Editors & Testimonials
Editors
The historical information was compiled after extensive research to better understand Utah Deaf history. A bibliography and a personal interview are used to provide an outline of the history. Readers are encouraged to contact me via email at jodibeckerkinner@gmail.com to fill in the blanks and/or correct errors.
Thank you to our editors, Valerie G. Kinney, Bronwyn O'Hara, Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, and Dan V. Mathis, for their hard work and dedication to detail in editing my historical manuscripts.
Hundreds of manuscripts would not have been completed without their assistance. The goal is to create as many English-friendly versions of the manuscripts as possible.
Thank you so much!
Jodi Becker Kinner
Thank you to our editors, Valerie G. Kinney, Bronwyn O'Hara, Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, and Dan V. Mathis, for their hard work and dedication to detail in editing my historical manuscripts.
Hundreds of manuscripts would not have been completed without their assistance. The goal is to create as many English-friendly versions of the manuscripts as possible.
Thank you so much!
Jodi Becker Kinner
Valerie G. Kinney
Brownyn O'Hara
Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz
Dan V. Mathis
Testimonials
"Thank you for sending me the "Deaf Education History in Utah” paper you have written. I am very impressed with it and all the work you have done. You are to be commended. I hope that people who really are interested in this subject will take the time to read your paper. As you know, I really don't believe many people ever read it (He is referring to his "Education of the Deaf in Utah: A Comprehensive Study" book that was presented to the Utah State Board of Education in 1977. It did not go well. Soon after, his study was left buried and forgotten for years). Thanks for bringing it "out of the dust." Beth Ann and I were really happy to meet with you and get acquainted." ~ Dr. Jay J. Campbell, July 1, 2007
Members of the Utah Deaf community, late 1930's. Late 1930's. Men in hats with small neckties and women in dresses standing in front of the Model Ford. Back L-R: Verl Throup, John (Jack) White, Charles Fowkes. Front L-R: Vida (Fowkes) White, Evangeline Archabal, ________, Lillian (Fowkes) Freston
"I have carefully read your research paper on Deaf Education, and am impressed with the depth and scope that you covered. As you undoubtedly discovered, the subject is exceedingly complicated." ~ Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, November 28, 2007
"Keep up the good work in your field of education of deaf children. I am personally glad to see a deaf graduate of Gallaudet taking on the establishment! Your work is making them sit up and take notice!" ~ Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, November 28, 2007 (second email)
"I just wanted to tell you how much your conference [2007 UAD conference] paper on Deaf Education History in Utah really opened my eyes and educated me and gave me so much more background on how things have been historically and continue to be here in the state of Utah. Wonderful work." ~ Mistie Owens, March 6, 2008
"Keep up the good work in your field of education of deaf children. I am personally glad to see a deaf graduate of Gallaudet taking on the establishment! Your work is making them sit up and take notice!" ~ Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, November 28, 2007 (second email)
"I just wanted to tell you how much your conference [2007 UAD conference] paper on Deaf Education History in Utah really opened my eyes and educated me and gave me so much more background on how things have been historically and continue to be here in the state of Utah. Wonderful work." ~ Mistie Owens, March 6, 2008
Vintage cars in late 1935 behind the mountain between Bountiful and Centerville, Utah on a paved road.
L-R: Ray Wenger, Kate Billeter, Joe Brandenburg, Arthur Wenger, Fern Brandenburg, John Steele, Georgie Mae Stewart, Wayne Stewart
"I am very impressed that you have put it together. It is well organized and it is very rich archive of Utah's history. I do appreciate that you continue to take commitment on that." ~ Philippe Montalette, UAD President, April 8, 2014
"I can hardly leave the website. It has been such an impactful morning/early afternoon learning from the Utah Deaf History website. Thank you again for all of your hard work, what a tremendous contribution you have made." ~ Sherine Miller, April 17, 2014
"You do have your heart in Utah history work and you have done tremendous work in researching and putting together articles. No one could match what you do!" ~ Valerie G. Kinney, September 28, 2014
"I can hardly leave the website. It has been such an impactful morning/early afternoon learning from the Utah Deaf History website. Thank you again for all of your hard work, what a tremendous contribution you have made." ~ Sherine Miller, April 17, 2014
"You do have your heart in Utah history work and you have done tremendous work in researching and putting together articles. No one could match what you do!" ~ Valerie G. Kinney, September 28, 2014
1930's – Members of the Utah Deaf Community. First Row (L-R): Emily C. Miller, Afton Curtis (Kenneth Burdett's wife), Evangeline Archabal, & Wayne Stewart. Second Row (L-R): Verl Throup, & Joseph Burnett
Thanks again for all of your help and your work in general. As I have gone through all of this I am really overwhelmed by what you have done and accomplished. It’s truly remarkable. ~ Dr. Bryan Eldredge, January 6, 2016.
I love this site Jodi! You have done so much work. I am certain this is thousands and thousands of hours. I am so eternally grateful that you have taken the time to preserve all this history. Generations to come will be indebted to you. ~ Michelle Tanner, June 24, 2016.
I just went to the document, and wow...I am awed all over again. Your research is so comprehensive and thorough. ~ Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, July 18, 2016.
This is such a great resource! Your sacrifice will bless many lives! ~ Joel Coleman, April 23, 2020.
I love this site Jodi! You have done so much work. I am certain this is thousands and thousands of hours. I am so eternally grateful that you have taken the time to preserve all this history. Generations to come will be indebted to you. ~ Michelle Tanner, June 24, 2016.
I just went to the document, and wow...I am awed all over again. Your research is so comprehensive and thorough. ~ Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, July 18, 2016.
This is such a great resource! Your sacrifice will bless many lives! ~ Joel Coleman, April 23, 2020.
Around 1940's – Members of the Utah Deaf Community. Front Row (L-R): John Steele, Charles Fowkes. Second Row (L-R): Kenneth C. Burdett, Evangeline Archabal, Ethel Fowkes (Walter Kirk's wife), Georgie Mae Bass (Wayne Stewart's wife), Katie Billeter. Third Row (L-R): ______(Charles Fowkes’ wife (name?), Dorothy _____, (John Glassett’s wife), Vida (Fowkes), John (Jack) White
“If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree.” ~Michael Crichton~