speech on suffrage at the association's convention. Both Elizabeth and Emma played pivotal roles in the suffrage movement, a significant social and political effort to secure women's voting rights. Emma's granddaughter, Kristan Kap, described her as a "very strong woman" on FamilySearch.org, underscoring the profound impact of Emma's activism.

Elizabeth DeLong's Suffrage Talk at the 1915 Utah Association of the Deaf Convention. 'Deaf People of Two States Will Hold Reunion.' Source: The Ogden Daily Standard, June 9, 1915

The 1896 campaign had a significant impact on Elizabeth DeLong, who was nineteen when women in Utah regained the right to vote. Throughout her upbringing, women had enjoyed this right since the Utah Territorial Legislature passed a law on February 14, 1870, granting them suffrage—seven years before her birth. Prior to this, the United States federal government had revoked voting rights for women in Utah due to the anti-polygamy Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1878. This federal law aimed to suppress the practice of polygamy in the Utah Territory and disincorporate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was a significant political and social force in Utah at that time. The personal stories of women like Emma and Elizabeth DeLong, who were directly affected by these laws, highlight the human side of the historical struggle for women's rights in Utah.

The transformative impact of this campaign, both in Utah and across the broader suffrage movement, highlights the importance of collective action and underscores the early history of women's suffrage in Utah. This history is particularly significant within both Deaf and hearing communities, which played a crucial role in the suffrage movement. The Deaf community, often overlooked in historical narratives, was instrumental in advocating for women's suffrage, demonstrating the intersectionality of the movement. Their contributions are a vital part of the history of suffrage and deserve recognition. For more information, you can explore it more on the 'Outstanding Contributions in the Early History of Utah's Deaf and Non-Deaf Women' webpage on this website.

Utah became a state, the 3rd with votes for women, on January 4, 1896. Source: askasuffragist.com

Emma passed away on December 3, 1969, at the age of 81. She is buried in Sacramento, California. We, the Utah Deaf community, are deeply appreciative of Emma's strong advocacy for Deaf women's voting rights, which we now often take for granted.

Notes

Anne Leahy, personal communication, September 30, 2011.

Carolyn Jorgenson, wife of Don Jorgenson II, interview by Anne Leahy, September 30, 2011.

References

"$1,000,000 Spent For Deaf and Blind." Salt Lake Herald (June 12, 1916): 10.

"Deaf Mute Working Her Way Through University Leads in her classes, adept in many arts." Salt Lake Telegram. (January 10, 1914).

"Deaf People of Two States Will Hold Reunion." The Ogden Daily Standard, June 9, 1915.

Emma M. Emmertson’s University of Utah Transcript, 1917.

KristanKap. "My Grandma." FamilySearch.org (December 7, 2017).

Justina Wooldridge Keeley,
Community Advocate Leader

Justina Wooldridge Keeley, a member of Salt Lake City Division No. 56 of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf (NFSD), an insurance for the deaf, demonstrated remarkable perseverance. During a visit to Missouri from Utah, Justina, a significant figure in the history of the NFSD, where she discovered a Deaf-owned and operated insurance organization, which became a turning point for her. Justina's discovery was bittersweet, as the NFSD had previously denied her and other women full membership and admission. Women did not receive regular insurance membership until 1951, which marked a significant advancement in women's rights (Records of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900–2006). This change highlighted the importance of gender inclusion in the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf and represented a considerable achievement in the struggle for equality within the organization.

Justina Wooldridge Keeley. Source: FamilySearch.org

Justina Wooldridge Keeley, born on December 7, 1888, in East Lynne, Missouri, was the daughter of Robert A. Wooldridge and Mary F. Clement. The cause of her deafness remains unknown. She was a member of the Methodist Church, a faith that played a significant role in her life.

Justina married a Deaf man named Joseph Goshen Keeley on December 24, 1912, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Joseph's siblings, Alfred Charles Jr. and Kate Orr Keeley, were also deaf, and Kate never married. Their deafness was attributed to their mother, Viola Goshen, using quinine during her pregnancies. Back then, doctors were not aware of the side effects of quinine.

Justina Wooldridge Keeley and Joseph Goshen Keeley. Source: FamilySearch.org

In 1891, Joseph enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf, which was located at the University of Deseret (later renamed the University of Utah) in Salt Lake City, Utah. Joseph's deaf siblings, Alfred and Kate, enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf when it moved to Ogden, Utah, in 1896. Their father, Alfred Charles Keeley, owned Keeley's Ice Cream Company in Salt Lake City, Utah. After graduating from Gallaudet College in 1916, Alfred worked in his father's business (Alfred Charles Keeley Jr., Gallaudet University Alumni Cards: 1866–1962).

Alfred Charles Keeley, Jr. working in his father, Alfred Charles Keeley's Keeley's Ice Cream Company. Source: FamilySearch.org

The Keeley Ice Cream Sign in Lehi, Utah. Source: FamilySearch.org

The Old Keeley Ice Cream Parlor. Source: FamilySearch.org

Justina's contributions to the Utah Association of the Deaf were not just significant, they were widely recognized. In 1936, she was honored with a lifetime membership in the association, a testament to her dedication and impact (UAD Bulletin, June 1973). She held positions as a board member and secretary, further solidifying her role in the association and her recognition in the community.

Justina, a significant figure in the history of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, later joined the Salt Lake City Division No. 56, an insurance organization for the Deaf community. During a visit to Missouri from Utah, she discovered a Deaf-owned and operated insurance organization, which became a turning point for her. After returning to Salt Lake City, she shared this news and inspired others, including Melville John Matheis, a Deaf resident of Utah. Intrigued by the organization, he made a personal journey to Chicago to gain a deeper understanding of its operations. Impressed by what he saw, he became an NFSD member on August 1, 1916. Eight men, with the assistance of Grand Secretary-Treasurer Francis P. Gibson, established the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 on October 24, 1916 (UAD Bulletin, Summer, 1966; Walker, 1966).

Justina's discovery was bittersweet, as the NFSD had previously denied her and other women full membership and admission. Women did not receive regular insurance membership until 1951, which marked a significant advancement in women's rights (Records of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900–2006). This change highlighted the importance of gender inclusion in the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf and represented a considerable achievement in the struggle for equality within the organization.

Robert Keeley (son), Lacy Wooldridge, and Joseph Goshen Keeley. Source: FamilySearch.org

Justina passed away in a Salt Lake hospital due to natural causes on April 6, 1973, and she is buried in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, alongside her husband (UAD Bulletin, June 1973).

Justina W. Keeley. Source: Golden Anniversary: Salt Lake City Division No. 56. October 15, 1966

References

“Alfred Charles Keeley Jr.: B.A., 1916.” Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/46239

Gallaudet University Archives. “Records of National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900-2006. MSS 163." http://www.gallaudet.edu/Library_Deaf_Collections_and_Archives/Collections/Manuscript_Collection/MSS_163.html

"Justina W. Keeley." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 8, No. 3 (June 1973): 5.

Afton Curtis Burdett, Educational Leader

After Afton Curtis Burdett graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1933, she attended Gallaudet College. While at Gallaudet, she worked as a maid for the college president, Percival Hall. Afton later dropped out of Gallaudet to marry Kenneth C. Burdett, who was also a graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf and Gallaudet College. With her family and work responsibilities, Afton returned to college and eventually became the first Deaf student to graduate from Weber State College (later renamed Weber State University) in 1956, earning an Associate of Science degree. She continued her studies at Utah State University to earn a bachelor's degree with honors. On June 6, 1959, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an English minor, leaving a significant mark in the field of Deaf education.

Afton Curtis, a 1933 Utah School for the Deaf Senior

Afton Curtis Burdett was the first child and only daughter of Guy A. Curtis and Agnes Rasmussen. She was born on September 14, 1914, in Ferron City, Utah. As a young child, she suffered from an ear infection, which led to permanent hearing loss. Her parents sought medical treatment for her in Salt Lake City, Utah. The physicians were unable to help at the time. When Afton turned six, her family moved to Ogden, Utah, so that she could attend the Utah School for the Deaf. While at the school, she lived in a dorm, but her family remained nearby.

Afton was a brilliant student who excelled in various subjects, such as reading, math, sign language, and ballet. She even went on to teach dance to others. She also picked up woodworking skills in a manual training class and eventually crafted a beautiful cedar chest (A Family Remembered: The Family of Hans Peter Rasmussen and Anna Maria Andersen).

Afton Curtis standing outside of the Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden, Utah, in the late 1920s & early 1930s

After graduating from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1933, Afton went on to attend Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C. Her decision to pursue higher education was influenced by her friend and classmate Delores Atkinson, whom she dropped off at the airport on her way to Gallaudet. Afton expressed her gratitude to Delores in the Utah Eagle magazine: "She is my best pal who has helped me in many ways during our school days." Her teachers and friends supported her decision to go to Gallaudet College (The Utah Eagle, 1933). Afton took on a job as a maid for the college president, Percival Hall (Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Afton Curtis Burdett, 1945

While at Gallaudet, Afton reconnected with Kenneth C. Burdett, a fellow student from the Utah School for the Deaf, and they quickly became a steady couple (A Family Remembered: The Family of Hans Peter Rasmussen and Anna Maria Andersen). Kenneth was a senior, while Afton was a freshman. After Kenneth graduated from Gallaudet College in 1934, Afton returned to Utah to join him rather than complete her studies there. These were also the years of the Great Depression, and Afton's family could no longer afford to finance her tuition fees (Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

On July 29, 1936, they became the first couple to marry at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Their marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 5, 1941. They were blessed with two children: JoAnn (hearing) in August 1945 and Ronald (Deaf) in September 1947 (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866–1957; The Utahan Yearbook, 1974; Obituary of Kenneth C. Burdett; Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011). As Ronald grew, his parents discovered his hearing difficulties, attributing them to an earlier influenza attack (A Family Remembered: The Family of Hans Peter Rasmussen and Anna Maria Andersen).

Afton Curtis & Kenneth C. Burdett. Marriage Ceremony in the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, July 29, 1936

Ronald, also known as Ron, enrolled at the Utah School for the Deaf when he was five. As Ron was completing his junior year, the Utah School for the Deaf was facing academic and social challenges, leading to a decline in student morale. In 1964, he attended the 100th-year reunion of his classmate, Celia May Laramie Baldwin, at Gallaudet. This event became a turning point in Ron's life, inspiring him to join the college. He enrolled in Gallaudet's college preparatory program, which prepared him for college-level work the following year. After successfully passing his entrance exams in the summer of 1965, he set off for Washington, D.C. He spent his senior year of high school as a prep student at Gallaudet (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1966). Ron's father, a Gallaudet College alum, had encouraged him to "take the plunge." Ron's journey continued as he earned a bachelor's degree in computer studies and accounting from Gallaudet College in 1970, followed by a master's in special education and rehabilitation from California State University, Northridge.

Ron's journey was marked by success in his diverse career paths. He served as a professor and Dean of Deaf Studies and Special Services at Ohlone College, and also held the prestigious positions of president of the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability, division director of the Southern Utah Deaf and Hard of Hearing Division, and Vice President of Community Relations at Sorenson Communications, Inc. (UAD Bulletin, March 2006).

Joyanne K. Rasmus, Ron's wife, is a woman of many achievements. She attended Berkeley's California School for the Deaf and later Gallaudet College, where she was actively involved in the Junior National Association of the Deaf and the sorority Phi Kappa Zeta (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970). In 1970, she earned her Bachelor of Science in library studies. Shortly after, she married Ron of Ogden, Utah, also a Gallaudet graduate. Following marriage, she pursued a master's degree in special education and vocational rehabilitation at California State University, Northridge. Joyanne's career at the California School for the Deaf spanned 30 years, during which she also embraced The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her personal achievements are evident in her participation in various professional courses, training, and lectures outside her workplace. For over twenty years, she shared her knowledge and passion for American Sign Language, American Deaf Culture, and American Deaf History at colleges and universities. Her personal achievements are further highlighted by her involvement in various professional organizations. Joyanne and Ron are parents to two children: Regy, born in 1978, and Jonalda, born in 1980 (Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, May 5, 2012).

Ronald C. Burdett's Gallaudet sweetheart and wife, Joyanne K. Rasmus. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970

Afton had a wide range of interests and hobbies. She and Kenneth enjoyed camping with family and friends. Every summer, they spent a lot of time camping as a family in the Jackson Hole/Yellowstone area. They loved fishing, boating, and water skiing on Jackson Lake. Extended family and friends enjoyed spending time with the Burdetts at their campground whenever possible (Source: Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Afton and Kenneth worked as houseparents for a year and a half while employed at the Utah School for the Deaf. From 1943 to 1945, Afton worked as a clerk-typist at the Defense Depot in Ogden, Utah. She also served as a substitute teacher for the school where Kenneth was also employed (A Family Remembered: The Family of Hans Peter Rasmussen and Anna Maria Andersen).

Afton Curtis Burdett teaching a typing class at the Utah School for the Deaf in the 1950s

Afton began her career at the Utah School for the Deaf as a girls' counselor. In 1936, she became actively involved with the Girl Scouts organization and remained a Girl Scout leader for the next twenty-four years. She received a scholarship to attend an international workshop for the Girl Scouts Division for the Deaf at the Edith Macy Training School in Pleasantville, New York. In 1952, she began teaching typing at the Utah School for the Deaf and worked as a girls' physical education instructor for eight years. She also taught home economics and shorthand (Christopulos, Utah Eagle, October 1960). She also taught home economics (Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, personal communication, October 27, 2011).

Afton also served as president and teacher of the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association, as well as as a Sunday School and Relief Society teacher at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf (Christopulos, The Utah Eagle, October 1960).

Afton Curtis Burdett, Director of the Physical Education at the Utah School for the Deaf, 1956

While working at the Utah School for the Deaf, Afton aspired to teach English and history, but she needed a bachelor's degree to do so. As a result, she returned to college, teaching specialty classes at the Utah School for the Deaf and raising two children. She eventually became the first Deaf student to graduate from Weber State College (later renamed Weber State University) in 1956, earning an Associate of Science degree. She continued her studies at Utah State University to earn a bachelor's degree with honors. On June 6, 1959, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an English minor, leaving a significant mark in the field of Deaf education. Kenneth supported her throughout her studies by taking on many household responsibilities with the help of their children and working at night as a printer, which helped pay Afton's tuition (Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866–1959; Tegeder, The Utah Eagle, October 1959; A Family Remembered: The Family of Hans Peter Rasmussen and Anna Maria Andersen; Ronald Burdett, personal communication, May 13, 2009).

Afton was thrilled to start her teaching career after finishing her degree. However, shortly after graduation, she started feeling exhausted and short of breath. She sought medical attention and discovered that a valve in her heart was defective, possibly due to a childhood episode of rheumatic fever. The doctors determined that she needed open heart surgery to address the issue. She underwent surgery in Salt Lake City, Utah, in May 1959. The operation was successful, and after a few months of recovery, she felt better than she had in years. However, just a year after graduating, Afton developed an abnormal heartbeat the following summer. Despite treatments to fix it, she died on August 23, 1960, at her home in Ogden, Utah. She was 45 years old. Funeral services were held in the Larkin Chapel on August 26, 1960, presided over by President Max W. Woodbury of the Ogden Branch for the Deaf.

