Utah Deaf History and Culture
  • Home
  • Beginning of the Utah Deaf History Project
  • Why the Website?
  • Special Thanks
  • Editors & Testimonials
  • Biographies of Prominent Deaf Individuals in Utah
    • Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Men
    • Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Women
    • Biographies of Prominent Utah Interpreters
    • Biographies of Utah Deaf Artists
    • Eleanor Kay Kinner Curtis, ​the Utah Deaf Model
  • History of the ​Utah School for the Deaf
    • The Utah School for the ​ ​Deaf Archives
    • Wayne E. Stewart's Photos ​of the Utah School for the Deaf ​& the Utah Deaf Community
    • Reunions at the ​Utah School for the Deaf ​Through the Years
    • History of the Jean Massieu School ​of the Deaf
    • History of the Kenneth Burdett School of the Deaf
    • Brandon R. Hill, a Deaf Designer of the Eagle Logo of the Utah School for the Deaf
    • Jean Massieu School of the Deaf Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
    • History of the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf
    • Amanda Tolle Wolfe, a Deaf Designer of the Phoenix Mascot of the ​​Elizabeth School of the Deaf
    • Videos of the Experiences Growing Up at theUtah School for the Deaf ​and/or Public School
  • Deaf Education History in Utah
    • Dr. Grant B. Bitter, the Father of Mainstreaming & A Collection of ​Dr. Bitter's Videos
    • The Impact of the Oral Leaders Within and Outside of Utah
    • Students Strike Over the Oral and Sign Language Segregation Policy at the Utah School for the Deaf ​in 1962 and 1969
    • Dr. Jay J. Campbell's 1977 Comprehensive Study ​of Deaf Education in Utah
    • Jeffrey W. Pollock: The Utah Deaf Education Controversy: Total Communication 
Versus Oralism ​at the University of Utah
    • ​​Dr. Robert G. Sanderson: "Mainstreaming Is Not the Answer for All Deaf Children"
    • Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's Dream for an Equal Deaf Education System
    • The Controversial Parallel Correspondence Between American Sign Language ​and Listening & Spoken Language
    • Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, ​a Co-Founder of the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf
    • The Deaf Representatives ​on the Advisory Council of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
  • Sociology of the Utah School for the Deaf ​in the Utah Deaf Community, 1890-1970
  • History of the Utah Association of the Deaf Conventions/Conferences and Its Officers
    • ​A Brief History of the ​Utah Association of the Deaf
    • The Utah Association of the Deaf Bulletins/Awards/Logos
    • House Bill 60: Changing the Term from 'Hearing Impaired' ​to the 'Deaf and Hard of Hearing'
  • History of the National Fraternal ​Society of the Deaf
  • History of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
    • The Directors of the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center ​of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
    • Dr. Robert G. Sanderson's ​2003 Honorary Ceremony
    • W. David Mortensen's 2014 Honorary Ceremony
    • Robert G. Sanderson Community Center's 25th Anniversary Celebration
    • Robert G. Sanderson Community Center's 30th Anniversary Celebration
  • Utah's Connection to ​Gallaudet University History
    • Ronald C. Burdett, a Utah Native and Gallaudet Graduate of 1970, Honors at the Sorenson Communication, Inc. Naming Ceremony
    • Dr. I. King Jordan, the First Deaf President of Gallaudet University, Visits Utah
  • The History of Interpreting Services in Utah
    • Beth Ann Stewart Campbell Holds the Distinction of Being the First ​Nationally Certified Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Interpreter in Utah and the United States
    • The Utah Interpreting Program celebrates its 30th Anniversary
  • History of the Deaf Latter-day ​Saints Community of ​The Church of Jesus Christ ​of Latter-day Saints
    • Anne Leahy and Doug Stringham, ​History Researchers of the Deaf Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  • The History of Utah Deaf Sports
  • Deaf Organizations in Utah
  • History of the ​Miss Deaf Utah Pageant
  • History of the Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf
  • Utah Senior Deaf Citizens
  • History of the Vocational Education Programs at the Utah School for the Deaf
  • The History of ​Utah Deaf Technology
  • Outstanding Resilience Contributed to the Success of Utah's Deaf Women's History
  • Outstanding Contributions in the ​Early History of Utah's Deaf and Non-Deaf Women
  • Utah's Connection to Black Deaf History
  • The Utah Deaf History Museum at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center ​
  • Films Created by the ASL Community in Utah
  • Utah Deaf Skiing Archive
  • The Utah Deaf History Collection at UVU's George Sutherland Archives
  • Parker Holt's Gallaudet Pre-Law Writing Award for Focusing on Utah's Laws That Impact ​the Utah Deaf Community
  • Utah Deaf History YouTube channel
  • Contact & Copyright Permission

Editors & Testimonials 


Author's Note 

We have conducted extensive research to enhance our understanding of Utah Deaf history. We have also utilized biographies and personal interviews to gain deeper insights into this history. If you notice any gaps or errors, please contact me at [email protected]. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated as we strive to improve our work.

I would like to thank our editors—Valerie G. Kinney, Bronwyn O'Hara, Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, and Dan V. Mathis—for their hard work and attention to detail in editing my historical manuscripts. Without their assistance, we would not have been able to complete hundreds of manuscripts.

Below, you will find the testimonials given by those individuals who expressed their appreciation and admiration for my historical work. Their insights and encouragement have enriched my writing and inspired me to delve deeper into the historical narratives that shape our understanding of the past. I am truly grateful for their support and look forward to sharing the impact of our collaborative efforts through these testimonials.

​Our goal is to provide as many English-friendly versions of t
he manuscripts as possible. We are committed to ensuring that our content is accessible to a broad audience, and we value the feedback that helps us achieve this goal. Together, we can continue to refine our work and enhance the reading experience for everyone. Thank you for your support!

​Cheers! 

Jodi Christel Becker 

Picture
Valerie G. Kinney 

Picture
Brownyn O'Hara 

Picture
Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz 

Picture
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

Picture
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 

Picture
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 

Picture
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. 


Thank YOU for documenting this very important history!!! I am very impressed. ~ Amy Cohen Efron, December 29, 2023 

Thank you for all of the 2024 updates to the Utah Deaf History website! It's been fun to see new pictures and learn new things. I didn't even know my Grandpa (Melvin Penman) played basketball! It was neat to see him with his 1935-36 team. Thanks for all your hard work! ~ Melanie F. July 20, 2024 

Picture
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

Thank you for your work on the website. The history is so well written!! Freeman and I moved here in 1991 and saw much of the bilingual bicultural Deaf Education history unfold as we strived to create the first Bi-Bi ASL-English teacher preparation program in the state at USU from which many excellent ASL-English teachers graduated. Your history provides such a fascinating and important documentation of the journey of Deaf people in Utah. I hope all will read it to gain understanding and respect for that journey lest we be doomed to repeat the dark part of the history, oralism, as has happened at our beloved USU. Thank you again for your dedication and service and I express gratitude and respect of all Deaf community members who have played a critical role in this rich history!! ~ Jan Kelley-King on Facebook, August 11, 2024 

I recognize Jodi Becker's exemplary work on the history of the Utah Deaf community. She essentially took the lead in documenting Deaf history in Utah, spearheading efforts since 2006 with the support of the Utah Deaf community and, I suppose, other Deaf communities as well. ~ Raymond Merritt on Facebook, May 8, 2025 

​“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~ 
​​

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.