Eleanor Kay Kinner Curtis, ​a Utah Deaf Model

Eleanor Kay Kinner Curtis,
a Utah Deaf Model

Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner

Published in 2019
Updated in 2024

Author's Note

Eleanor Kay Kinner

Eleanor Kay Kinner Curtis, affectionately known as "Kay," is my aunt-in-law by marriage. She was the first Deaf model in Utah and the United States, achieving a groundbreaking milestone that deserves recognition. Standing at 5'10" and slender, she not only broke barriers but also showcased her unique sense of fashion and creativity. Her outfits, a blend of elegance and innovation, were stunning and reflected her keen eye for style. Her daughter, Rebecca Curtis Larsen, a Child of Deaf Adults, believes that her mother's potential in the modeling and fashion industries would have been limitless if she had been able to hear.

Kay's love for posing for photographs was not just about showcasing her beauty; it also reflected her passion and joy for modeling. During her senior year at the Utah School for the Deaf, Kay posed for Auerbach's department store, one of Ogden, Utah's most prominent clothing stores. She also modeled various outfits during numerous photo sessions at Collins/Morris Photography. In April 1953, the Utah School for the Deaf published the Utah Eagle magazine, which featured Kay on its front cover, a significant milestone that marked her as a pioneer in the Deaf modeling community, as shown below.

Rebecca observed that discrimination, particularly the pressure on Deaf individuals to pursue "unlikely" jobs, was common during the 1940s and 1950s. Being a Deaf woman in Utah presented even greater challenges. If Kay were a graduating senior today, Rebecca believes she would have had more opportunities to pursue a career in modeling (Rebecca Curtis Larsen, personal communication, March 11, 2019). Despite these obstacles, Kay's resilience and talent were evident. The photographs of her in 1940s and 1950s attire not only showcase her ability to overcome difficulties but also stand as a testament to her inspiring resilience and capacity to thrive in adversity.

Kay had a Deaf twin brother named Kenneth L. Kinner, who was just as attractive as Kay. I hope you enjoy viewing the photos below as much as I do. I greatly appreciate your interest in this topic.

Enjoy!
Jodi Becker Kinner