Afton Curtis & Kenneth C. Burdett, 1954

Afton was well-loved and had many friends. She was also a well-respected teacher, and her accomplishments with her students will be remembered (Christopulos, Utah Eagle, October 1960). Celia May Laramie Baldwin, a former Utah School for the Deaf student, describes her as one of those teachers who attracted students like bees to honey. When Celia May was in eighth grade, she and her classmates would sneak into Afton's high school classroom after school for a chat. She would stop whatever she was doing and give them her complete attention. Celia described Afton as having a positive perspective on life in general. She encouraged her students to achieve well in junior high and reminded them they would soon join high school. At the time, there were no Deaf teachers below the ninth grade. They were 8th graders who expected to be in her typing and physical education classes the following year, especially her Girl Scout division. Celia May added, "Little did we know that we would never have the opportunity to have that great teacher, as she left us unexpectedly when school began the following fall of 1960" (Celia May Baldwin, personal communication, March 20, 2012).

Afton Curtis Burdett on far left with students of the Utah School for the Deaf in 1953

Although Afton's life was cut short, her unwavering determination to pursue an education was truly inspirational. The Afton Burdett Memorial gift to the Arthur Wenger Scholarship Fund, later renamed the Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf, was created to honor her lifelong commitment to Deaf education and to express the Deaf community's gratitude for her contributions (UAD Bulletin, Fall 1960).

Afton Curtis Burdett, 1960

Notes

Celia May Baldwin, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, March 20, 2012.

Joyanne Burdett, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, May 5, 2012.

Ronald Burdett, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, May 13, 2009.

Ronald & Joyanne Burdett, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, October 27, 2011.

References

A Family Remembered: The Family of Hans Peter Rasmussen and Anna Maria Andersen.

Afton Curtis. Utah Eagle, 1933.

Afton Burdett Memorial. UAD Bulletin (Fall 1960): 6.

Announcements: Joyanne Rasmus and Ronald Burdett. UAD Bulletin, Vol. 6. No. 2 (Winter 1970): 8.

“Afton Curtis: 1938.” Gallaudet University Alumni Cards, 1866-1957. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/47523

Christopulos, Tony. "Unexpected Deaf of Mrs. Burdett Mars Opening of School Year at Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind." The Utah Eagle, vol. 72, no. 1 (October 1960): 2.

Obituary: Kenneth C. Burdett.

"Ron Burdett Begins New Job at Sorenson.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 29.10 (March 2006): 5-6.

Tegeder, Robert W. Of Interest. The Utah Eagle (October 1959): 9.

The Utahn Yearbook, 1974.

Utah Eagle, 1933.

"Wins UAD Award.” The UAD Bulletin, Vol. 4, No. 1 (Fall 1966): 1.

Valerie G. Kinney, Meticulous Leader

Valerie G. Kinney has been a dedicated member of the Utah Association for the Deaf since 1967. Over the past forty years, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment and loyalty. Valerie has been an essential part of the Utah Association for the Deaf, serving as a meticulous record keeper. Her deep involvement with the Utah Deaf community began during her time at the Utah Association for the Deaf. Valerie has served in various roles within the association, making significant contributions to the Utah Deaf community. She holds the record as the longest-serving board member of the association, with no one surpassing her tenure. Additionally, she has served on various committees and held positions such as vice president, secretary, assistant treasurer, treasurer, UAD Bulletin editor, UAD Announce moderator, UAD Bookstore manager, co-editor of a directory for Deaf Utahns and Utah Telecom Book, showcasing her diverse experience within the Utah Association for the Deaf. Her record for the longest membership in the UAD is a testament to her dedication and continuity. Her steadfast support also has provided stability for the Deaf community in Utah.

Valerie also served at the Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf, an esteemed organization committed to offering educational opportunities for the Deaf community. Her outstanding business and office management skills led to her appointment as the office administrator for the 16th Winter Deaflympics in 2007.

Valerie G. Kinney

Valerie G. Kinney, also known as Val or "V" in the Utah Deaf community, was born on April 27, 1941, to hearing parents Earl and Verna Kinney in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She became deaf at the age of 2 1/2 due to spinal meningitis, which was a life-altering event that shaped her future and her dedication to the Utah Deaf community (Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, March 16, 2012).

Valerie's early educational journey is a testament to her perseverance. She started attending the Jericho School for the Deaf when she was four years old and stayed there for two years. Due to her rapid progress, she transitioned to first grade at Bayview Elementary School, a public school near her home. She continued her education at Kitsilano High School for grades 7–12 and graduated in 1960. Despite the lack of sign language interpreters at the time, she improved her reading and writing skills through extensive reading (Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, March 16, 2012).

Valerie G. Kinney, 1960s

Val attended Gallaudet College after working for Shell Corporation as a keypunch operator for two years. She considered going to Gallaudet because a friend from California had gone there. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in psychology in 1966 (Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, March 16, 2012). She joined the Delta Epsilon sorority during her final year at Gallaudet. Her former husband, Dennis Platt, was a college classmate of hers. He accepted a position in the Weber County Recorder's office in Ogden, Utah, in the spring of 1966, replacing Robert G. Sanderson, who was leaving to work in Vocational Rehabilitation in Salt Lake City, Utah. Val accepted a one-year position as an English teacher at Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, Maryland. Val and Dennis married in Vancouver, Canada, on August 5, 1967, and moved to Ogden, Utah (Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, March 16, 2012).

Val's leadership in the Utah Deaf community is impressive. She has served as the secretary of two organizations over the years, including the Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD) for five terms and the Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf from 1976 to 2010s. She is the foundation's longest-serving secretary. In addition to recording minutes, she also managed the scholarship application process (Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, March 16, 2012).

Utah Association for the Deaf Officers, 1969-1971. Front Row L-R: Richard Brubaker, Valerie Kinney Platt, Joseph Burnett, Dennis Platt, Ned Wheeler. Back Row L-R: Robert Bonnell, Lloyd Perkins, David Mortensen. Absent: George Laramie and Gene Stewart

Val received the Golden Hand Award in 1981 for her dedicated voluntary work editing the UAD Bulletin (UAD Bulletin, July 1981).

The Utah Association for the Deaf established its first formal office in the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful, Utah, in 1983. Val was hired on a part-time basis as the organization's business manager. This was likely the first Deaf state association office in the country (Sanderson, 2004). She resigned as business manager when she moved to Arkansas in 1990 (Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, March 16, 2012).

Valerie G. Kinney

Val became the manager of the Utah Association for the Deaf bookstore in 2003 after the previous manager, Peter Green, passed away. In 2007, she passed on her responsibilities to Adele Sigoda. Val was the moderator of UAD Announce from 2001 to 2009, at which point Donna Melander took over. Since 1978, she has co-edited the Utah Telecom Book, previously known as the Utah Teleprinter Directory, a directory for Deaf Utahns, along with W. David Mortensen, the editor, and Ron Nelson, the co-editor. Val was a member of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, Ogden Division No. 127, until the Society ceased operations in January 1970. She was later honored with induction into the NFSD's Golden Circle, a recognition given to members who had been with the NFSD for twenty-five years or more and had continued to serve their Division and the Society after achieving the 34th degree. Less than 1% of all Society members had received the Golden Circle award (UAD Bulletin, April 2000).

Val worked for the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF), previously known as the American Athletic Association of the Deaf (AAAD). She served as an administrative assistant for Shirley Hortie Platt, the executive director at AAAD's first national headquarters in Ogden, Utah (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 1992; UAD Bulletin, January 2003). She played a crucial role in setting up office systems and processes, maintaining organizational documents, managing finances, handling correspondence, and fulfilling various special requests from the Board. Val's dedication and attention to detail were evident in her work.

Val made strong and lasting connections with the leaders of national sports organizations. She helped them obtain USADSF approval for national sports events, gathered information, processed paperwork, and provided sound advice. Her dry sense of humor made her correspondents chuckle in almost every email (UAD Bulletin, January 2003). When the USADSF office moved to the Communication Services to the Deaf (CSD) office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 2003, she made the decision to remain in Ogden, Utah (UAD Bulletin, January 2003; Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, March 16, 2012

Valerie G. Kinney. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell, 1980s

In 2002, Val was honored with the President's Award from the USADSF for her outstanding service to the organization. Her commitment to the USADSF not only made their work more enjoyable but also eased their daily operations (UAD Bulletin, January 2003). She joined as an office administrator for the 2007 16th Winter Deaflympics in 2005 and held the position for four years (UAD Bulletin, March 2007).

In 2011, Val received the President's Award from the Utah Association for the Deaf in recognition of her forty-four years of service to the UAD, starting in 1967. Her work with the UAD has had a significant impact on the Utah Deaf community (UAD Bulletin, July 2011). Over the past forty years, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment and loyalty. Valerie has been an essential part of the Utah Association for the Deaf, serving as a meticulous record keeper. Her deep involvement with the Utah Deaf community began during her time at the Utah Association for the Deaf. Valerie has served in various roles within the association, making significant contributions to the Utah Deaf community. She holds the record as the longest-serving board member of the association, with no one surpassing her tenure. Additionally, she has served on various committees and held positions such as vice president, secretary, assistant treasurer, treasurer, UAD Bulletin editor, UAD Announce moderator, UAD Bookstore manager, co-editor of a directory for Deaf Utahns and Utah Telecom Book, showcasing her diverse experience within the Utah Association for the Deaf. Her record for the longest membership in the UAD is a testament to her dedication and continuity. Her steadfast support also has provided stability for the Deaf community in Utah.

Val and Dennis divorced in 1987 after twenty years of marriage. After the divorce, Val briefly married John G. Schroedel and lived in Arkansas before returning to Utah. Val and Dennis have two children, Catherine A. Platt Tarbet and John F. Platt. They are also grandparents and great-grandparents (Valerie G. Kinney, personal communication, March 16, 2012).

Val's meticulous attention to detail will be remembered by everyone who knows her. She is a phenomenal leader, and the Deaf community in Utah is privileged to have her.

Valerie G. Kinney, 2014

Notes

Valerie G. Kinney, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, March 16, 2012.

References

“1981 Convention in Retrospect.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 5, No. 2 (July 1981): 3.

“2005 UAD Conference Minutes.” http://www.uad.org/archive/2005uadconf/2005_conference_minutes.htm

“2011 UAD Conference a Success.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 35.02 (July 2011): 1.

“Golden Circle Gains New Member.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 23.11 (April 2000): 1.

Platt, Shirley. “If We Build It, They Will Come…And They Did!” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 30.10 (March 2007): 1.

Schroedel (Kinney), Valerie. “AAAD Office Moved.” UAD Bulletin, v. 16, no. 2 (July 1992): 7.

“USADSF Honors Utahn.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 26.8 (January 2003): 1.

Celia May Laramie Baldwin,
Community Organizer Leader

As a senior at Gallaudet College, Celia May Laramie Baldwin was a trailblazer, being the only female member of the 1970 Junior NAD Convention, where she served as the general chairwoman. Her leadership was instrumental in proposing numerous ideas and programs for the development of future leaders. In the same year, she was elected to the new Gallaudet College Board of Fellows, further solidifying her unique position. Despite the responsibilities of raising two small children, Celia May continued to pursue her many talents and interests outside of work, remaining an active member of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf Division #56, the Utah Association for the Deaf, and various other organizations. Her dedication to serving others was evident through her involvement in community, state, and national organizations. On December 2, 1998, Gallaudet University President I. King Jordan appointed Celia May to the Board of Trustees ten years after the Gallaudet University Deaf President Now Protest. Throughout her long service, Celia May had a successful career and made significant contributions to the Deaf community.

Celia May Laramie Baldwin. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1969

Celia May Laramie Baldwin, known locally and nationally as 'CM,' was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 20, 1947, to George L. Laramie and Dora Benoit, both of whom were deaf. Her deafness was hereditary, and she was from a four-generation Deaf family on her mother's side; her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were all Deaf. This deep connection to Deaf culture was a significant part of her identity and influenced her dedication to preserving the stories of their culture throughout the generations. 'I was born into a deaf culture,' she remarked in a 1999 San Jose Mercury News interview. 'I've never known anyone else. I'm very dedicated to preserving the stories of our culture throughout the generations. I'm very happy with who I am, and I'm proud to be from a deaf family (Hull, San Jose Mercury News, April 27, 1999).

Celia May was born and raised in Utah. She grew up in Salt Lake City before moving to Bountiful, Utah, with her family. At home, they communicated using American Sign Language (Gallaudet Today, Spring 1974).

Celia May's father, George, graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1927 and worked for the Salt Lake Tribune for 25 years as a linotype operator. He was the president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, the Utah Athletic Club for the Deaf, and the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf (NFSD) Division No. 56. In 1976, he was named the local division's "Frater" of the Year, and he was inducted into the NFSD's National Hall of Fame. George and his wife, Dora, were instrumental in establishing a deaf chapter at St. Olaf's Catholic Church in Bountiful, Utah (Deseret News, May 8, 1990). In 1982, the two assisted Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, the state supervisor of deaf services at the time, in locating an empty Bountiful church to convert into a deaf community center. Dr. Sanderson had long campaigned for a deaf-friendly space (Sanderson, 2004).

George Laramie, a linotyper for the Newspaper Agency Corporation plant in Salt Lake City, Utah, 1968. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

Dora, the mother of Celia May, was born in Kansas. An ear infection caused her to lose her hearing at a young age, leading to a diagnosis of severe deafness at the age of 13 (Bass, 1982). She graduated from the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe, Kansas, in 1931 and then from Gallaudet College in 1936. After graduating, she taught at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf for two years before moving to Utah, where she married George Laramie. Dora spent some years sewing uniforms for the Air Force (Celia May Laramie Baldwin, April 15, 2012). In 1954, she started teaching at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, where she served as a teacher for eighteen years. Later, she taught oral education for two years at Salt Lake City's Utah School for the Deaf Extension Program, covering subjects like housekeeping, typing, reading, math, and dance. Dora retired from teaching full-time in 1976 but continued working as a part-time substitute teacher. She eventually retired completely and engaged in various activities (Davis County Clipper, July 1981; Bass, 1982).

Dora Laramie, a teacher of the Utah School for the Deaf, 1968. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968

As time passed, the two divisions became more tolerant of each other, and the atmosphere became more relaxed. Barbara Bass, a longtime Deaf teacher, remembered Dora for focusing on supporting and educating her students during this period (Bass, 1982). Among her former students, Dora was known as an excellent English instructor who excelled at teaching sentence structure and meaning. They remembered hoping they could stay in school longer to learn more from her.

Dora not only taught but also served as secretary or treasurer for numerous deaf organizations, as an evaluator for the Utah Registry of Deaf Interpreters, and as a strong supporter of the Utah Community Center for the Deaf (Bass, 1982). Her friendliness, fairness, intelligence, and strategic thinking, along with her dedicated service to Deaf education and the Utah Deaf community, earned her recognition (Davis County Clipper, July 1981; Bass, 1982).

Celia May attended nursery school at the University of Utah as a child and then attended the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, from 1952 until 1965 (Gallaudet Today, Spring 1974). Her sister, Bridget Mary, also attended the same school in 1955 and graduated in 1971.

Celia May initially started in an oral class at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, where the use of sign language was not allowed. Students in the oral classes were only allowed to start signing once they reached ninth grade. However, they could still sign after school and in the dorms. Celia May remembers that their teachers would punish students for signing in class by hitting them with erasers or yardsticks. In the fall of 1961, when she started ninth grade, she was finally allowed to use sign language in the classroom (Celia May Laramie Baldwin, personal communication, April 15, 2012).

