National Fraternal
Society of the Deaf
Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Published in 2012
Updated in 2023
Published in 2012
Updated in 2023
Acknowledgement
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Valerie G. Kinney for her invaluable assistance in preparing this document by offering consultation directions.
Eleanor McCowan suggested that I collaborate on the Utah Deaf History project, and I am grateful for her request. None of this would have happened if it hadn't been for her wish.
Rodney W. Walker deserves special credit for compiling, documenting, and preserving the history of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 and the Ogden Division No. 127 in Utah.
Finally, I want to thank my husband, Duane Kinner, and my children, Joshua and Danielle, for their support and patience in completing this project.
Eleanor McCowan suggested that I collaborate on the Utah Deaf History project, and I am grateful for her request. None of this would have happened if it hadn't been for her wish.
Rodney W. Walker deserves special credit for compiling, documenting, and preserving the history of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 and the Ogden Division No. 127 in Utah.
Finally, I want to thank my husband, Duane Kinner, and my children, Joshua and Danielle, for their support and patience in completing this project.
Rodney W. Walker. The Utah Eagle, April 1955
The Establishment of the
Fraternal Society of the Deaf
Fraternal Society of the Deaf
The Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD) in Flint, Michigan, came up with the idea for a fraternal association in 1898. During this time, there was great interest in forming fraternal groups in the United States. As a result, approximately 70,000 men's fraternal organizations were created, and hundreds of thousands of men joined the ranks of their organizations (Borggaard, 2001). Students at MSD were members of McKinley Lodge No. 922 of the Coming Men of America (CMA), a junior fraternal organization focused on leadership development. The CMA was established to teach young men the values of patriotism, honor, and manhood (Gannon, 1981; Borggaard, 2001).
During the summer of 1898, a reunion of MSD graduates on the MSD campus brought together thirteen young male graduates from the school and members of the CMA, McKinley Lodge No. 922, to discuss the possibility of providing some insurance protection for themselves and other Deaf men. The ideals of the CMA inspired them. They were concerned about their difficulty purchasing life, death, and accident insurance coverage. They were regularly denied the ability to buy insurance coverage from insurance companies and fraternal benefit societies (Borggaard, 2001). During those days, the insurance companies were under the impression that Deaf individuals were more prone than hearing people to be involved in accidents and had shorter life spans than the general population. As a result, Deaf men were either overcharged or denied coverage. Hearing people could buy various insurance at regular pricing, but Deaf people couldn't. Deaf individuals wanted to have the same rights as hearing people (Gannon, 1981; The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1966).
A group of young Deaf men came up with the idea of the Fraternal Society of the Deaf (FSD) (Borggaard, 2001) after they had personal experiences with discrimination in insurance coverage and jobs. Peter N. Hellers Jr., of Detroit, Michigan, was elected president of the organizing group. He and the other officials were tasked with investigating the possibility of founding a fraternal insurance group and reporting to the members at the next MSD reunion. During the next three years, the president and officials spent many hours researching and acquiring insurance information. Finally, they were prepared to take action at the second meeting (Gannon, 1981).
During the summer of 1898, a reunion of MSD graduates on the MSD campus brought together thirteen young male graduates from the school and members of the CMA, McKinley Lodge No. 922, to discuss the possibility of providing some insurance protection for themselves and other Deaf men. The ideals of the CMA inspired them. They were concerned about their difficulty purchasing life, death, and accident insurance coverage. They were regularly denied the ability to buy insurance coverage from insurance companies and fraternal benefit societies (Borggaard, 2001). During those days, the insurance companies were under the impression that Deaf individuals were more prone than hearing people to be involved in accidents and had shorter life spans than the general population. As a result, Deaf men were either overcharged or denied coverage. Hearing people could buy various insurance at regular pricing, but Deaf people couldn't. Deaf individuals wanted to have the same rights as hearing people (Gannon, 1981; The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1966).
A group of young Deaf men came up with the idea of the Fraternal Society of the Deaf (FSD) (Borggaard, 2001) after they had personal experiences with discrimination in insurance coverage and jobs. Peter N. Hellers Jr., of Detroit, Michigan, was elected president of the organizing group. He and the other officials were tasked with investigating the possibility of founding a fraternal insurance group and reporting to the members at the next MSD reunion. During the next three years, the president and officials spent many hours researching and acquiring insurance information. Finally, they were prepared to take action at the second meeting (Gannon, 1981).
