Editors & Testimonials
Author's Note
We have conducted extensive research to improve our understanding of Utah Deaf history. We've also used biographies and personal interviews to better understand our history. If you notice any gaps or errors, please contact me at [email protected]. I would appreciate your help in improving our work. I'd 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 completed hundreds of manuscripts. We aim to provide as many English-friendly versions of the manuscripts as possible. Many thanks for that!
Cheers!
Jodi Christel Becker
Cheers!
Jodi Christel Becker
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.
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
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
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 August 11, 2024
“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~