Celia May had been an only child for several years and longed for a sister. She got her wish for her 8th birthday when George went to Seattle, Washington, and returned with Bridget Mary, her adoptive sister. Bridget didn't know sign language; her only signs were "ha ha" and sticking out her tongue, but she thrived and grew into a lovely girl. She died from acute leukemia on May 23, 1985. Dora had to divide her responsibilities as a mother and teacher, whereas Celia May and Bridget went to the Utah School for the Deaf. They had to address their mother as "Mrs. Laramie" throughout their school years. Dora did not intervene when each daughter was at odds with someone in authority and ran to her mother for support (Davis County Clipper, July 1981; Bass, 1982; Celia May Laramie Baldwin, personal communication, April 15, 2012).

Celia May Laramie Baldwin, age 4 in 1951. 'U' Workshop Brings Hopes. Source: Publication unknown

Celia May was a student at Ogden's residential school when the Utah School for the Deaf made a significant change by introducing the dual-track program, also commonly known as the "Y" system, which had a profound impact on the education of Deaf children in the fall of 1962. This program mandated that all Deaf children begin with the oral program. This system separated learning into two distinct channels: the oral department, which focused on speech, lipreading, amplified sound, and reading, and the simultaneous communication department, which emphasized instruction through the manual alphabet, signs, speech, and reading. The student could not enroll in the simultaneous communication program until they reached 6th or 7th grade (The Utah Eagle, February 1968; Wight, Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 19, 1970).

The dual-track program also divided Ogden's residential campus into an oral department and a simultaneous communication department, each with its own classrooms, dining halls, dormitory facilities, recess periods, and extracurricular activities. The school prohibited interaction between oral and sign language students (The Utah Eagle, February 1968; Wight, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 19, 1970). However, due to low student enrollment in competitive sports, the athletic program combined both departments. The team had oral and sign language coaches to communicate with their respective students (The Utah Eagle, February 1968). This unique situation highlights the challenges and complexities of implementing the dual-track program.

During the 1962–63 school year, some changes were made at the Utah School for the Deaf without informing the Deaf students. When the students arrived at school in August, they were surprised to find out about the changes. These changes caused a lot of anger among older students, as well as many disagreements between veteran teachers and the Utah Deaf community. Barbara Schell Bass, a long-serving Deaf teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf, said that the students' physical and methodological separation had painful consequences. Many teachers lost their friendships due to philosophical disagreements, classmates isolated themselves from each other, and administrators struggled to divide their loyalties (Bass, 1982).

Dissatisfaction with the dual-track program's "Y" segregation system, which separated oral and sign language students, led to protests. Despite the concerns raised by Celia May, a sophomore, and other high school students, the school administration dismissed their objections. The students participated in a student strike to oppose the new dual-track policy, as they felt that it created a "wall" preventing oral and sign language students from interacting with each other (Celia May Laramie Baldwin, personal communication, April 15, 2012). Despite their outcry, the school administration continued with the dual-track policy.

Celia May Laramie performs “The Farmer and the Rooster." Source: The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1965

As the education system at the Utah School for the Deaf started to decline academically and socially, and student morale was low, Celia May and her classmate Ronald Burdett, the son of Kenneth C. Burdett and Afton Curtis, finished their junior year. In 1964, Celia May and Ron attended Gallaudet's 100th-year reunion and were convinced to enroll in the college (Celia May Laramie Baldwin, personal communication, April 15, 2012). They enrolled in Gallaudet's college preparatory course to prepare for college-level work the following year. After passing the entrance exams, Celia May and Ron headed to Washington, D.C., in the summer of 1965 (The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1966). Their parents encouraged them to "take the plunge."

During her five years at Gallaudet College, Celia May was an active and engaged student. She excelled academically while participating in various extracurricular activities. Celia was a member of the Phi Kappa Zeta Sorority and was involved in student government, the Inter-Sorority Council, and the Newman Club (UAD Bulletin, Summer 1966). She won the title of class queen in 1966 and served as the goaltender for the varsity field hockey team. Additionally, Celia participated in several intramural sports teams at Gallaudet (Gallaudet Today, Spring 1974).

Celia May Laramie Baldwin, 1966. Source: The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1966

Celia May received several academic awards during her time at college. In 1966, she was honored with the Alpha Sigma Pi Fraternity Preparatory Award. She also received a sorority scholarship from Phi Kappa Zeta in 1967 and 1968. In 1968, she was also named the "Sweetheart of Alpha Sigma Pi Fraternity." Celia May received the Delta Epsilon Sorority Ideal Student Award in 1969, and in 1970, the Junior NAD honored her as a Keeper of the Flame of the Future. In 1969, she was chosen as one of four students to serve on Gallaudet's Council for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning (UAD Bulletin, Fall 1969).

In 1968, during the civil rights movement and following the assassination of Martin Luther King, the events that took place in Washington, D.C., in the spring of her sophomore year were the lasting college memory for Celia May. An excerpt from a 1974 interview states:

"After midnight one night in April 1968, the other residents of Cogswell Hall and I were taken aback by the sudden appearance of armed vehicles, such as jeeps and tanks, on campus. The awesome sight of soldiers rushing everywhere put a chill up and down our spines. Our first reaction was sheer panic, coupled with thoughts that World War III had just begun. It wasn't until the next day that we realized what we had experienced was the beginning of the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King—full-scale riots locally and nationally" (Gallaudet Today, Spring 1974, p. 36).

Celia May Laramie Baldwin teaching at St. John’s School for the Deaf. Source: Gallaudet Today, Spring 1974

During her senior year at Gallaudet, Celia May was appointed the general chairwoman of the 1970 Junior NAD Convention at Gallaudet College. The convention hosted 200 student delegates and faculty sponsors. As the chairwoman, she developed various ideas and plans to promote future leaders. In a 1970 interview with Gallaudet's Buff and Blue, Celia May stated:

"The convention division itself is more or less an adventure of learning for all of us, with sharing and exchanging of issues the main thing. From this, we will develop into citizens beyond our expectations and we must make use of this experience in our forthcoming years to bring to all deaf people of America the best possible life!"

She went on to say that the convention's main goal was to help Deaf youth "gain a sense of direction and initiative" for their academic growth so that they might contribute as much as possible to "the best possible American life" (UAD Bulletin, Fall 1969; Buff & Blue, February 19, 1970).

Celia May Laramie Baldwin chatting with Rev. Lawrence Murphy, director of St. John’s. Source: Gallaudet Today, Spring 1974

Celia May graduated from Gallaudet College with a degree in mathematics in 1970. Shortly after, she married Dr. Stephen Baldwin, who was also deaf and a 1968 Gallaudet graduate. At the time, Dr. Baldwin was teaching at St. John's School for the Deaf in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Celia May moved to Milwaukee with him and taught at St. John's for four years (UAD Bulletin, Winter 1970). The couple had two hearing children, Dora Rose, born in 1974, and Laurence, born in 1976. However, Stephen and Celia May divorced in 1979.

Celia May taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grades at St. John's School for the Deaf. She was also the sponsor of the St. Patrick's Club, a Girl Scout leader of St. John's Troop #707, and the varsity volleyball coach for two years. In 1972, she was named Coach of the Year at St. John's for her efforts with the volleyball team (Gallaudet Today, Spring 1974).

Teaching Deaf children had always been Celia May's lifelong dream, and she credited her parents for inspiring her. Her mother encouraged her to teach (Gallaudet Today, Spring 1974). Celia May earned her Master of Arts in Education from California State University at Northridge in 1975 while she was a mother to a young daughter and a teacher at St. John's School for the Deaf (Kaila, 1998).

Celia May held several vital roles within the Deaf community in Wisconsin. She served as a member of the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf, parliamentarian of Chapter Seven of the International Catholic Deaf Association, secretary of the Gallaudet College Alumni Association, president of the Pi Gamma Chapter of Phi Kappa Zeta, and president of the St. John's Lay Teachers Association in Wisconsin (Gallaudet Today, Spring 1974).

Celia May Laramie Baldwin at the 1968 Utah Association for the Deaf Convention

In 1970, Celia May was appointed to the new Board of Fellows of Gallaudet College to review the college's responsibilities, structure, and performance as an educational institution. She served on the board for seven years and was the only female member. In an interview with Gallaudet Today, she was asked about being the only woman on the board. She responded by saying, "Besides the demonstrated chivalry of my male Board of Fellows members, I am treated with respect. The Board has not faced issues that a hardcore women's liberator would act on. However, women should be involved because their feelings and insights are sometimes different than males'. There are many areas where women can be of great service within the deaf community. Many women's careers are interrupted when motherhood enters, but they usually return when the children are older" (Gallaudet Today, Spring 1974, p. 36).

In 1974, Celia May and Stephen moved to Celia's home state of Utah, where she got a teaching position at her alma mater, the Utah School for the Deaf (Kaika, 1998). At that time, oral education programs in Utah were expanding, and there was an increase in Deaf students attending local public schools. During her second year at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1975, Dr. Stephen Baldwin, the curriculum coordinator of the Total Communication Division, wrote an article for The Utah Eagle magazine titled "Is Mainstreaming the Hearing Impaired Really Justified?" Baldwin's article, as shown below, sparked debate among parents who had placed their children in mainstream classrooms (Baldwin, The Utah Eagle, April 1975; Baldwin, 1990).

Dr. Stephen C. Baldwin's 'Is Mainstreaming the Hearing Impaired Really Justified?" article, Source: The Utah Eagle, April 1975

Celia May was a young woman with many talents and interests outside of work. She had time to pursue these interests while raising her two young children. As mentioned in The Frat Newsletter in 1978, Celia was actively involved in serving others at the local, statewide, and national levels. She was engaged with the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf Division #56, the Utah Association for the Deaf, and various other organizations during her time in Utah from 1974 to 1986.

Celia May Laramie Baldwin. Source: The Utah Eagle, October 1978

Celia May, a member of Salt Lake City Division #56 since 1967, was honored as "Frater of the Year" in 1977 by the National Office for her exceptional services to the division, the community, and the Society. Western Vice President Ned C. Wheeler, a native of Utahn, presented her with the award (Gannon, 1981; The Frat Newsletter, 1978). Her efforts helped revive the division's interest in fraternal affairs, leading to a steady increase in meeting attendance and the recruitment of nineteen new members. Celia May's enthusiasm and innovative ideas transformed the division into an active group. She took on the role of social chairwoman, arranging refreshments after each meeting, and used her artistic skills to create appealing advertisements for various events. At the division's October banquet, she spontaneously agreed to provide comedic entertainment, which was a great success (The Frat Newsletter, 1978).

Western Vice President Ned Wheeler presents plaque and $100 Savings Bond to Celia May Baldwin, the Society’s 1977 Frater of the Year. The Frat, 1978

Celia May was heavily involved in the NFSD. She served as the treasurer of the St. Mary Magdalene Club of the Deaf for three terms. Additionally, she played a crucial role in persuading the Utah Association for the Deaf to create a special lobbying committee, which helped secure funding from the Utah legislature for a proposed community center for the deaf (The Frat Newsletter, 1978). In March 1977, when the American Athletic Association of the Deaf (now known as the USA Deaf Sports Federation) held its 33rd annual national basketball tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the first time, Celia May directed and produced one of the AAAD's most successful variety shows (The Frat Newsletter, 1978; Walker, 2006). Furthermore, she was a board member of the Advocates for the Utah Handicapped from 1976 to 1978, effectively representing the Utah Deaf community (The Frat Newsletter, 1978).

From 1976 to 1978, Celia May worked alongside her mother, Dora, at Weber State College's Advisory Board Center for the Handicapped. Later, she collaborated with Lois Jones (chairperson), Ilene Coles Kinner, and Darlene Stewart Cochran to organize the 1979 Utah Deaf Women's Conference in Salt Lake City, sponsored by the UAD. The event was attended by eighty women aged 18 to 80, as reported in The Deaf American magazine in February 1980.

Utah Deaf Women Conference, 1979.. L-R: Darlene Stewart Cochran, Ilene Coles Kinner, Lois Jones, & Celia May Laramie Baldwin

In 1977, Celia May won first place in the annual International Catholic Deaf Association poster contest. She also produced and directed the award-winning play "The Once and Future Frog" during the UAD annual Amateur Night, while the Catholic Club won first place in the Golden Spike Athletic Club's event "Almost Everything Goes." Additionally, she won first place in the yearly mixed volleyball tournament (The Frat Newsletter, 1978).

Celia May was chosen as a delegate by the Utah Association for the Deaf to attend the 1981 National Association of the Deaf Convention in 1979 (UAD Bulletin, July 1979). On March 22, 1986, she directed the UAD's one-act plays "The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife" and "Melisande and the Prince," with participation from members of the board of directors and trustees (UAD Bulletin, February 1986; UAD Bulletin, March 1986). Additionally, she organized several creative fundraisers for the Deaf community, including "The Price is Not Right," "Club Feud," and a large yard sale at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Bountiful (Celia May Baldwin, personal communication, April 15, 2012). The Utah Association for the Deaf awarded her the Golden Hand in 1987, in recognition of her significant contribution to the betterment of the Utah Deaf community. The UAD Bulletin described Celia May as "a long-time active member of the Utah Association for the Deaf and a staunch supporter." It was also mentioned that "Her participation has not been limited to UAD, but has extended to Frat, St. Mary Magdalene Club for the Deaf, despite being a single parent of two children" (UAD Bulletin, July 1987).

Celia May was actively engaged in various professional and civic organizations at a national level. She served as vice president of the Gallaudet University Alumni Association (GUAA) from 1982 to 1989, as a board member from 1996 to 1998, and as president of the California Educators of the Deaf. Additionally, she was the president of the GUAA's NorCal chapter from 1989 to 1994 (Kaika, 1998).

In 1986, due to a decline in the quality of education at the Utah School for the Deaf, many Deaf students transferred out in search of better educational opportunities. As a result, Celia May applied for a teaching position at the California School for the Deaf, Fremont (CSDF), and after receiving an offer, she relocated to California. This was a loss for the Utah School for the Deaf and a gain for CSDF. At CSDF, she initially taught middle school and high school students. Within three years, in 1989, she was appointed as the middle school principal (Kaika, 1998). Dr. Henry Klopping, the superintendent of CSDF, remarked on her dynamic personality, stating that as a principal, she effectively supervised other teachers in the classroom. According to Dr. Klopping, she knew how to motivate and engage people (Hull, San Jose Mercury News, April 27, 1999).

Celia May Laramie Baldwin, 1980s. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

Celia May, as principal of CSDF, promoted several divisions, including "Chicken Soup of the Soul," two other winter divisions, the DARE division, numerous ASL story competitions, spelling bees, honor roll assemblies, and weekly meetings with students (Retirement Tea/Dinner, April 29, 2008). The Class of 1994 dedicated the Bell Tower yearbook to Celia May to show their appreciation. Many students expressed their gratitude for having her as their teacher and principal. Students remembered her as a teacher who provided an encouraging, positive classroom environment and challenging teaching. Many students fondly remember her ability to be stern and also loving. Celia May helped her students identify their strengths and areas for improvement, and she took the time to help each of them overcome learning challenges (IMPACT, 1994). Ten years later, in 1999, she was ready for a new adventure. Her promotion to dean of student life allowed her to oversee nearly 450 students (Celia May Baldwin, personal communication, April 15, 2012). She became dean of the academic department's Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) section. Since Celia May assumed the role of dean, DEAR has taken place every evening. From 2001 to 2008, she also directed eight CSDF plays. She had a great attitude toward teachers and students and was a true motivator in every way. Her excellent management approach enabled her personnel to grow and strengthen the department (IMPACT, 1994). Her bright grin and "can-do" attitude pushed them to exceed her expectations consistently (The 2008 CAL-ED Conference, March 8, 2008).