Pioneer members of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf. Gannon, 1981
After years of preparation and planning by the founding members, the Fraternal Society of the Deaf was founded on June 12, 1901. At their subsequent reunion, which was held on the MSD campus, those members requested a lodge meeting. The first step was to choose board officers. Peter N. Hellers Jr. was elected as the new corporation's first grand president and Certificate No. One was issued in his honor (Gannon, 1981; Borggaard, 2001). Only two months later, on August 12, 1901, the Fraternal Society was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization under Illinois law. Given that the majority of the board's members worked in the Chicago area, the board decided to establish the company's first operating office there (Borggaard, 2001).
Officers struggled in their early years but persevered and worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. They were compelled to work from home due to a lack of funds for an office. Furthermore, the men had little or no prior experience running a fraternal insurance company (Gannon, 1981). However, because the company was so small, the most significant barrier was a lack of finances to pay for the burial benefits that the Fraternal Society was set up to provide. To address this issue, each member donated a one-dollar gift to help pay for burial expenses whenever a member passed. This arrangement was especially difficult for members who lived the longest lives, but it was common practice among fraternal insurance groups at the time. As a result, the Fraternal Society grew in prominence throughout time. Benefits improved as the company grew with the addition of life, illness, and accident insurance (Gannon, 1981).
The first official office opened in Chicago, Illinois, in 1905. The Fraternal Society has grown to 200 members and eight divisions. The success of the Society during those early years was a credit to the pioneering efforts of the men who, by their faith, perseverance, and hard work, were able to keep the Fraternal Society alive and flourishing (Gannon, 1981).
Officers struggled in their early years but persevered and worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. They were compelled to work from home due to a lack of funds for an office. Furthermore, the men had little or no prior experience running a fraternal insurance company (Gannon, 1981). However, because the company was so small, the most significant barrier was a lack of finances to pay for the burial benefits that the Fraternal Society was set up to provide. To address this issue, each member donated a one-dollar gift to help pay for burial expenses whenever a member passed. This arrangement was especially difficult for members who lived the longest lives, but it was common practice among fraternal insurance groups at the time. As a result, the Fraternal Society grew in prominence throughout time. Benefits improved as the company grew with the addition of life, illness, and accident insurance (Gannon, 1981).
The first official office opened in Chicago, Illinois, in 1905. The Fraternal Society has grown to 200 members and eight divisions. The success of the Society during those early years was a credit to the pioneering efforts of the men who, by their faith, perseverance, and hard work, were able to keep the Fraternal Society alive and flourishing (Gannon, 1981).
The Establishment of the
National Fraternal Society of the Deaf
National Fraternal Society of the Deaf
On December 2, 1907, the society changed its name to the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf (NFSD), and it was incorporated as a legal reserve society in the state of Illinois, granting it the power to act as a fraternal beneficiary society (Walker, 1966; Gannon, 1981; Borggaard, 2001; Walker, 2006). The National Fraternal Insurance Society of the Deaf was widely regarded as one of the most significant fraternal insurance societies in the United States at the time of its formation. The society's philosophy was that they were all brothers and sisters, and they responded by addressing one another as such (Walker, 2006).
Logo of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf
Women’s Battle for Admission & Full Membership
to the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf
to the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf
Deaf women were not allowed to join or be full members of the NFSD when it was founded in 1901. This has been the case ever since. They were not authorized to obtain a regular insurance membership in the same manner that men were. To be granted all of the rights and benefits to which men were entitled, they had to fight for their rights.
As early as 1915, Deaf women began to demand admission to the NFSD. At the time, the NFSD's organizational effort was the responsibility of the family's head of household; men rejected attempts to give women equal participation (Records of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900–2006). On the other hand, the women were persistent, and in 1937, the NFSD granted them permission to organize social auxiliaries. This group's mission was to promote the best interests of their assigned division (Records of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900–2006). Deaf women were still denied full entrance, despite it being a minor step toward equality.
Finally, at the 1951 NFSD convention in Chicago, Illinois, it was decided that women were granted the right to join as regular insurance members (National Fraternal Society of the Deaf Records, 1900-2006). Four years later, in 1955, the race restriction was lifted, and the Black Deaf community was also welcomed. Hearing children of Deaf members were allowed to join in 1967 (Walker, 2006).
As early as 1915, Deaf women began to demand admission to the NFSD. At the time, the NFSD's organizational effort was the responsibility of the family's head of household; men rejected attempts to give women equal participation (Records of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900–2006). On the other hand, the women were persistent, and in 1937, the NFSD granted them permission to organize social auxiliaries. This group's mission was to promote the best interests of their assigned division (Records of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900–2006). Deaf women were still denied full entrance, despite it being a minor step toward equality.