Celia May Laramie Baldwin at California School for the Deaf, Fremont, 1996. Source: The California News, March 1, 1996

Celia May, a CSDF administrator, attended the educational leadership division at California State University in Hayward, California, and received her administrative credentials in 1992 (Kaika, 1998). In 1994, Celia May was named Administrator of the Year by the IMPACT Board of Directors for "demonstrating a commitment to providing quality education, accessing the deaf community and parents as a source of educational opportunities, and building bridges between various educational divisions" (The 1994 IMPACT Conference). California Educators of the Deaf (CAL-ED) awarded Celia May the Administrator of the Year award at its conference in 2008. Anyone with the distinct privilege of working with Celia May in various capacities, whether on or off the CSD campus, understood her unending enthusiasm for every encounter, planning session, activity, and even her daily job. There was no question she would succeed when she decided to take on a task. Her magical touch made all of her successes appear effortless (The 2008 CAL-ED Conference, March 8, 2008).

Celia May, principal of the middle school, 1999. Photo by Ron Burda for the Mercury News, April 27, 1999

On December 2, 1998, a decade after the Deaf President Now Protest at Gallaudet University, Gallaudet President I. King Jordan appointed Celia May to the Gallaudet Board of Trustees. Dr. Jordan stated, "The University is extremely fortunate to have Ms. Baldwin on our Board of Trustees," and "her expertise, experience, and enthusiasm in the field of education of deaf and hard of hearing students will be an asset to the board" (Kaila, 1998). She served on the board for seven years.

Celia May was honored with a Resolution Award by the Board of Trustees in 2007 for her career accomplishments and leadership at Gallaudet, as follows:

RESOLUTION

The Board of Trustees
Gallaudet University
Washington, D.C.

Whereas, Ms. Celia May L. Baldwin, a 1970 alumna of Gallaudet University, served her alma mater from 1998 to 2006 as a devoted, intuitive, and effective member of the Board of Trustees; and

Whereas, the unsurpassed qualifications of leadership she exhibited as interim chair of the board, vice chair of the board, chair of the Student Affairs Committee, and member of the Committee on Trustees helped advance the University's academic excellence and made her a vital and essential member of the board, held in the highest esteem by her peers; and

Whereas, her illustrious career as an educator and administrator, beginning with St. John's Catholic School of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then at the Utah School for the Deaf, Ogden, and currently at the California School for the Deaf, Fremont, where after 15 years of teaching she served as middle school principal for 10 years, and where in 1999 she became the Dean of Students, have earned her the respect of her colleagues and the gratitude of numerous students who are indebted to her for a quality education, and

Whereas, in addition to her service as a trustee, she has demonstrated a profound commitment to civic duty by selflessly sharing her time and knowledge with Gallaudet as a member of the Board of Fellows with President Edward C. Merrill, Jr. for seven years, and as vice president of the Gallaudet University Alumni Association for seven years, and serving as well on several professional and civic organizations, including a term as president of the California Educators of the Deaf; be it therefore

Resolved, that the Board of Trustees at Gallaudet University expresses its deepest thanks and admiration of Ms. Baldwin for her outstanding contributions to Gallaudet; and be it further

Resolved, that the Board of Trustees and everyone affiliated with Gallaudet University offer their most sincere regards to Ms. Baldwin for her loyal service to Gallaudet University, and express their best wishes to Ms. Baldwin and her family for a long, joyous, and productive life.

March 13, 2007
(Celia May’s Resolution Award signed by Gallaudet Board of Trustee Chair Ben Soukup and Secretary, Frank Wu, 2007).

Celia May Laramie Baldwin and Dr. Carol Padden, members of the Gallaudet's member of the Board of Trustees, 2005

After serving on the Board of Trustees for eight years, Gallaudet University faced another protest, referred to as "Unity for Gallaudet," when Celia May, as interim chairperson of the Board of Trustees, announced Dr. Jane Fernandes as the 9th president of Gallaudet University on May 1, 2006. During the protest in May, which lasted for a week and a half, Celia May Baldwin resigned from the Board of Trustees due to receiving aggressive threats about the appointment from community members (Unity for Gallaudet, 2007).

After working for 22 years at the CSDF, Celia May retired in June 2008. She has 36 years of experience in the field of Deaf education. Even after retiring, she continued to travel and work on various exciting projects, such as creating photo books. She also loves spending time with her four "precious" grandchildren. Celia May has been a member of CSDF's Parodi Charitable Trust Fund since 1990 and serves on various boards (Celia May Laramie Baldwin, personal communication, April 15, 2012).
In a 1974 interview with Gallaudet Today, Celia May advised Gallaudet undergraduates, "It is vital for you to participate in activities and support Gallaudet College in every way; in return, you will double your knowledge and experience" (Gallaudet Today, 1974). She has had an amazing career with her education and experience, and she has done much in her long devotion to the Deaf community, including the Utah Deaf community.

Celia May Laramie Baldwin, 1980s. Photo by Robert L. Bonnell

Note

Celia May Laramie Baldwin, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, April 15, 2012.

References

"1970 Junior NAD Convention To Be Held At Gallaudet." Buff and Blue. Gallaudet College, Washington, D.C., February 19, 1970.

"1981 Convention." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 5, No. 2 (July 1981): 3.

“A Day to Honor Dora Laramie.” Davis County Clipper, July 15, 1981.

Baldwin, Stephen C. "Is mainstreaming the hearing impaired really justified?” Utah Eagle, v. 86, #7 (April 1975): 1-2 & 9-10.

Baldwin, Stephen C. "Mainstreaming in retrospect: A deaf perception. ”National Association of the Deaf (1990): 14-16.

Bass, Barbara. "Profile: Teacher Dora Laramie." Perspectives for Teachers of the Hearing-Impaired, Vol. 1, No. 1, Sep 1982.

Buff & Blue, February 19, 1970.

"Celia May Baldwin: Class of 1970." Gallaudet Today, Vol. 4, No. 3 (Spring 1974): 35-36.

"Celia May Baldwin Frater of the Year." The Frat Newsletter, 1978.

Celia May Baldwin. Resolution Award signed by Gallaudet Board of Trustee Chair Ben Soukup and Secretary, Frank Wu, 2007.

“Celia May Baldwin: Administrator with a Big Heart and the Magic Touch.” Retirement Tea/Dinner given by Kathy Schoenberg, a supervisory, April 29, 2008.

"Death: George L. Laramie." Deseret News, May 8, 1990.

Gannon, Jack R. Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America. Silver Spring: National Association of the Deaf, 1981.

"Golden Anniversary: Salt Lake City Division No. 56 National Fraternal Society of the Deaf 1916-1966." Prudential Plaza Auditorium, October 15, 1966.

Hull, Dana. "Making a Difference: A good sign – School for deaf thrives under principal, drawing students from across the state." San Jose Mercury News, April 27, 1999.

“IMPACT Annual Recognition Awards.” http://www.deafkids.org/board_files/awards.htm

“IMPACT Annual Recognition Awards Division.” (1994).

Kaika, M. "Renowned Celia May Baldwin Appointed to Gallaudet's Board of Trustees." On the Green, Vol. 29 No. 8, December 2, 1998. http://pr.gallaudet.edu/otg/BackIssues.asp?ID=125

"New Developments in Utah’s Educational Divisions for the Deaf." The Utah Eagle, Vol. 79, No. 5 (February 1968): 13 – 15.

"Parley Chairman for Jr. NAD Chosen." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 1 (Fall 1969): 12.

Sanderson, Robert G. A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. March 9, 2004.

“The 2008 CAD-ED Conference Division,” March 8, 2008.

"UAD Convention in Provo at First." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 11, No. 1 (July 1987): 2.

“UAD Convention in Retrospect.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 3, No.2 (July 1979): 1.

“Unity for Gallaudet,” 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unity_for_Gallaudet

“Utahns appointed to Gallaudet College Board of Fellows.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 1 (Fall-Winter, 1970-71): 1.

“Utah Association for the Deaf Plays.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 9, No. 9 (February 1986): 4.

“Utah Association for the Deaf Plays.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 9, No. 10 (March 1986): 1.

“Wedding Bells. Celia May Laramie and Stephen C. Baldwin.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 2, (Winter 1970): 8.

Walker, Rodney W. “My Life Story,” 2006.

Wright, Ray. "Deaf Teaching Methods Debated." Ogden Standard-Examiner, October 19, 1970.

“Women’s Conference Held in Salt Lake City.” The Deaf American (February 1980): 7 – 9.

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz,
ASL/English Bilingual Leader

Minnie Mae (MM) Wilding-Diaz is the oldest of nine Deaf siblings in the well-known Deaf Wilding family. She was born to Deaf parents, Jerry Willing and Caldonia Della Williams. Minnie Mae is married to Julio Diaz and has three grown Deaf children: Briella, Julio "Tres," and Isabelle. Minnie Mae has been a lifelong educator, teaching American Sign Language (ASL) and English in various college and university settings, as well as at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her tenure as the Head Translator of the ASL Book of Mormon in the 1990s ignited her passion for translation. She made several significant achievements in this role, including completing the first book of any kind translated into ASL. Apart from her work in translation, Minnie Mae is also passionate about literacy and ASL linguistics. She co-founded the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf and UVU's Deaf Studies Today! Conference, as well as participating in translating The Book of Mormon.

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, 2010

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz is almost as well-known in the Deaf community as in the Utah Deaf community, particularly among the Deaf Latter-day Saints community. She was born on August 25, 1961, in Gooding, Idaho, to Deaf parents and was known as "MM." Her father, David G. "Jerry" Wilding, graduated from the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind (ISDB) in 1955 and returned in 1960 to teach mainly science for 37 years. He also coached cross-country (16 years), basketball (91/2 years), and track and field (37 years). Jerry is particularly well-known for his work with the Deaflympics, having competed as a hurdler in 1957 and coaching long-distance track at five separate Deaflympics from 1973 to 1989. Over the years, he has also been involved with the Idaho Association of the Deaf in various officer positions, including twice as president, as well as with the National Association of the Deaf as an occasional delegate. Jerry served as branch president of the Gooding Deaf Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints twice (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 23, 2011). He has an older Deaf brother, George D. Wilding, who taught printing for several years at the Utah School for the Deaf and was involved with the American Athletic Association of the Deaf (now known as the Deaf Sports Foundation).

The Wilding Family. Top (L-R): Minnie Mae, Doris, Lisa Lili, Cami and Ida. Bottom (L-R): Alan, Don, Della, Jerry, Terry and Sammy, 2011

Caldonia Della Williams, Minnie Mae's mother, was born and raised in Arkansas; her parents were also Deaf. Della moved to Idaho with her husband, Jerry, after receiving her associate degree from Gallaudet College, where she met him. She worked as a PE teacher at ISDB throughout her first year of marriage. When her oldest child, Minnie Mae, was born, she chose to stay home to care for her and the eight other children she had afterward. She has served the Idaho Association of the Deaf in various capacities, including chairing some conferences and two Miss Deaf Idaho pageants. She has been active in Relief Society organizations in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for many years, serving as president three times. Minnie Mae's siblings are all Deaf and communicate using American Sign Language. They all feel fortunate to have their parents provide them with a fully accessible language in ASL at home and plenty of exposure to written English. Her family's strong support and love, particularly the influence of her mother's early introduction to books, have been a constant source of strength for Minnie Mae throughout her life. In order of birth, Doris, Sammy, Lisa Lili, Terry, Alan, Cami, Don, and Ida are the Wilding children's names. They were born over a span of twenty years, so MM did not grow up with all of them; when she departed for Gallaudet, the youngest three were just five, three, and one. Ida, her youngest sibling, was born during her junior year at Gallaudet. Regardless, Minnie Mae and her siblings have seen each other frequently, though only sometimes, with everyone present at the same time (Everything Creative, Episode 12, 2010).

From the beginning, Minnie Mae's mother, Della, introduced her to the magic of books and fostered her early reading skills. She was already reading books independently when she started school at four. After that, she dedicated all her time to reading, even during her chore-filled days! She was and still is a bookworm, having buried her head in thousands of books throughout the years. Her passion for reading is evident in her dedication to learning and her love for books.

The Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind is located in Gooding, a small community of 3,000 people. MM and her siblings grew up in the town where their father taught at the school. When MM enrolled, ISDB had approximately 115 students. In an interview with the Mormon Channel, Minnie Mae noted that because she lived so close to the school, she didn't need to live in the dormitory; she walked or rode her bike to school every day. By contrast, most of her friends lived on campus. "In the evenings, after dinner, they'd get together, play, and have all kinds of fun," she said, "and I was at home." Off-campus students were not allowed to return to campus after school at that time. She expressed regret for having "missed out" on the opportunity to spend time with her friends.

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz playing "Powder Puff" football in high school

The Idaho School for the Deaf eventually changed the rule, allowing off-campus students to return to campus after school. This change had a significant impact on Minnie Mae's younger siblings, enhancing their social involvement and enriching their educational experience. It allowed them to participate in after-school activities and spend more time with their friends, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This change not only improved the students' social lives but also enriched their educational experience, demonstrating the importance of a supportive and inclusive school environment. Minnie Mae compares the academic atmosphere at ISD to that of a typical public school. The only difference in the curriculum was that her teachers signed. She learned, progressed, and grew in the same way that other students did. Though she has few memories from her elementary school years, she recalls having good teachers. One teacher, in particular, loved horses and spent hours teaching her students about them. This teacher taught Minnie Mae the names of the various horse breeds and how they walked, including different gaits (trotting, galloping, and so on). "I remember silly little things," she said, "because I had such great teachers" (Everything Creative, Episode 12, 2010). Minnie Mae skipped three grade levels at the Idaho School for the Deaf for her outstanding English abilities and high academic achievement. The curriculum was no longer challenging when she reached high school age, and most of her academic peers had already graduated.

As a result, Minnie Mae transferred to Gooding High School, a local public school with a student population of 350, a significant adjustment for her. Another notable difference was learning from students and teachers who did not sign. Despite these challenges, she embraced high school life at Gooding High School, taking honor classes and participating in class activities such as Powder Puff football games. Her senior year was particularly memorable, as she was elected to be a cheerleader for Gooding High School, a testament to her adaptability and determination to succeed. Her ability to thrive in a new environment and her academic achievements at Gooding High School, including her participation in honor classes and extracurricular activities, are truly inspiring.

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, Julio Diaz, Julio "Tres' Diaz, Isabelle Diaz and Briella Diaz, 2008

Mormon Channel Interviews
Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz

In a later interview in October 2010 on the Mormon Channel, an online radio show, Minnie Mae responded to a question about the decrease in deaf schools and the rise in the enrollment of Deaf students in public schools, as follows:

"There are pros and cons to both sides of that issue. I was mainstreamed during my last three year of high school, and I learned a lot from that. The experience was very beneficial for me. I think I did so well both academically and socially because I already had a good foundation from having grown up in a deaf school. I already had my identity established. I’ve seen many children, though, who grew up attending public schools their whole lives who don’t know who they are as a deaf person, and that can have negative consequences.