Finally, at the 1951 NFSD convention in Chicago, Illinois, it was decided that women were granted the right to join as regular insurance members (National Fraternal Society of the Deaf Records, 1900-2006). Four years later, in 1955, the race restriction was lifted, and the Black Deaf community was also welcomed. Hearing children of Deaf members were allowed to join in 1967 (Walker, 2006).
Here are a couple of facts:
- Officers of the NFSD must be deaf, which has been a requirement since the organization's inception.
- In 1975, the NFSD relocated to its home in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.
- In 1978, the NFSD issued its 30,000th Life Insurance Certificate.
- In 1981, the NFSD's assets reached $8 million (Walker, 2006)
The Establishment of Salt Lake City Division No. 56
On November 7, 1901, the society's first chartered division was established in Chicago, Illinois, and the organization quickly grew across the country over the next fifteen years, creating more divisions in cities across the United States. Salt Lake City Division No. 56 was one of these divisions (Walker, 1966).
Salt Lake City Division No. 56 traces back to the beginning of 1916. Justina Wooldridge Keeley of Salt Lake City, Utah, discovered a new deaf-owned and deaf-run insurance organization when visiting her home state of Missouri. She brought the news back to Utah. Melville John Matheis, Deaf Utahn, traveled to Chicago, Illinois, to learn more about the program's operations. As a result, Melville became a member of the National Federation of Social Democrats on August 1, 1916. Shortly after that, Salt Lake City Division No. 56 was formed on October 24, 1916, in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the assistance of Grand Secretary-Treasurer Francis P. Gibson (UAD Bulletin, Summer, 1966; Walker, 1966). Justina's discovery was bittersweet because women were prohibited from joining the NFSD until 1951, when the organization finally granted women to full membership.
Salt Lake City Division No. 56 traces back to the beginning of 1916. Justina Wooldridge Keeley of Salt Lake City, Utah, discovered a new deaf-owned and deaf-run insurance organization when visiting her home state of Missouri. She brought the news back to Utah. Melville John Matheis, Deaf Utahn, traveled to Chicago, Illinois, to learn more about the program's operations. As a result, Melville became a member of the National Federation of Social Democrats on August 1, 1916. Shortly after that, Salt Lake City Division No. 56 was formed on October 24, 1916, in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the assistance of Grand Secretary-Treasurer Francis P. Gibson (UAD Bulletin, Summer, 1966; Walker, 1966). Justina's discovery was bittersweet because women were prohibited from joining the NFSD until 1951, when the organization finally granted women to full membership.
Justina Wooldridge Keeley. Salt Lake City Division No. 56, October 15, 1966
The Salt Lake City Division No. 56 was founded by Melville J. Matheis, Alfred C. Keeley, Joseph G. Keeley, John Wallace McMills, Leo Hawkins, Emery E. Preece, Lyman Bernstein, and Jacob Beck (UAD Bulletin, Summer, 1966). In 1916, the organization grew by eight people before the end of the year. Thirteen additional members were received the next year, and another thirteen members were welcomed the year after that, and so on. It only took three years for the total number of members to reach around forty-two individuals (Walker, 1966; Walker, 2006).
A few Society members left after believing that the meetings were exclusively open to division members and referring to the division as a "secret society" some years later. As soon as the misunderstanding was settled, the negative label was removed, and the number of members began to grow again, and the membership increased (Walker, 2006).
A few Society members left after believing that the meetings were exclusively open to division members and referring to the division as a "secret society" some years later. As soon as the misunderstanding was settled, the negative label was removed, and the number of members began to grow again, and the membership increased (Walker, 2006).
Melville John Matheis
Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56, 1918
Front Row (L-R): John McMills, Grant Morgan, Earl Lewis, Jack Waterhouse, Alma Wild. Middle Row (L-R): Ezra Christensen, Joseph Cameron, John Rowan, Riley Carter, Jacob Beck, Axel Amundsen, Ole Pettit. Back Row (L-R): Michael Rowan, Dallas Burros, George Preece, Robert Hicks, Emery Preece, Ezra Rollo, LeRoy Donelson, Alexander Wright, Leo Harkins, Elign Jacobsen. In courtesy of J Willard Marriott Library
Salt Lake Frats in a Parade in About 1918
Salt Lake Frats in a parade in about 1918. Front Row (L-R): Riley Carter, John McMills, Ezra Rollo, Michael Rowan (holding flag), Robert Hicks, Ole Pettit, Joseph Cameron. Second Row (L-R): George Precce, Dallas Burrows, Leroy Donelson, Floyd Underwood, Alex Wright, Earl Lewis, Axel Anderson. Third Row (L-R): Elgin Jacobsen and Lee Hawkins (holding the banner). In courtesy of J Willard Marriott Library
The Salt Lake City Division No. 56 Conducts a Banquet
On the evening of February 21, 1920, the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 conducted a banquet at the Newhouse Hotel in honor of President George Washington's birthday. There were about sixty people in attendance, including Harry Sanger Smith, who authored under the pen name "Bob White" for The Silent Worker magazine and was in attendance. He stated that he had "a truly delightful evening spent" (White, The Silent Worker, April 1920).
Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56. L-R: Roy Donelson, F lorenceY. oung, Geor .ge Preece.E lsie Preece, EmeryP reece,E velynF ehr, John Fehr, Ha i Wriqhf , Alex Wright ,
, : - - - - - - , - - - - - - . Mary Woolslayer , Pear l Jacobsen, Elgin Jacobsen, Mrs. Rowan, John Rowan, Mildred Amundsen, Axel Amundsen, Hannah
Cameron, Joseph Cameron, Amy Hawlins, Leo Hawkins, Lucille Elben, Slanley Brodie, Alice Vicls, Michael Rowan, Alma *ild, E r" Chrislensen, Kennelh Murphy, Jack Waterhouse, Floyd Underwood
Members of the Salt Lake Division No. 56, 1921. Front Row (L-R): Alexander White, Melville Matheis, Rufus Briggs. Second Row (L-R): Ole Pettit, Joseph Keeley, Jacob Beck, John McMills. Third Row (L-R): Asel Amundsen, Leo White, Lyman Bernstein, Elgin Jacobsen. Back Row (L-R): Leroy Donelson, Otto Farley, Ezra Rollo, Leo Hawkins. In courtesy of J Willard Marriott Library
For years, the "Frats" in Utah continued to direct all of the society's activities, including games and refreshments, after each meeting. Dances, trips, banquets, celebrations, and carnivals were all sponsored by the fraternities for members and non-members alike (UAD Bulletin, Fall 1961). Between the years of around 1930 and 1940, the Frats would also host dances and socials at the Young Women's Christian Association facility during the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' semiannual conferences (Walker, 1966).
Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56, I93O. Front Row L-R: Granl Morgan, Ralph Glenn, Frank Stone, Alfred Keeley, Ru{us Elben, Ross Thurston, Emery Preece. Back Row L-R: George Laramie, Ferda Billiter, Ephraim Nielson, George Preece, Heber Chrisfensen, John Steele
Attendance at the monthly meetings was encouraged. If a member missed a meeting without a reason, he was fined ten cents. Alternatively, he would pay a 10-cent fine if he attended the meetings but failed to present his receipt as proof of payment of dues and good standing. Meetings were frequently overflowing (Walker, 1966).
Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 gather during snack time
Members of the division could study Robert's Rules of Order to learn how to run meetings and serve as officers, trustees, chairman, delegates, and in other roles. Members could earn merits as a result of these experiences, and their overall merits would classify them as first-degree, tenth-degree, and so on, up to the thirty-fourth-degree, depending on the number of points earned. Rodney W. Walker, a member of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56, was one of the ten members who achieved the 34th degree. Aside from the Frats, any member who performed community service with deaf organizations could be inducted into the NFSD Hall of Fame (Walker, 2006).
Salt Lake City Division No. 56 Party. Front Row: L-R: Rufus Briggs, John Matthies, Frank Slone, Earl Lewis. Second Row: L-R: Joseph Keqley, Justina Keeley, Al{red Keeley, Mrs. John Maithies, Paul Mark, Emery Preece, Elsie Preece, Marie Stone, George Preece. STANDING: LeRoy Donelson
The Salt Lake City Division No. 56 helped its members learn how to do their jobs as officers. The men studied how to conduct meetings and other Society business, keep minutes and records, manage funds, and run the division like a business. Members developed their leadership skills and abilities in order to fulfill their responsibilities. Through activities such as banquets, trips, swimming, softball games, plays, and movies, the Salt Lake City division, like many others, offered countless hours of delight to Deaf people in Utah (Walker, 1966).
Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56, 1951. FIRST ROW: (left io right! John White, Paul Wood, Heber Chrislensen, Verl Thorup, Rodney Walker, George Laramie, Franl Slone, Floyd
Underwood, Edwin Thurston, Robert Welsh. SECOND ROW: Ferda Billeter, Leon Edwards, Spencer Hind, Don Jacobs, Eugene Pelerson,
Donald North, John Hancock, Wayne Stewart, Walter Kirk, John Glasseft, George Preece, Franl Monl. THIRD ROW: Earl Smith, Alion
Fisher, Guy Despain, Arnold Moon, Lawrence Anderson, Floyd Barlow, Eugene Plumby, John Palmer, Bruce Eyre, Emery Preece. NOT lN
PICTURE: Alfred Keeley, Ralph Glenn, Granl Morgan, John Sfreei, Paul Gines, Harry Nielson, Alvus Patferson
Since its inception, members of Salt Lake Division No. 56 have been sent as delegates to each quadrennial convention of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, along with delegates from four other Utah divisions (held every four years). The NFSD was unique in that it was the only insurance company in which policyholders had a say in how the company was run (Walker, 1966).