There are a lot of deaf children who miss out on a lot of things growing up in a mainstream environment, such as social skills. We need to use both ASL and English. Yes, English is important, but we need both languages. Some public schools have large groups of deaf students, and in situations like that, it is possible that these students do get a good, well-rounded education; but most public schools have only one or two deaf students in the entire school and then the deaf students are all alone and lost in a sea of hearing people [who don’t understand them and can’t communicate well with them].

For deaf people their (for lack of better word) “disability” is not a physical thing. Yes, their deafness affects their ears, but their disability, or, more specifically, the struggle that they face, is not a physical one but a lack of communication. If you cannot communicate with your peers, with your teachers, with your parents and siblings, how are you supposed to learn and how do you develop your own identity and your own self-esteem? How do you develop [well-rounded] relationships? The list goes on and on" (Everything Creative, Episode 12, 2010).

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, freshman at Gallaudet College, 1979

Minnie Mae enrolled at Gallaudet College after graduating with honors from Gooding High School in 1979, becoming a second-generation student after her parents graduated from Gallaudet in 1960. She grew up in a small town and had never seen a campus with 2,000 students. She dove deeply into college life, just like in high school, eventually getting active in various campus activities. She was the student body government's director of student affairs, the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, The Buff and the Blue, and the dedication editor for the campus yearbook, Tower Clock. During her senior year, she also served as the freshmen dorm's student head resident adviser and was a member of the Phi Kappa Zeta sorority (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 23, 2011; Everything Creative, Episode 12, 2010).

When Minnie Mae started at Gallaudet as a freshman, there were only a few members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She knew of only five LDS students. By the time she was a senior, the group had grown to over fifty people, including her younger sister Doris Wilding. That year, Minnie Mae helped co-found a chapter of the Latter-Day Saint Student Association (LDSSA), an organization affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The association provided social, religious, and recreational activities to LDS university and college students and others (Everything Creative, Episode 12, 2010).

Minnie Mae graduated with honors from Gallaudet College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. After that, she stayed in Washington, D.C., for another year to take graduate classes and work. During this year, her brother Sammy and another sister, Lisa Lili, also enrolled at Gallaudet, making it four siblings enrolled at Gallaudet at the same time. There were also two cousins, Susie Wilding O'Hara and Melanie Wilding Garcia, who enrolled that year, making it a total of six Wildings at Gallaudet. Eventually, all of Minnie Mae's siblings entered Gallaudet, though not all obtained degrees from the university. Most were involved in college activities such as student body government, the school paper, and fraternity/sorority life (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 23, 2011).

For her first professional job, Minnie Mae moved to Big Spring, Texas, during the fall of 1984 to work at the Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf (SWCID) as the director of the newly formed Learning Assistance Center. In addition to building up LAC from scratch, Minnie Mae also volunteered to sponsor the Student Government Association and enjoyed the close-knit Deaf community in Big Spring, Texas. During her last year at SWCID, Minnie Mae received the Outstanding Female Teacher of the Year award, which she considers a great honor.

In Big Spring, Minnie Mae met Julio Diaz, a native Puerto Rican who eventually became her husband. He was the president of the Student Government Association that she sponsored at the time and also a student in one of the two English classes she taught. Minnie Mae maintained a professional relationship with Julio while he was her student, and they only started dating after she turned in his final grades. They married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 8, 1988 (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 23, 2011).

After three years at SWCID, Minnie Mae moved to Provo, Utah, to attend graduate school at Brigham Young University. She also started teaching ASL at BYU, as well as English and ASL at what was then called Utah Valley Community College. In 1993, Minnie Mae graduated from BYU with honors and obtained a master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. Her thesis, titled "Deaf Characters in Children's Books: How are They Portrayed?" won Thesis of the Year for 1994 in the Linguistics Department (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 23, 2011).

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz and Julio Diaz on their wedding day, October 8, 1988

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints recruited Minnie Mae to work on the ASL translation of the Book of Mormon in 1989, alongside Jack Rose (hearing) and Doug Hind (CODA), who had met with church leaders for the previous ten years trying to get such a project approved. During his mission in southern California, Jack Rose became involved with the Deaf Latter-day Saints community through his work with Deaf members and investigators. Minnie Mae had collaborated with him on earlier translation projects for the church, which paved the way for her understanding of how to translate The Book of Mormon into ASL. Her learning to translate included the then-novel idea of translating English concepts into ASL without interpreting, i.e., without adding or deleting concepts to make the final product more "understandable," a relatively new procedure in the ASL community.

In 1990, she took on the role of head translator for the project. The project was completed in December 2000, not because it was difficult but due to frequent interruptions over the years. It was a massive task. Transcribing English concepts into American Sign Language (ASL) onto paper using an adapted ASL gloss and then signing the ASL transcription onto video twice, once as a first draft for various people to review and then for a cue tape to use during the final production. Throughout the process, Minnie Mae said she felt privileged to work with wonderful Deaf people throughout the country (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 23, 2011).

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz translating the Book of Mormon in ASL. Source: www.LDS365.com

In 1996, Minnie Mae was hired as an assistant professor at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), where she taught ASL in the ASL Interpreting program. While at SLCC, she attended the Utah Deaf Bilingual-Bicultural Conference in Ogden, Utah, in April 1997, hosted by the Utah Association for the Deaf. The conference inspired her to join the Utah Association for the Deaf conference in June 1997, where she was elected to chair the "Bi-Bi" committee. The main task of the committee was to explore possibilities of bringing bilingual-bicultural education to Utah (UAD Bulletin, July 1999; Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 23, 2011).

Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, Salt Lake City, Utah

The Bi-Bi committee eventually transformed into Utah Deaf Education and Literacy, Inc. (UDEAL), a non-profit organization responsible for governing, overseeing, and operating the new charter school for Deaf children known as Jean Massieu School of the Deaf. On August 29, 1999, Jean Massieu School of the Deaf was established (UAD Bulletin, July 1999). For the first three years, Minnie Mae served as the school's volunteer co-administrator, along with Jeff Allen, a hearing father with a Deaf daughter. She also served on the board as a chair or member for most of the charter school's six-year period. Her responsibilities as co-administrator included hiring, curriculum development, grant writing, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) implementation. Additionally, she often rushed to the store to buy art supplies as needed.

Minnie Mae and Jeff Allen were honored with the Golden Hand Award in 1999, which is currently on display at the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf (UAD Bulletin, November 1999).

Minnie Mae was inspired by the 1997 Utah Deaf Bilingual and Bicultural Conference and was eager to contribute when elected chair of the Bi-Bi Committee. In her 1990 paper, "Exciting Developments in Deaf Education," she shared her enthusiasm and admiration for the Indiana School for the Deaf for adopting a bilingual-bicultural approach. It's no surprise that she would eventually become a JMS co-founder. Her passion was evident from the start, paving the way to co-founding the successful Jean Massieu School of the Deaf in 1999. The Jean Massieu School of the Deaf continues to operate, providing Deaf students with access to both ASL and English on campus, empowering them to thrive and succeed. Thanks to Minnie Mae's dedication and steadfast leadership, JMS has been in operation since 1999.

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz. Exciting Developments in Deaf Education. Summer 1990

In 2001, Minnie Mae accepted a position teaching American Sign Language (ASL) in the ASL Department at Utah Valley State College (UVSC), which is now Utah Valley University. During her six years at UVSC, Minnie Mae earned tenure and received a promotion to associate professor. She, along with her colleague Dr. Bryan K. Eldredge, launched Deaf Studies Today!, the nation's only academic conference for professionals in Deaf Studies. The first meeting of this conference, held in April 2004, was a spectacular success (UAD Bulletin, December 2003).

UVSC recognized Dr. Eldredge and Minnie Mae by presenting them with the 2004 Trustees Faculty Excellence Award for their role in organizing the conference. In the spring of 2007, Minnie Mae also received the Teacher of the Year award from students. After teaching ASL and English for twenty-three years, Minnie Mae retired from UVSC in 2007 (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 23, 2011).

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz teaching a class at Utah Valley State College, mid 2000s

Due to health issues, Minnie Mae decided to be a stay-at-home mother for her three children: Briella (born in 1995), Julio "Tres" (born in 1997), and Isabelle (born in 1998), all of whom are Deaf and attended JMS. In the academic year 2009–2010, Briella was the only freshman at her school, and Tres was the sole student in his class at his academic level after one of his classmates switched schools. In the summer of 2010, Minnie Mae and her children moved to Olathe, Kansas, to attend the Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD), an ASL/English bilingual school. Minnie Mae occasionally works as a substitute teacher at KSD but mainly acts as a "chauffeur, chef, and tutor" to her children (Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, personal communication, April 23, 2011). After attending KSD, Briella graduated, and the family relocated to Frederick, Maryland. Tres graduated from the Maryland School for the Deaf, and Isabelle graduated from the Model Secondary School for the Deaf. Minnie Mae's children are the third generation to graduate from Gallaudet University.

Julio "Tres" Diaz, Briella Diaz, Julio Diaz, Minnie Mae Wilding-Daz, & Isabelle Diaz, 2023

Throughout her career, Minnie Mae has achieved a lot by utilizing her bilingualism and biculturalism in various ways. She takes pride in her skills and expertise, as follows:

Teaching at different postsecondary institutions
Establishing the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf and Deaf Studies Today
Translating The Book of Mormon, among other notable achievements

As the author's website, I witnessed Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz's significant role in the 2005 merger of the Utah School for the Deaf and the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf. Balancing this leadership with parenting three small Deaf children, working full-time, and her declining health was a testament to her resilience. Despite her health issues, she continued to lead with passion and commitment. Establishing JMS was challenging and exhausting, but she persevered, inspiring all who worked with her.

Minnie Mae has had a profound influence on the Deaf community in Utah, particularly in creating opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing children. Her leadership has paved the way for these children to attend the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, where they can receive direct communication and ASL instruction from their teachers and peers. These significant developments are a testament to her tireless dedication to the Utah Deaf community.

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, 2019

Notes

Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, April 23, 2011.

References

“Deaf Studies Today” National Conference Prior to USADB Tournament.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 27.7 (December 2003): 8-9.

“Honors and Awards.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 23.6 (November 1999): 4-5.

“Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz – ASL Translator for the Book of Mormon.” Mormon Channel & Everything Creative: Episode 12. 2012. http://broadcast.lds.org/ldsradio/pdf/everything-creative/everything-creative-ep-12-transcript.pdf

“Resolution as Read at the UAD Conference.” UAD Bulletin, Vol.23.2 (July 1999): 4.

Wilding-Diaz, MM. “Standing Committee Reports.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 23.1 (June 1990): 5-6.

Marilyn Tiller Call, Lobbyist Leader

Marilyn Tiller Call was a pioneer in the field of disability advocacy, being the first Executive Director of the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities in 1989. She developed LCPD membership, established advocate-training workshops throughout Utah, and coordinated ongoing public awareness campaigns as a director. She demonstrates excellent lobbying skills and has spent many years working tirelessly with the Utah State Legislature to improve programs, services, and resources for people with disabilities. She was an outspoken supporter of funding for rehabilitation, special education, and the Division of Services for People with Disabilities, among other issues affecting people with disabilities. In addition, she lobbied for the construction of a new building for the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Taylorsville, Utah, in 1991. Her interest in deaf divisions and her work with them began with her Deaf daughters, Ashley and Camilla. She wanted them to have the best and most fulfilled lives they could. As the community center's director, Marilyn spearheaded the campaign in 2003 to name the center after Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a notable figure in the Utah Deaf community, known as the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Marilyn Tiller Call

Marilyn Tiller Call was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 7, 1953, to Earl Tiller and Faye Louise Tiller Vincent. Her family has six children. Three of them, as well as her mother, have varied degrees of hearing loss. Marilyn's mild hearing loss was first noticed in elementary school and progressed to the severe hearing loss she has today. Her older sister has profound hearing loss, while her 84-year-old mother's hearing loss remained severe.

Marilyn received her bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation from the University of Utah three years after graduating from high school. When she decided not to pursue her Master of Arts degree to marry, the university accepted her into its graduate program in special education (Marilyn Tiller Call, personal communication, April 24, 2012). She married Richard Call on September 25, 1975, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They had been high school sweethearts. He had served an LDS Mission in Washington, D.C., while she was in college (Marilyn Tiller Call, personal communication, April 24, 2012).

Marilyn and Richard's first daughter, Ashley Ann, was born on November 9, 1976. They discovered she was deaf at the age of two and autistic at the age of three. Regardless of her challenges, her obituary describes a joyful, active life: "She found great joy in things most of us overlooked." Ashley loved Utah's mountains in all four seasons. She enjoyed boats, motorcycle rides, UTA buses, fishing, slurpees, phone books, and long car rides with the windows down. She enjoyed her job at Harmon Music Group, as did her coworkers." Ashley died on March 21, 2006, at 29, from complications associated with epilepsy (Deseret News, March 23, 2006).

Ashley Ann Call

Ashley had a hard time accessing school services because she was severely autistic and profoundly deaf. Even the Utah School for the Deaf Preschool couldn't assist her and redirected her to the Parent Infant Program (PIP). Marilyn and Richard met with a PIP advisor who provided them with an orange SEE Sign Language book and suggested teaching Ashley sign language. "It was very challenging because she wouldn't make eye contact with people," Marilyn explained. "We tried to teach her sign language by holding her head and doing signs right in front of her face, but she would look away" (Marilyn Tiller Call, April 24, 2012, personal communication).

The Children's Behavior Therapy Unit (CBTU) had a preschool waiting list and eventually admitted Ashley. At CBTU, they taught Ashley how to look at people before initiating her learning of the Signing Exact English (SEE) signing system. Marilyn and Richard taught their children to sign by volunteering in classes at the Utah School for the Deaf and studying "the orange book," also known as the "SEE Bible" at the time. Ashley could enroll in a residential division at the Utah School for the Deaf when she turned six. After two years, Ashley had made so much progress that she was placed in the deaf first-grade class in Ogden, Utah. After a few years, she returned home and enrolled in the Utah School for the Deaf division in Salt Lake City, Utah (Marilyn Tiller Call, personal communication, April 24, 2012).

Ashley lived in group homes due to her behavioral struggles, which were challenging for her family. However, for the past five years, she could live at home, where she wanted to be, thanks to the state's approval for Marilyn to hire Deaf individuals to assist her at home (Marilyn Tiller Call, personal communication, April 24, 2012). Among her favorite Deaf staff members were Rosa Rathbun, Carole Peck, and her younger sister, Camille.

Camille Louis, their second daughter, was born on October 3, 1978. When she was nine months old, Richard and Marilyn discovered she was deaf. The family had already started using sign language at home, thanks to having a deaf and autistic sister. Marilyn recalls, "No one, not even the people at the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AGBell), told us to put Camille in an oral division." From the beginning, Camille was fortunate to interact with other Deaf children whose parents had chosen the Total Communication division. Many students in her class went on to pursue higher education, vocational or professional careers.

Camille Call, 1997 Miss Deaf Utah

Camille, like her sister Ashley before her, passed away at the age of 31 due to complications from epilepsy. The following is an excerpt from her obituary summarizing some highlights of her life.

An Obituary of Camille Louis Call-Garcia

Camille was born deaf and loved her life as part of the Deaf community… Camille graduated from Cottonwood High School with honors in 1996. All three years, she was included in Who's Who of America's High School Students. She graduated from Utah State University in 2000. During her college years, she served as Miss Deaf Utah. She attended the Miss Deaf America Pageant three times, first as a contestant and later as a chaperone. She next served an LDS mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Portland, Oregon, and loved the Deaf community there. Her work life included teaching at the Missionary Training Center at Bingham Young Univeristy, mentoring families with deaf children, and serving as an ASL instructor for Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. She served in Relief Society presidencies and the Young Women's presidency for LDS Deaf Wards. Her crowning achievements, however, were her marriage to Samuel Garcia Jr. in the Salt Lake Temple on December 28, 2002, and giving life to two special sons, AJ (Alberto Jordan) (4) and Ashton Samuel (3).

The greatest tragedy of their lives was losing their daughters, Ashley and Camielle, at the ages of 29 and 31, to an incidence of epilepsy that struck them in their late twenties. Marilyn and Richard Call miss them every hour of every day

Her obituary lovingly and poignantly recounts the end of her life: "She knew her time on earth was ending soon, and when that time came, she hung around just long enough for family and close friends to kiss her goodbye. The epilepsy that plagued Camille's mind and body for the last four years of her life left her exhausted (Salt Lake Tribune, June 22, 2010).

In 1985, when Ashley was nine, and Camille was seven, Richard and Marilyn discovered an infant in the Philippines needed a home (Marilyn's sister was serving a church mission there). They adopted their son, Jason, the following March and welcomed him into the family when he was almost one year old (Marilyn Tiller Call, personal communication, April 24, 2012).

Jason Call and Camille Call

When Ashley was three, Marilyn embarked on her campaign on 'the Hill' in 1979. Marilyn was in search of a suitable preschool for Ashley, one that resembled the Children's Behavior Therapy Unit (CBTU) at Valley Mental Health. However, such schools were not readily available. During this difficult time, Marilyn met Carmen Pingree of the Pingree School. From Carmen, Marilyn learned the art of lobbying and 'took it all to heart' (Marilyn Call, personal communication, April 24, 2012). Her perseverance in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

Marilyn's advocacy work had a significant impact on the lives of children with special needs. She began advocating for more slots for autistic children at CBTU, as well as a group home for autistic adults, in 1980 and 1981. The Utah legislature approved both financial requests, providing much-needed support for these individuals. She then began advocating for increased funding for the specialized Autism Residential Program at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. That year, USDB acquired the necessary financing for more staff members and changed the staffing program (Marilyn Tiller Call, personal communication, April 24, 2012).

From 1983 to 1989, Marilyn served as a parent trainer and consultant at the Utah Parent Center (Marilyn Call, personal communication, April 24, 2012). Her role was instrumental in empowering parents to navigate the special education system. Marilyn's workshops, consultation, and problem-solving skills provided a reassuring support system for parents. She also took on the roles of the newsletter's editor, the program's coordinator, and the creator of the surrogate parent training program (Price, DSDHH Newsletter, July 27, 1992).

Marilyn's leadership roles in various organizations demonstrate her influence and the breadth of her impact. She was on the board of the Systematic Transition Project, the National Task Force to Study Mainstreaming Deaf Students, the Autism Society of Utah's Advisory Council, and vice president of the International Society of Parents of the Deaf (Utah Chapter) (Price, DSDHH Newsletter, July 27, 1992). Marilyn later served on the Advisory Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind.

Marilyn Tiller Call with Don Uchida and Blaine Petersen, former directors of the Office of Rehabilitation, at W. David Mortensen’s day of honor, 2014

Marilyn's dedication to her role as the first Executive Director of the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities (LCPD) in 1989 was unwavering. She not only strengthened LCPD membership and created advocate-training workshops throughout Utah, but she also conducted ongoing public awareness activities. Her advocacy for various issues affecting people with disabilities, such as financing for rehabilitation, special education, and the Division of Services for People with Disabilities, was a testament to her commitment. Her work also led to the establishment of the new Utah Community Center for the Deaf (UCCD) in Taylorsville, Utah, in 1991.

During her tenure as an executive director, Marilyn collaborated with Jim Hilber, a vocational rehabilitation counselor, Gene Stewart, division director of the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH), and several Deaf advocates (Sanderson, 2004). In 1992, Gene Stewart recruited her from her LCPD role to become the program director of DSDHH. In her role as program director of DSDHH, Marilyn, who succeeded Beth Ann Stewart Campbell, played a pivotal role in launching two new programs: Circle of Friends, a program for individuals with multiple disabilities and hearing loss, initiated with a Salt Lake County grant, and Deaf Connection, a program that fosters connections between families with Deaf children and Deaf adults. She actively campaigned for increased funding to expand programs and services at UCCD, including the addition of a family and youth specialist, a second case manager, and hard of hearing specialists in Salt Lake City and St. George, based on community needs. She also secured funding for the expansion of community education, mental health services, and job development services, as well as the construction of a new wing at the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to accommodate additional classrooms and office space. Marilyn, a member of a task force, was a key advocate on Capitol Hill for the passage of two legislative bills in 1994: one mandating the certification of sign language interpreters and another altering the legal status of American Sign Language to allow its recognition and teaching as a foreign language (Marilyn Tiller Call, personal communication, April 24, 2012).

Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

When the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing moved into the new UCCD facility in 1992, the service budget was quite limited. Her experience on Capitol Hill and outstanding relationships with several legislators led to the recruitment of Marilyn as division director. Upon her hiring, she discovered that the division needed to expand necessary social services to align with the building's high standards (Sanderson, 2004). She returned to the University of Utah part-time, but continued to work full-time. She earned her master's degree in social work in 1999 and her LCSW licensure in 2001 (Marilyn Tiller Call, personal communication, April 24, 2012).

In 1999, the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing" (UCCDHH) was added to its name. In July 2001, a change in the UCCDHH's administration led to Marilyn's promotion to interim administrator of the DSDHH. The Deaf community strongly backed her appointment as director in January 2002 after she served for six months (Sanderson, 2004).

According to the "History of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center," Marilyn spearheaded the effort to name the community center after a Deaf person as the director of UCCDHH. This would make it the first community center with that name. She believed that the UCCDHH should be named after a Deaf person because the center would not have been possible without their years of dedication and hard work (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003; Sanderson, 2004). She petitioned the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) on March 1, 2003, to name the facility after Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, a notable figure in the Utah Deaf community. The board of directors unanimously voted to rename the community center the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Call, UAD Bulletin, September 2003).

Dr. Robert G. Sandeson and Marilyn Tiller Call. She campaigned with the Utah State Board of Education and the governor to rename the Utah Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing the Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 2003

Marilyn, as director of the Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, continued to expand or add divisions and services. She supported those who were deaf or hard of hearing in finding work. She advocated for implementing various programs, such as outreach and technology, interpreter mentoring and training, and free hearing loss workshops, demonstrating her innovative approach to service development.

Marilyn's unwavering advocacy for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community was evident in her efforts to develop and expand a demonstration lab loaner bank. This initiative allowed individuals to try out assistive devices before making a purchase, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions. She also championed the hiring of American Sign Language-fluent mental health counselors and case managers, and played a key role in securing funding for the Southern Utah Divisions for Deaf and Hard of Hearing in St. George, Utah.

On June 3, 2011, the State of Utah recognized Marilyn's dedication and hard work with the Hamilton Relay 2011 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award. This prestigious award was a testament to her years of advocacy, mentorship, and administrative work on behalf of the deaf and hard of hearing community and individuals with multiple disabilities. The Hamilton Relay newsletter hailed her as 'an excellent role model' and 'an intelligent administrator who supports others to do outstanding things.' It also acknowledged her tireless efforts in encouraging the development of new and innovative programs and services that promote independence and healthy living.

Marilyn Tiller Call, 2014

For many years, Marilyn has used her impressive lobbying abilities to work tirelessly with the Utah State Legislature to expand programs, services, and resources for people with disabilities. She underlined that her interest in and work with deaf divisions began with her daughters; she wanted them to have the best and fullest lives possible. "Working at the Sanderson Center," she added, "expanded my vision and understanding of deafness and sign language by three hundred percent." Ironically, now that her hearing loss has progressed to severe-to-profound, the numerous support divisions that grew from her lobbying work are also available.

Marilyn Tiller Call is presented with Golden Hand Award with Pamela Mower, UAD Vice-President, and Stephen Persinger, UAD President, 2017

Marilyn was recognized for her years of devotion at the Sanderson Community Center's 25th Anniversary Celebration on September 8, 2017. In addition, the Marilyn T. Call Conference Room within the Sanderson Community Center has been named in honor of her extended work as a director (Community Connections with Utah's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Newsletter, October 2017). The Utah Association of the Deaf also awarded her the Golden Hand Award in 2017 for her community advocacy and lobbying efforts on behalf of the Utah Deaf community.

Marilyn retired in December 2017, one year after the Department of Workforce Services took over the Sanderson Community Center. Her years of leadership, passion, and commitment to the Utah Deaf community are deeply appreciated.

Marilyn & Richar Call standing in front of the Marilyn T. Call Conference Room at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 2017

Note

Marilyn Tiller Call, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, April 24, 2012.

References

Call, Marilyn. "Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Gets New Name." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 27.4 (September 2003): 1 & 4.

Price, DSDHH Newsletter, July 27, 1992.

Marilyn Call selected for Hamilton Relay 2011 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award for the State of Utah. June 3, 2011. http://www.hamiltonrelay.com/corporate/whats_new/index.html?topic=details&ni=189

“Obituary: Ashley Ann Call.” Deseret News, March 23, 2006.

“Obituary: Camille Call-Garcia.” Salt Lake Tribune, June 22, 2010.

Sanderson, Robert G. A Brief History of the Origins of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. March 9, 2004.

“Sanderson Center 25th Anniversary Celebration.” Community Connections with Utah’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Newsletter. October 2017, p. 3 & 4.

Shirley Hortie Platt, Sports Leader

On May 1, 1991, Shirley Hortie Platt, a dedicated advocate for women's athletics and a prominent figure in Deaf sports, made history by becoming the first and only executive director of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf (AAAD). Her leadership extended to her roles as editor-in-chief of the magazines "AAAD Deaf Sports Review" and "Inside AAAD." Shirley tirelessly promoted the participation of Deaf women in sports at the club, regional, and national levels, exerting her influence.

Shirley Hortie Platt

Shirley Hortie Platt was the eldest of eight children born to Robert E. Hortie, Sr., and Dorothy A. Bowling on January 10, 1952, in Linton, Indiana. She became deaf at age two and had a Deaf sister, Elizabeth Hortie. Her father, two uncles, and two aunts are hard of hearing. The family's deafness is hereditary (Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012).

Shirley graduated from Regina High School for Girls in Adelphi, Maryland, in 1970. She was an avid reader and bookworm; she would go to the library every two weeks and check out (and finish reading) stacks of ten to fourteen books (Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012).

Shirley and her family lived on various military bases across the United States as "military brats." At the same time, her father was transferred to the US Marine Corps until he retired in 1966. She primarily spent her academic years in Prince George's County, Maryland. She never played sports, but she did assist her parents in transporting her seven siblings to various sporting activities. She attended Northern Virginia Community College and Gallaudet University. She worked for the US Treasury Department in Washington, D.C, for fifteen years before quitting to attend college. In September 1987, she married another well-known long-time sports leader, Dennis R. Platt of Pontiac, Illinois. She moved to Ogden, Utah, where Dennis worked for the Weber County government (Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012).

Shirley and Dennis Platt, 2006

Shirley's unwavering dedication to the Deaf sports community and her advocacy for gender equity (UAD Bulletin, June 2013) have been evident throughout her career. For over thirty years, she has served as a leader and women's advocate in the Deaf sports world. Her journey began in 1983 at the Metro Washington Association of the Deaf (MWAD), where she served as the club secretary and later as the athletic director. Her election as the first female officer in the Southeast Athletic Association of the Deaf (SEAAD) as the secretary-treasurer marked a significant milestone (Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012).

President Martin Belsky appointed her the first Deaf woman secretary-treasurer of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf (AAAD) in May 1988. From 1989 to 1997, she had the honor and privilege of working under Dr. Lawrence Fleischer's leadership and serving as his "right hand" in the organization. She ultimately supported Larry's vision of a multi-sport organization under one umbrella with many hands performing light work (Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012).

Shirley was a driving force in the AAAD, resulting in women's softball and basketball becoming approved and recognized sports (Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012).

Michael ‘Doc’ Torres & Shirley Hortie Platt at the USADB National Tournament, 2011

Shirley's significant role in the transformation of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf into the USA Deaf Sports Federation is a testament to her leadership and vision. She became AAAD's first and only executive director on May 1, 1991, and held the position for eight years (UAD Bulletin, February 1991; Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012).

In 1991, a beautiful home office was created in Ogden, Utah, and AAAD published the popular magazine Deaf Sports Review and the AAAD Bulletin. She proudly represented AAAD on several US Olympic Committee (USOC) and National Governing Body (NGB) events. She advocated for equality for USA Deaflympics athletes and made their voices known. She competed in the Deaflympics with Dr. Lawrence R. Fleischer in Bulgaria, Denmark, and Finland, as well as the PanAm Games in Venezuela (Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012). The renaming of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf to the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) in 1997 marked a significant milestone in Shirley's career.

Shirley Hortie Platt, AAAD Executive Director (center) at the 1995 Winter Deaflympics in Finland, with Dennis Platt, AAAD Vice President, left, and Larence Fleischer, AAAD President, right.

Shirley's influence on the Deaf sports community was profound. She was the editor-in-chief of the AAAD Deaf Sports Review journal and "Inside AAAD" (UAD Bulletin, February 1994). Her mentors were Edward C. Carney, Jerald M. Jordan, and Lawrence R. Fleischer, all of whom encouraged her to get involved in Deaf sports. She subsequently rose through the ranks at the club, regional, and national levels (Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012).

Shirley was not just a good writer; she was versatile. In the 1990s, she worked as a sportswriter for Deaf USA, a correspondent for the Silent News and the DeeCee Eyes, and a contributor to the AAAD Bulletin. The UAD Bulletin described Shirley as "one busy lady" (February 1991).

Shirley Hortie Platt with board members of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf, 1993. L-R: Dennis Platt, John F. Fevesque, Shirley Hortie Platt, Lawrence Fleischer, Howard Gorrell and Sam Sonnenstrahl

Shirley's appearance on the Silent Network Interview program, the first American talk show for Deaf people, from March 6 to 8, 1992, was a significant moment. Dr. Stephen Baldwin, a former staff member of the Utah School for the Deaf, interviewed her about her role as the executive director of the AAAD (UAD Bulletin, May 1992).

The AAAD's national headquarters in Ogden, Utah, experienced rapid growth, outgrowing its space at 37th Street and Harrison Boulevard in just one year. On May 30, 1992, the national office relocated to 36th and Washington Boulevard. Numerous individuals, including Valerie Kinney and Bonnie Bass from the AAAD office, as well as several men and women from the Golden Spike Athletic Association softball teams, contributed to the relocation. The AAAD team grew busier with a larger office (Kinney, UAD Bulletin, July 1992). There were four or five volunteers and five staff members (Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012).