The Salt Lake City Division No. 56 and its subordinate divisions, like many other fraternal orders, had gone through years of prosperity and hardship. Division No. 56 came very close to losing its charter at one point. For a few years, the group of seven members, the bare minimum, fought to keep going. After a while, the membership began to grow, finally reaching an average of thirty-five active members (Walker, 1966).
The Salt Lake City Division No. 56 and its subordinate divisions, like many other fraternal orders, had gone through years of prosperity and hardship. Division No. 56 came very close to losing its charter at one point. For a few years, the group of seven members, the bare minimum, fought to keep going. After a while, the membership began to grow, finally reaching an average of thirty-five active members (Walker, 1966).
Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 swimming at Saltair. Front Row (L-R): Jacob Beck, Alfred Keeley, John Mathies, Harvey Mooris. Second Back (L-R): Nephi Larsen, Elgin Jacobson, Joseph Cameron, Otto Farley, George Preece, Kenneth Olsen, Jack Waterhouse, Joseph Keeley
The National Fraternal Society of the Deaf's Salt Lake City Division No. 56 celebrated its 45th anniversary on November 18, 1961. In honor of the event, Division No. 56 held a banquet at The Inn at Temple Square.Approximately 140 Deaf men and women had joined the division since its inception. Some of them had received votes from the members to fill positions within the division, and they had developed the leadership skills and abilities needed to carry out their duties.At the time, Alfred Charles Keeley, Justina's brother-in-law, was the sole surviving active member of Division No. 56, which had started with only eight men in 1916 (Walker, 1966; The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1961).
The Salt Lake City Division No. 56 of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf celebrated its 45th anniversary on November 18, 1961. The inn in Temple Square hosted a banquet for Division No. 56 to commemorate the event. Approximately 140 Deaf men and women have joined this section since its inception. Some of them were voted by the members to fill positions within the division, and they had honed the leadership skills and abilities required to fulfill their responsibilities. At the time, Alfred Charles Keeley, Justina's brother-in-law, was the only active member of Division No. 56 from its inception in 1916, when it had only eight members, including himself (Walker, 1966; The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1961).
In 1966, the NFSD was one of the fifteen largest life insurance firms in the country. It ranked highly in terms of assets per $100 of liabilities, surplus for $100 of insurance, and interest earned rate. It was the one with the lowest death rate of all of them (Walker, 1966).
The Salt Lake City Division No. 56 of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf celebrated its 45th anniversary on November 18, 1961. The inn in Temple Square hosted a banquet for Division No. 56 to commemorate the event. Approximately 140 Deaf men and women have joined this section since its inception. Some of them were voted by the members to fill positions within the division, and they had honed the leadership skills and abilities required to fulfill their responsibilities. At the time, Alfred Charles Keeley, Justina's brother-in-law, was the only active member of Division No. 56 from its inception in 1916, when it had only eight members, including himself (Walker, 1966; The UAD Bulletin, Fall 1961).
In 1966, the NFSD was one of the fifteen largest life insurance firms in the country. It ranked highly in terms of assets per $100 of liabilities, surplus for $100 of insurance, and interest earned rate. It was the one with the lowest death rate of all of them (Walker, 1966).
Alfred Charles Keeley. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963
FRONT ROW L-R: Ferdinand Billeter, Heber Christensen, Bruce Eyre, Paul Gines, Paul Wood, Rodney Waller, Floyd Underwood, Frank Monk. SECOND ROW: John White, Alton Fisher, Grant Morgan, Frank Stone, Florence Averill, Alfred Keeley, George Peerce. THIRD ROW: Eugene Plumby, Peter Green, Bernard Davidson, Jerry Westberg, Leon Curtis, Lawrence Anderson, Verl Thorup. BACK ROW: Julian Ortiz, Leon Edwards, Jerry Schwab, Jay Christensen, Clarence Burton, Wayne, Stewart. NOT lN PICTURE: Earl Smith, Ralph Glenn, Edna Glenn, John Streel, Peggy Street, Don North, Thelma North, LeVell Olsen, John Palmer, Ottrie Palmer, Robert Welsh, John Hancock, Joy Hancock, Elaine Smith, Richard Burbaker
By 1966, NFSD was one of the country's fifteen largest life insurance firms. It ranked highly in assets per $100 of liabilities, surplus for $100 of insurance, and interest earned rate. Moreover, it had the lowest death rate (Walker, 1966).