Visitors to the AAAD National Office. Students from the Utah School for the Deaf visit Shirley Hortie Platt (center) at the National Office in Ogden, Utah, 1993. Source: AAAD Deaf Sports Review, Spring 1993

Shirley's dedication to the growth and enhancement of the USADSF is truly commendable. Her favorite among the numerous honors and awards she has received is the USADSF Art Kruger Award. This award, which she received in recognition of her exceptional leadership and support for the organization over a long period of time, is a testament to her unwavering dedication. She has worked tirelessly to strengthen the AAAD/USADSF since the 1980s, serving as its sole executive director and directing the organization's growth. Her efforts have significantly enhanced the organization's image through publications and media (News & Media: 2006 Awardees). The UAD Bulletin stated, "With her outstanding and lengthy service, Shirley has demonstrated everything to reflect the truest sense of the words described for the Kruger Award." Shirley is the newest recipient of the Art Kruger Award for her leadership and ongoing participation in deaf athletics" (UAD Bulletin, July 2007).

Shirley's leadership has been instrumental in the revival of USA Deaf Basketball. She came out of retirement twice, once in 1998 and again in 2008, to save the nearly defunct organization. Since 2009, she has been the president and commissioner of USA Deaf Basketball, leading the organization with her vision and dedication and ensuring a promising future for the sport (Shirley Hortie Platt, personal communication, April 4, 2012).

Shirley Hortie Platt with Jack Lamberton, USADSF President, left and Mark Apodaca, Vice President of Finance, right on her induction to the USA Deaf Sports Federation (AAAD) Hall of Fame 2012

Shirley officially retired in 2013 after 30 years of service to Deaf sports, beginning at the club level with the Metro Washington Association of the Deaf, progressing to the regional level with the Southeast Athletic Association of the Deaf, and then the past 25 years at the AAAD/USA Deaf Sports Federation and USA Deaf Basketball (USADB) national levels (UAD Bulletin, June 2013).

Shirley and her husband, Dennis, hold a unique place in the history of Deaf sports. They are the only husband-wife team to have served as President and Commissioner of USA Deaf Basketball. Their combined efforts spanned more than 70 years, advancing the cause of Deaf sports. Shirley fondly recalls, "It was one of the most rewarding experiences anyone could have asked for!" (UAD Bulletin, June 2013).

Shirley's "steadfast promotion of deaf women into deaf sports" (UAD Bulletin, July 2007) stands as one of her most significant contributions to Deaf sports. On April 21, 2012, the USA Deaf Sports Federation Hall of Fame inducted Shirley, further recognizing her long-standing leadership. Shirley's enduring and substantial contributions to the USADSF and USA Deaf Basketball (USADB) are deeply appreciated. She played a pivotal role in the growth of both organizations by advocating for Deaf athletes, regardless of gender.

USA Deaf Basketball Commissioner/President Shirley Hortie Platt (center) at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in April 2013 at the Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport signing. The Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport is under the auspice of the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) based in Helsinki, Finland, with Laura Edwards, head coach of USA 2013 Deaflympics Gold Medalist Women Basketball Team (left) and Dr. Becky Clark, IWG representative (right)

Note

Shirley Hortie Platt, e-mail message to Jodi Becker Kinner, April 4, 2012.

References

“Art Kruger Award Given to Local Utahn.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 31.2 (July 2007): 2.

“Milestones.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 17, No. 9 (February 1994): 9.

“Our Shining Stars.” Shirley Platt. UAD Bulletin, Vol. 14, No. 9 (February 1991): 1.

Platt, Shirley, H. (2006). “News & Media: 2006 Awardees. http://www.usdeafsports.org/news/news_20070624.html

“The Silent Network.” (1992, May). UAD Bulletin, Vol. 15, No. 12 May 1992, 2.

Schroedel (Kinney), Valerie. “AAAD Office moves.” UAD Bulletin, v. 16, no. 2 (July 1992): 7.

USADB Press Release. “USADB Commissioner Shirley Platt Announces Retirement.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 37-01, p. 1 (June 2013).

“USADSF Honors Utahn.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 26.8 (January 2007): 1.

Elise Whitworth, Entrepreneurial Leader

Elise Whitworth, also known as Lisi, is a Deaf alumna from Gallaudet University, graduating in 1998. In 2014, she was recognized in Utah Business magazine's "30 Women to Watch" for her outstanding business management and leadership skills. Her impactful leadership as a Deaf woman in Utah has received widespread recognition and respect.

Elise Withworth. Source: Utah Business Magazine

In 2014, Utah Business magazine recognized Elise Whitworth, known as Lisi, as the first Deaf woman among its 30 Women to Watch. She describes herself as a 'person of ideas.' She is delighted by fresh ideas and eager to implement them (Caldwell, UAD Bulletin, June 2014).

An entrepreneur and web developer, Elise founded Eventida.com, an event promotion platform where anyone can promote events for any community (Putz, The Passion Mentor, October 10, 2012). Elise and her Deaf husband, Laurence, also run Satdaya Studio, a creative marketing services company that assists businesses in growing their customer bases through events, websites, and other marketing projects. They also oversee Visual Arts Media & Entertainment (VAME), a non-profit organization for Deaf creative professionals. VAME aims to expand employment opportunities by identifying and recognizing talent in the Deaf community. According to Whitworth, 'this is something we do to give back to the Deaf community' (Morgan, Deseret News, July 30, 2015). Their work is not just about business; it's about making a real difference in the lives of Deaf creative professionals.

References

Caldwell, Scott. “Honors Deaf Woman.” UAD Bulletin, June 2014, p. 9-11.

Morgan, Mandy. “Technology Breaking Down Barriers Between Deaf and Hearing Communities.” Deseret News, July 30, 2015.

Putz, Karen. “Elise Whitworth, Entrepreneur and Web Developer.” The Passion Mentor, October 10, 2012.

Ellen Noelle O'Hara,
Active Community Leader

Ellen Noelle O'Hara received her diploma from the Indiana School for the Deaf in 2003 and was accepted into Brigham Young University (BYU) the following year. Ellen competed in the Miss Deaf Utah pageant and won the title before starting college. For two years, she was the reigning queen. She started her Deaf Education degree at Utah State University after a year at BYU. In May 2009, she graduated with a Master of Education in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education. She was hired at the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf almost immediately. Ellen was a prominent member of the Deaf community. She utilized her leadership abilities in a variety of voluntary endeavors. She participated in the Miss Deaf Utah Ambassador Program and the Utah Association of the Deaf activities. Ellen was also a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Unfortunately, on July 1, 2016, she died in a vehicle accident. Ellen's generous gifts of time and service greatly impacted the Utah Deaf community.

Ellen Noelle O'Hara, 2016

Ellen Noelle O'Hara was born on June 13, 1985, in Burley, Cassia, Idaho, to Dennis O'Hara and Donna Bronwyn Usinger O'Hara, the fifth child of seven children. She was the third child in the family with hearing loss. The family had a genetic predisposition for deafness caused by the Branchio-Oto-Renal syndrome gene. The B-O-R gene has a 50% chance of being passed on to the next generation from an individual with the syndrome. Dennis has the syndrome, as well as the accompanying deafness. Other possible manifestations of this syndrome include the presence of neck and ear pits or cysts, inner ear malformations, and affected kidneys.

The family moved to Idaho in 1984 so their oldest child, Molly, could attend the Idaho State School for the Deaf (ISSD) in Gooding, Idaho. This major decision resulted from Molly being in a mainstream public school in Delaware for three years, where they did not provide interpreter support because, at the time, Molly did not know sign language. The O'Haras decided to return to Burley, Idaho, where they had lived from 1978 to 1980, and send Molly to the ISSD. The family believed learning sign language would benefit her in school more than her oral/aural skills alone.
Ellen was born around this time. Upon discovering Ellen's hearing loss, the family requested a Parent Infant Program (PIP) parent adviser with signing skills to visit their home and begin teaching them sign language. To their surprise, the PIP director at ISSD informed them that no parent advisors knew sign language. Despite this setback, the O'Haras were determined to work with any ISSD sent out. Mary Dunn was sent, and she worked with the family for nearly a year and a half, eventually becoming the superintendent of the ISSD.

When Ellen was two in 1987, she and her family moved to Provo, Utah. Two main reasons drove the relocation. Dennis was accepted to Brigham Young University (BYU) for graduate school, where he pursued and got a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering. The family also learned about a 'deaf church,' a gathering place for Deaf people who use sign language. This 'deaf church' was not just a place of worship, but a community hub where Deaf individuals could socialize, share experiences, and learn from each other. The family relocated to expose their three Deaf children to a signing environment and provide them with Deaf adult role models. The family's commitment to learning sign language was unwavering, and they quickly became part of the Deaf community in Utah.

At the time, there was a Provo Branch for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving Deaf members nearby. The Utah Deaf community gladly welcomed the O'Hara family into their friendship networks. The family learned sign language and Deaf culture from Deaf branch members. Bronwyn quickly became a vocal supporter of Deaf education reform. Ellen was still young enough to be enrolled in the Parent Infant Program. When Bronwyn asked the Utah School for the Deaf for a PIP advisor who could sign, she was told there were none. This was a significant barrier for the family, as they believed that a PIP advisor who could sign was crucial for Ellen's language development. Dixie Welch, the PIP advisor in the O'Hara home, encouraged the family to study sign language, even though she questioned Bronwyn about signing with Ellen. Bronwyn contacted the Deaf Latter-day Saints community about Deaf education difficulties after becoming perplexed by the strange fact that the deaf school had no signing PIP advisors.

Bronwyn O'Hara

Bronwyn's educational mentor was a well-known Deaf woman, Minnie Mae Wilding Diaz, who served as Bronwyn's educational mentor. Minnie Mae (MM) is a third-generation Deaf woman from Gooding, Idaho, living in the Provo area at the time. Under Minnie Mae's guidance, Bronwyn gained a deep understanding of the needs of children with hearing loss. They need language; the only acceptable visual language is American Sign Language. All of the signing systems at the Utah School for the Deaf, including Signing Exact English (SEE), Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE), and Pidgin Signed English (PSE), were designed to convey English through hand gestures. Deaf students all over the country used these sign language systems. Studies have begun to demonstrate, however, that the brain does not interpret these systems as language or process them. The simultaneous use of speaking and signing was prevalent. Total Communication was also widespread in the Utah School for the Deaf system, which was detrimental to learning. Total Communication was also used on a national level. Bronwyn learned from Minnie Mae that accurately teaching two different languages simultaneously was impossible. While one language, spoken or signed, became corrupted, the other became dominant.

As a result of her interaction with Deaf individuals, reading studies, and research, Bronwyn became particularly supportive of the ASL/English bilingual approach to educating the deaf. Studies have shown that this approach, which emphasizes the use of American Sign Language alongside English, significantly enhances the learning experience for Deaf students, providing them with a comprehensive language foundation.

When she was three, Ellen began attending the Utah School for the Deaf satellite program at Scera Park public school in Orem, Utah. Steven Noyce, an oral advocate and program director for children with hearing loss who resided outside Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah, persuaded her to start at the oral/aural school. 'Elen has a lot of hearing and would do well,' he claimed. Ellen had moderate-to-severe hearing loss in both ears, so enrolling her in the oral/aural program made no sense to her family. The teachers echoed Noyce's comments, and the family complied. Ellen's placement lasted a year. Her family had grown weary of the oral program's denial of sign language. She also had to dedicate much of her academic time to accurately reciting words. Bronwyn confronted Noyce, leading to Ellen's transfer to Scera Park's Total Communication program. This move significantly impacted her learning journey and underscored the importance of understanding and accommodating the needs of Deaf students.

Ellen O'Hara, 4, in the preschool program of the Utah School for the Deaf, 1989-1990

Bronwyn was also unimpressed with the Total Communication (TC) program. Bronwyn learned from Minnie Mae that TC used spoken English while signing Signing Exact English (SEE). SEE was not a language. One of its presuppositions was to place one sign for each English word, regardless of its meaning. Consider the sign 'run' as a representation of someone who is running. 'The boy will run home.' This sign makes sense. But then you flip to another meaning: "The man will run for town mayor." Another interpretation is, "My nose will run if I'm near cats." In each example, the sign depicted someone sprinting. Students in the class would become confused because the sign did not express the correct meaning of the term in each example. Bronwyn thought this was unacceptable for Ellen. How could her daughter learn English in such a way?

Bronwyn, in a final effort to plead for Ellen's educational rights, spoke with a lawyer at the Legal Center for the Handicapped in Salt Lake City. She asked the lawyer if he might assist her in suing the Utah School for the Deaf. Bronwyn's request was simple: she wanted the school to provide Ellen with language access in the classroom. Bronwyn believed that the lack of a language in the TC classroom placed her daughter at an educational disadvantage. In public school, her hearing classmates received language instruction. Ellen should have had the same language access as her hearing peers. In this case, the language would be modified specifically for her hearing loss. The lawyer indicated that he only dealt with workplace discrimination and that it would be difficult to sue a school over a language limitation. It had never been done before. But Bronwyn couldn't accept this as a reason to not fight for Ellen's rights. She stressed the need for immediate action, as every day without proper language access was a day of lost education for Ellen.

Ellen O'Hara at Liahona Camp with her camp counselor, Doug Stringham

At the time, parents found it intimidating to challenge the school system. There was neither legal support nor money to pursue the O'Haras' cause. During this critical period, Ellen's mother realized that it would take some time for the Utah School for the Deaf to find the right personnel and content for an ASL-friendly program. She knew her daughter couldn't wait. Her academic years went by quickly. Bronwyn spoke with members of the Utah Deaf community about the best Deaf education program. Members of the Utah Deaf community directed her to the California School for the Deaf-Fremont (CSDF). Bronwyn quickly registered Ellen for the 2nd and 3rd grades. Ellen described her educational opportunity at CSDF as a "turning point" in her life, a moment that underscored the transformative power of accessible education. Her 'eyes were opened,' and she recognized she was intelligent and capable, with untapped potential. On the other hand, Ellen's family could only afford two years. She was returned to the Utah School for the Deaf for the 4th grade. The next year and a half proved to be extremely frustrating for the family, as nothing had changed at the Utah School for the Deaf. Since Ellen's family could not afford a move to California to continue Ellen's education at CSDF, Bronwyn sought advice from the Deaf community to identify the second-best alternative. The family was looking for a school with a bilingual-bicultural philosophy. They couldn't wait for Utah to 'catch up' with advances in Deaf education. They wanted Ellen to have the education, role models, and peer interaction she deserved. The Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD) met all its educational needs in Indianapolis, Indiana. They moved to Indiana in February 1995, when Ellen was in 5th grade. Ellen was able to develop her academic and leadership skills completely at this school. She graduated from ISD in 2003 (Bronwyn O'Hara, personal communication, May 2014/October 2016).

Ellen O'Hara, Indiana School for the Deaf graduation, May 2003

Ellen was accepted to Brigham Young University (BYU) in the summer of 2003. Before starting college, Ellen competed in the Utah Association for the Deaf pageant and won the title of Miss Deaf Utah. She held the title for two years.

Ellen O'Hara crowns Miss Deaf Utah, 2003

She attended BYU for a year before transferring to Utah State University (USU) to begin her Deaf Education degree. In May 2009, she earned a Master of Education in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education at USU.