At the first NFSD convention in Chicago in 1903, the original Fraternal Society of the Deaf said it had 90 members and $279.94 in the bank. When it celebrated its 65th anniversary in 1966, the reorganized society had $5.5 million in assets and a membership of around 10,000. In addition, more than $1,490,400 in death and disability benefits had been paid out to the members and their beneficiaries for a total of $8,281,500 (Walker, 1966).
At the first NFSD convention in Chicago in 1903, the original Fraternal Society of the Deaf said it had 90 members and $279.94 in the bank. When it celebrated its 65th anniversary in 1966, the reorganized society had $5.5 million in assets and a membership of around 10,000. In addition, more than $1,490,400 in death and disability benefits had been paid out to the members and their beneficiaries for a total of $8,281,500 (Walker, 1966).
Salt Lake City Division No. 56
Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
Salt Lake City Division No. 56 celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala on October 15, 1966, at the historic Prudential Savings building on 33rd South and State Street. A banquet, a souvenir program, a floorshow, and door prizes were all part of the celebration. Peter M. Green, Paul D. Wood, Veri W. Thorup, G. Lynn Losee, Norman B. Williams, and John F. White were former officers who served on the party committee, which Rodney W. Walker presided over.Alfred C. Keeley was the only original member of the division who was still alive at the banquet.A guest speaker was Leonard B. Warshawsky, assistant grand secretary-treasurer of the NFSD Home Office in Chicago, Illinois. For the party, a group of dancers from Brigham Young University performed. The souvenir program included historical photographs of members dating back to the society's inception, as well as a list of members from the society's inception through its 50th anniversary (UAD Bulletin, Summer 1966; UAD Bulletin, Winter 1967).
The NFSD Home Office recognized Salt Lake Division No. 56 Division of the Year in 1980. According to a letter from the Home Office, the division had shown good fraternal spirit, participated in community activities, had a high average meeting attendance, and had recruited many new members. There were over 150 divisions in the United States and Canada at the time, so being picked out for their efforts was a huge honor (Walker, 2006).
The NFSD Home Office recognized Salt Lake Division No. 56 Division of the Year in 1980. According to a letter from the Home Office, the division had shown good fraternal spirit, participated in community activities, had a high average meeting attendance, and had recruited many new members. There were over 150 divisions in the United States and Canada at the time, so being picked out for their efforts was a huge honor (Walker, 2006).
Golden Jubilee Committee for the Salt Lake City Division No 56 of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf’s 50th Year Anniversary, 1966.
Front Row (L-R): Ex-Office Peter M. Green, Chairman Rodney W. Walker, Paul D. Wood. Back Row (L-R): Verl W. Thorup, G. Lynn Losee, Norman B. Williams, and John F. White
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Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56,, 1966, FRONT ROW: (left to righ+| Walter Wilson, Frank Monk, Roberl Bonnell, Paul Wood, Al{red Keeley, Peier Green, Bruce Eyre, LaVell Olsen, John White. MIDDLE ROW: Olirie Palmer, Thelma No*h, Mauna Wilson, Florence Averill, Elaine Smiih, Leon Edwards, Heber
Chrisfensen, Ferdinand Billeter, Boyd Collins, Floyd Underwood, Keith Stewart. BACK ROW: Donald North, Norman Williams, Clarence
Burlon, Roy Cochran, Von Jones, Lynn Losee, Earl Smith, Rodney Walker. N OT lN PCT U R E: Lawrence Anderson, Lawrence Christensen, Sleven Chrisiensen, Paul Gines, Raplh Glenn, Edna Glenn, George Milburn, Grant Morgan, John Palmer, John Sfreel, Wayne Stewart, Jerry Westberg, Verl Thorup, Eugene Plumby, Lee Shepherd, Madelaine Burlon
The Establishment of Ogden Division No. 69
With the support of State Organizer Melville J. Matheis, some of these members were able to obtain their own local division, which was formed on November 9, 1918, in Ogden, Utah. Nephi Larsen, Otto Farley, William Vaughn, and Alfred D. Young were the founding members of Ogden Division No. 69. Unfortunately, this division was short-lived, and on December 1, 1923, it was dissolved (Walker, 1966; UAD Bulletin, April 2002).