Ellen O'Hara graduates from Utah State University, 2009

Ellen's journey as a teacher at the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf (JMS) began with a profound dedication. JMS, a part of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, offered an ASL/English bilingual program for deaf and hard of hearing children. Initially a fourth-grade teacher, Ellen soon transitioned to first grade, a role that allowed her to set higher expectations for the new students. She taught them not just to pay attention to the teacher, understand deaf manners, and learn abstracts, but she also provided them with much-needed help at home: language, behavior modeling, and academic expectations.

Ellen's personal life was not without its challenges. She first met Levi Hanna online in 2011, and they married in June of that year. Levi, not knowing sign language, was determined to learn it, and Ellen was a patient teacher. However, their marriage, which had its share of difficulties, ended in March 2016 due to irreconcilable differences over having children and being an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ellen O'Hara

At the end of the 2015–2016 school year, Ellen was encouraged to apply for the newly created vice principal position at JMS for the 2016–2017 school year. She was hired as the new vice president of the school in June 2016. She was also promoted to ASL Specialist at JMS. In June, she had just returned from an ASL conference in Kansas. The conference offered Ellen various suggestions for correctly modifying the school curriculum to teach ASL. Ellen was thrilled with her new position. She was more than ready to begin. She saw her new role as allowing her to advocate for better Deaf education, parental involvement, and deaf rights (Ellen O'Hara, Obituary, July 2016). Ellen's ambitions were similar to her mother's. She hoped to continue her mother's path of educational reform.

Ellen and Bronwyn O'Hara at the Utah State Univesity graduation, 2009

Ellen O'Hara, 2009

Ellen's role as a leader in the Utah Deaf community is empowering. She applied her leadership abilities to her numerous volunteer activities, including her participation in the Miss Deaf Utah Ambassador Program and the Utah Association of the Deaf. Andrea Garff Anderson, previous director of the Miss Deaf Utah Ambassador Program, was inspired by Ellen's participation as Miss Deaf Utah in 2003, stating, "[Ellen] has inspired me and many others during her time with our organization, Miss Deaf Utah Ambassador Program (MDUAP)." I remember her winning the title of Miss Deaf Utah in 2003, a moment that made me think, "Here's a future deaf community leader." She was, and still is, an inspiration to others, encouraging them to strive for their dreams (Andrea Garff Anderson, personal communication, July 4, 2016).

For two years, Ellen worked as the secretary for the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD). She created monthly vlogs with the UAD message and posted them on YouTube for easy access. In addition, she coordinated the UAD Conference in 2013 and 2015. She showed no fear of appearing on camera. According to her obituary, Ellen's example constantly inspired and encouraged others around her. Despite her inward shyness, she made friends quickly. People from various walks of life noted her for her silly and quirky interactions (Ellen O'Hara Obituary, July 2016). She would buy things from her Deaf friends, who were self-employed as Mary Kay Cosmetic consultants, doTERRA essential oil distributors, and eyelash-enhancing beauticians. Wherever possible, she would engage Deaf plumbers, electricians, and other craftsmen. She did everything she could to encourage Deaf restaurateurs and other Deaf business owners. She had been volunteering at the Deaf-owned Mozzeria's window, moving pizza trucks, and collecting orders on the morning of her deadly accident. She had an adorable tendency to wear T-shirts that stated her love of ASL and the Deaf community loud and clear. She was a living example of Deaf pride.

As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ellen's faith was a guiding force in her life. She regularly expressed her love of the Lord by example and teaching, her church life being of utmost importance to her. She was not shy about telling the world that Jesus Christ was her dearest friend, a testament to her unwavering faith. Her church service was extensive; she worked as an institute teacher and a temple worker at the Salt Lake Temple, in addition to local callings in her ward. She collaborated on seminary films for the Church Education System (CES) and contributed songs, talks, and prayers for the Women's Conference and General Conference. Ellen's dedication to her faith and her service in the church were truly admirable, and it's impossible to list all the excellent things she accomplished.

Ellen O'Hara

Ellen tragically lost her life in a car accident on July 1, 2016. A white pickup truck traveling in the lane just to her left collided with her driver's door as she attempted to do a U-turn from the far right lane on Redwood Road in West Jordan, Utah. The truck driver didn't have much time to stop or swerve. Ellen made the first right that came her way. Ellen was killed instantly and painlessly.

Ellen's sudden death shook the Deaf community. She was a bright young lady, adored by everyone she met. Her future was promising, and her passion for advocacy was unwavering. Though her time on earth was short, her impact will be felt across the community, and the community mourn the loss of the potential she had to make a difference.

Elise Ellsworth Horman, a friend of Ellen's, remembers her as a strong, determined, sweet, loving, and faith-filled woman—a rare combination in today's world (Elise Ellsworth Horman, personal communication, July 3, 2016). Another friend, Lisa Dopf, shared her heartfelt tribute, saying, "The Utah Deaf community has been blindsided and grieves the loss of you [Ellen]...strong, kind-hearted, vivacious in every sense of the word, feisty, spunky, lover of life, an example, a believer, and a friend." These personal tributes remind us that we are part of a supportive community united in our grief and our love for Ellen (Lisa Dopf, personal communication, July 2, 2016).

Ellen O'Hara

Ellen's memorial service was held on July 9, 2016, at the Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorville, Utah. Around 400 people came to express their love for her. Thanks to Ellen's friend David Lance Pickett's efforts, the services were accessible via the Internet, so 100 more people who could not attend in person could participate in the community's grieving.

Ellen made a profound impact on the Utah Deaf community, showing unwavering dedication. Though she is no longer with us, her work must continue. As Stephen Peterson rightly said, "Ellen was one person speaking out for change. But she was not the only one. Now that she's gone, we can all become more outspoken and proactive. More of us can pick up where she left off and continue her work. We can continue her legacy" (Stephen Peterson, personal communication to Emily O'Hara Bergeson, July 1, 2016). We can make sure her memory lives on.

Ellen Noelle O'Hara

Four Memorials
Set Up for Ellen O'Hara

Written by Bronwyn O'Hara
Photos taken by Mercy Persinger
Compiled by Jodi Becker Kinner

2017

There are now four memorials in Salt Lake City, Utah, for Ellen O'Hara, who lost her life in a vehicle accident on July 1, 2016. Ellen has taught at the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, under the Utah Schools for the Deaf, for six years. She had just been promoted to vice principal and ASL Specialist in May 2016 and returned from a conference for ASL Specialists in June. She was brimming over with ideas of how to teach ASL to the children at JMS better when the untimely accident took her out of our midst. She was also extremely active in the Utah Association of the Deaf, serving as an officer and UAD Biennial Convention chair twice, and she also vlogged the UAD Bulletin news online.

Ellen O'Hara Auditorium

At JMS, the newly renovated auditorium has been named the Ellen O'Hara Auditorium. The gray and lime green color scheme has been carried over from the newest building to create continuity throughout the campus. The auditorium's lighting and video equipment are the newest and finest. Pictures of Utah nature scenes grace the walls. The room generates energy and excitement, much like Ellen herself. She was passionate about JMS, teaching, and children. Her enthusiasm will continue to permeate the school. Under her picture, a video machine will be designed to play and replay the 'naming' ceremony held on May 24, 2017. We thank Superintendent Joel Coleman and Associate Superintendent Michelle Tanner for honoring Ellen in this way.

Ellen O'Hara Auditorium at Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, Salt Lake City, Utah

Jasmine Taylor, a fellow JMS teacher, and her parents, Sharon and Neil Taylor, donated a bench with Ellen's name on it to JMS. The bench is made from eucalyptus wood, which is tough enough to withstand the outside weather in Utah. It is placed near the playground.

A bench in memory of Ellen O'Hara at the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf

A mimosa tree has been planted near the JMS playground. It was donated by Ellen's uncle and aunt, Jeff and Patty Usinger. Ellen's mother, Bronwyn O'Hara, chose the mimosa to represent Ellen's love of the unusual and distinctive. Ellen loved explosions of color. The mimosa's pink, fluffy flowers look like flower explosions and smell like a mixture of peach and coconut, a feminine 'perfume.'

A Mimosa tree was planted near the JMS playground in memory of Ellen O'Hara

In the larger Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing courtyard, a fairy statue was set atop a pedestal to honor Ellen. Donations from family and Deaf community friends funded the purchase of this statue. The fairy is dancing with a scarf, a symbol of Ellen's happy and positive outlook. Despite her challenges, Ellen always found a way to see the good in the world. Her family believes this statue is a fitting tribute to her spirit and the joy she brought to those around her.

A fairy statue was set atop a pedestal to honor Ellen O'Hara at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center

Ellen loved learning new things. That's one reason she became a teacher. She wanted to help children love to learn. She enjoyed many fascinating things in the world: colors, shapes, tastes, and smells. She didn't wish anyone, young or old, to feel afraid to learn new things. She would try new foods like hummus, tofu, and purple carrots. She loved to explore new places and went to Romania, France, Italy, and Hawaii. She loved challenging herself to do new things like marathons, Mud Run team challenges, skydiving, and ziplining. Ellen always supported positive thinking and positive actions. Anyone who knew her knew how she loved to put uplifting quotes on her walls.

If Ellen could leave a message for us, it would be this: "Life is for learning." She believed in the transformative power of knowledge and the beauty that surrounds us. She felt God's love in every aspect of her life and wanted others to experience the same. Ellen's life was a testament to the joy of learning and the power of positivity. Her message to us is simple: learn, appreciate, and love. That's what she did, and that's what we can do, too.

We all experience difficult experiences. Find ways to find the positive in any situation and help each other.

A memory sign of Ellen O'Hara on the bench outside of the Jean Massiue School of the Deaf

Notes

Andrea Garff Anderson, personal communication, July 4, 2016.

Bronwyn O’Hara, personal communication, May 2014 (and expanded Oct 2016). http://www.utahdeafhistory.com/uploads/5/4/2/6/5426987/the_evolution_of_deaf_education_in_utah_.pdf

Elise Ellsworth Horman, personal communication, July 3, 2016.

Lisa Dopf, personal communication, July 2, 2016.

Stephen Peterson, personal communication to Emily O’Hara Bergeson, July 1, 2016.

Reference

Ellen O’Hara: Obituary. http://ellenohara.wixsite.com/ellen/obituary

Ellen O'Hara was videotaped for the ASL Curriculum group at a De'VIA retreat in Kansas by Dr. Karen Christie, a professor emeritus at NTID/RIT who has taught English, Deaf Women Studies, and ASL & Deaf literature. KC shared a short video of Ellen after she passed away. Ellen's pleasure in her new role is something KC adores.

Millicent "Millie" Simmonds, Deaf Actress

The film "Wonderstruck" received over 250 audition tapes for the role of young Rose, a Deaf girl. Millicent Simmonds, also known as "Millie," was a Utah native who became famous for portraying young Rose in the film. She has also appeared in the movies "A Quiet Place: Part One and Part Two." Utah is proud to have Millie, a Deaf actress who represents the Deaf community and promotes American Sign Language.

Millicent "Millie" Simmonds, 2022. Photo: Paige Kindlick (@paigexrage)

Over 250 tapes were received during auditions for a Deaf girl to play a young Rose in the "Wonderstruck" film. Millicent Simmonds, also known as "Millie," is a Utah native who rose to fame for her role as young Rose in the movie. She was only 13 years old at the time.

Millicent "Millie" Simmonds as Selznick’s Rose. Source: MoviePilot.com

Millie's passion for theater and acting is evident. She was a member of the drama club at the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, which is part of the Utah School for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her dedication allowed her to showcase her talents at the Cedar City Shakespeare Festival in Utah and debut in the short film "Color the World," directed by Juliette Hansen, a Deaf filmmaker.

The movie "Wonderstruck" was filmed in New York City in 2016. 'Wonderstruck' is a novel about what it's like to be deaf in a hearing world. It was Millie's first time on the big screen. It was an excellent achievement for a young Deaf girl with no major film credentials. Millie was excited to play Rose and advocate for her community through the film. She told KSL News, "I love being deaf because silence is beautiful and peaceful, and ASL is a beautiful language" (Crofts, KSL.com, April 15, 2016; Roselyn, MoviePilot.com, April 15, 2016).

Millicent "Millie" Simmonds in "A Quiet Place Part I" film

Millie's success continued to soar as she starred in the critically acclaimed movies "A Quiet Place: Part One" (2018) and "A Quiet Place: Part Two" (2020). Her talent and dedication have also been recognized in television shows and other films. Utah is proud to have Millie, a Deaf actress who not only represents the Deaf community but also promotes American Sign Language.

Millicent "Millie" Simmonds in "A Quiet Place Part II" film

References

Crofts, Natalie. “Bountiful girl cast in lead role for upcoming movie ‘Wonderstruck.’” KSL.com, April 15, 2016. http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1205&sid=39354436

Roselyn.” Everything We Know About the Must-See Film ‘Wonderstruck.’ MoviePilot.com, April 15, 2016. http://moviepilot.com/posts/4027951

Eleanor "Eli" Birckhead McCowan

While working at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Eleanor "Eli" Birckhead McCowan was actively involved in the Utah Deaf community, volunteering for groups such as the Utah Association of the Deaf, the Miss Utah Deaf Pageant, and the Sego Lily Center Abused for the Deaf, which she co-founded in 2000. From 2001 until 2013, she was a member of the Utah Association for the Deaf, serving as conference chair in 2005 and 2009. Eli received the President's Award from the Utah Association for the Deaf in 2002 for her excellent community work.

Eleanor "Eli" Birckhead McCowan

Eleanor "Eli" Birckhead McCowan was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, on December 4, 1950, and died in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 26, 2024, at the age of 73.

Eli, a compassionate and dedicated individual, earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Gallaudet University in December 1997. After completing her internship, she was hired as a Deaf Specialist at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. During her time at the Sanderson Center, Eli actively participated in the Utah Deaf community by volunteering for organizations such as the Utah Association of the Deaf, the Miss Utah Deaf Pageant, and the Sego Lily Center Abused for the Deaf, which she co-founded in 2000. From 2001 to 2013, she was a member of the Utah Association for the Deaf and served as a conference chair in 2005 and 2009. In recognition of her exceptional community work, Eli received the President's Award from the Utah Association for the Deaf in 2002. She retired from the Sanderson Center in 2015.

Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf Co-Founders L-R: Eleanor McCowan, Kristi Mortensen, Linda Berness, Christy Layton, & Joene Nicolaisen in 2000

Eli also held positions as secretary of the Kentucky Association of the Deaf and state coordinator of the Political Action Network for the Deaf in the 1980s. In addition to serving as a judge in the 1984 Miss Deaf America pageant, she directed two Miss Deaf Kentucky pageants and edited the state pageant directors' newsletters (Miss Deaf America, 1984).

In 2008, Eleanor McCowan, an officer of the Utah Association of the Deaf and chair of the 2009 100th-anniversary conference, asked me to create a brief history book for the event. I didn't realize that this small project would lead me to discover surprising and fascinating historical events. Eleanor's request allowed me to develop the Utah Deaf History website, a project that I found deeply engaging and fulfilling. With her support, I was able to finish the task, and the result showcases the rich history of the Deaf community in Utah. It's all thanks to her.

Eli's steadfast dedication to serving the Deaf community is not simply remarkable; it's transformative. Her outstanding contributions, from her work at the Sanderson Center to her involvement in various Deaf organizations, have made a lasting impact on the community. Her legacy, a testament to her commitment and passion, will continue to inspire and guide us.

Eleanor "Eli" Birckhead McCowan. Source: Miss Deaf America, 1984

Reference

Miss Deaf America, 1984