Members of the Ogden Division No. 69, 1918-1923. Front Row: L-R: Nephi Larsen, William Cole, Paul Mark. Back Row: Alfred Young, Neils Meisner, John Bowcutt, William Vaughn
NFSD Saves the Farley Family
Otto Paul Farley was a well-known and brilliant Deaf man who went to and worked as a printer at the Utah School for the Deaf. He held several positions in the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf. He died on November 12, 1920, at the age of 30. The Ogden Division of the NFSD placed the word "Brothers" on a large crescent and set a pedestal with the initials "NFSD" on the base at the funeral (White, The Silent Worker, December 1920). His wife, Pearl West Farley, and their infant son, Owen Theodore, survived him. Pearl was overcome with grief, as her little daughter, Nellie Virginia, had died in early June (White, The Silent Worker, December 1920). She suddenly found herself in a desperate situation. Pearl received a check for $1050 from NFSD the day after Christmas, after only four years of paying a few dollars in dues. Because her spouse was a member of NFSD, she was able to cover basic necessities like food, clothing, and housing (The Silent Worker, December 1920; White, The Silent Worker, February 5, 1921).
Otto Paul Farley. The Silent Worker, October 1920
NFSD President Harry C. Anderson Visits Ogden, Utah
Harry C. Anderson. Gannon, 1981
In the 1920s, while visiting Idaho, Harry Sanger Smith, a writer for The Silent Worker magazine and a printing and linotyping instructor at the Utah School for the Deaf, learned that NFSD president Harry C. Anderson (1912–1927) was planning to visit Ogden, Utah. Smith chose an unusual, clichéd way to greet him. People who had never traveled much were drawn to rail travel, he said. Despite the fact that President Anderson had never met a Utahn before, Harry recognized him at the railway station, which he described as "a really simple thing." Following the formal introduction, President Anderson was "roped and tied" and tossed into Paul Mark's Peerless car. They traveled through Ogden Canyon to the Heritage Hotel, where President Anderson and his wife were registered, on their vacation in Ogden, Utah (White, The Silent Worker, November 1920).
"Riding through the canyon was a revelation to President Anderson," Harry joyfully shared. He had never seen the Rockies before, and the call of the wild was strong in him." "President Anderson took tremendous joy in the picturesque and the beautiful just as old Mother Nature made things; the mountains, and the prairies appealed to him more than all the swell affairs ever given in his honor," Harry remarked (White, The Silent Worker, November 1921).
"Riding through the canyon was a revelation to President Anderson," Harry joyfully shared. He had never seen the Rockies before, and the call of the wild was strong in him." "President Anderson took tremendous joy in the picturesque and the beautiful just as old Mother Nature made things; the mountains, and the prairies appealed to him more than all the swell affairs ever given in his honor," Harry remarked (White, The Silent Worker, November 1921).
Harry Sanger Smith. The Silent Worker, September 1900
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Paul Mark. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1963
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Paul Mark, his wife, Theresa and daughter, Pauline. The Silent Worker, October 1920
Salt Lake City Division No. 56 members gathered in 1921
The Establishment of Ogden Division No. 127
In June 1945, the Ogden Division was re-chartered as the Ogden Division No. 127, with 22 members transferred from the Salt Lake City Division No. 56. (Walker, 1966). Brother George L. Laramie was nominated by the society's Home Office to preside over the Ogden Division's first meeting and install new officers. Donald L. Jensen, Robert J. Welch, Ned C. Wheeler, Wayne H. Christensen, John C. Peterson, Roy E. Smith, Arvel Christensen, Kenneth C. Burdett, Lloyd H. Perkins, Paul Mark, Joseph B. Burnett, Paul Loveland, Pete Koukoutaskis, Bruce M. Eyre, Guy A. Despain, Merrill Bauer, Melwin Sorensen, Tony Jelaco, Marlo Honey.
The division celebrated its 20th birthday in December 1965, with a membership that was still vibrant in both numbers and spirit (Walker, 1966).
The division celebrated its 20th birthday in December 1965, with a membership that was still vibrant in both numbers and spirit (Walker, 1966).
Members of the Ogden Division No. 127, 1947. First Row L-R: Kenneth Burdett, Don Jensen, Charles Whipple, Arvel Christensen, John Peterson. Back Row L-R: Roy Smith, Cecil Logan, Bob Sanderson, Ned Wheeler, William Cole, Earl Rogerson
Members of the Ogden Division No. 127, 1965. Front Row (L-R): Robert Sanderson, Joseph Bunnett, Ned Wheeler, Avel Christensen. Middle Row (L-R): Ray Smith, Mary Sanderson, Edith Wheeler, Dorothy Linden, Joe Kerschbaum. Back Row (L-R): Oliver Woodward, Charles Buck, Chrles Whipple, Leon Curtis, Donald Jensen, Kenneth Burdett, Jack Peterson, Richard Brubaker, Harry Woffe, and Jerry Taylor
Ogden Division No. 127 Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
Ogden Division No. 127 celebrated its 25th anniversary on July 11, 1970. About 100 personnel from the NFSD's Salt Lake and Ogden divisions gathered in the Ben Lomond Hotel's ballroom to commemorate the occasion. Grand division president Frank B. Sullivan spoke about the Deaf community's incredible growth and the multiple organizations that serve them over the last ten years, as well as future advancements. On behalf of the division, Salt Lake division president Keith Stewart presented Ogden division president Edith Wheeler with a $25.00 check to commemorate the division's 25th anniversary. "The Impossible Dream" by LaVern Burnett and "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Jerry Taylor were both magnificent sign songs. Robert G. Sanderson served as the banquet's master of ceremonies, while Grand Western Vice President Ned C. Wheeler offered remarks. The evening's success was credited to Joseph Burnett and his wife, LaVern Burnett (UAD Bulletin, Fall-Winter 1970-71).
Edith Wheeler, President of Ogden Division No 127, and wife of Western Grand Vice President, Ned Wheeler, expressed her appreciation for the $25.00 gift given Division 127 by Salt Lake Division No. 56 and presented Keith Stewart (standing behind Edith), president of the Salt Lake Division. Occasion was the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Ogden Division. Looking on, left to right are: Frank Sullivan, Grand President, guest speaker, emcee Robert Sanderson, Mary Sanderson and Kenneth Burdett, first president of the Ogden Division. Source: The Frat, 1970
Edith Wheeler, President of Ogden Division No 127, and wife of Western Grand Vice President, Ned Wheeler, expressed her appreciation for the $25.00 gift given Division 127 by Salt Lake Division No. 56 and presented Keith Stewart, president of the Salt Lake Division. Occasion was the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Ogden Division. Looking on, left to right are: Frank Sullivan, Grand President, guest speaker, emcee Robert Sanderson. Behind Edith and Keith is Rodney Walker
Ogden Division No. 127 Banquet. L-R: Karen Williams, Norman Williams, _____, Nellie Sausedo, Connie Perkin Curtis, Leon Curtis, ____, _____
Ogden Division No. 127 Banquet. L-R: Valerie Kinney Platt, Dennis Platt, Richard Brubaker, Joan Brubaker, Jerry Taylor, Nancy Taylor
Ogden Division No. 127 Banquet
Ogden Division No. 127's Christmas Frat Banquet on December 5th, 1970
Members of the Ogden Division No. 127. Bottom Front L-R: Valarie Kinney Platt, LaVern Burnett, Mary Sanderson, Nellie Sausedo, Edith Wheeler, Dennis Platt, Karen Schultz, Charles Whipple (?) Top L-R: Bruce VanKamper, Roy Smith, Joseph Burnett, Kenneth Kinner, Kenneth Burdett, Arvel Christiansen, Ned Wheeler, Max Hardy, Jerry Taylor, Richard Brubaker, Keith Nelson. Leon Curtis, Jack Peterson, Joe Kerschbaum (?)
Ogden Division No. 127's Christmas Frat Banquet. L-R: Richard Brubaker, Joan Brubaker, Nellie Sausedo, Max Hardy, Evenlyn Hardy, Kenneth Kinner, Ilene Kinner, Jerry Taylor, Nancy Taylor, Karen Schultz, Dennis Platt, Valerie Kinney Platt
Ogden Division No. 127's Christmas Frat Banquet
Ogden Division No. 127's Christmas Frat Banquet
Ogden Division No. 127's Christmas Frat Banquet
Members of the Ogden Division No. 127. Bottom Row L-R: Richard Brubaker, _____, Arvel Christensen (?), ____, Roy Smith, ____, Jack Peterson, _____ Second Row L-R: Keith Nelson, Joan Brubaker, Ruth Smith, Farn Woodward, ___, ____, ____, ____, Margaret (?), Cleo PetersonTop Row L-R: Jean Nelson, Dennis Platt, Valerie Kinney Platt, Bruce VanKamper, Mary Sanderson, Nellie Sausedo, Joseph Burnett, LaVern Burnett, Ilene Kinner, Kenneth Kinner, Edith Wheeler, Ned Wheeler, Evenlyn Hardy, Max Hardy, Kenneth Burdett, Priscilla Burdett, Leon Curtis, Jerry Taylor, Nancy Taylor, ___ (back)
Logo of Ogden Division No. 127, 1983
Utah Frats Celebrates NFSD's 75th Anniversary
with a Picnic on June 12, 1976
with a Picnic on June 12, 1976
Members of the Ogden Division No. 127 celebrate the National
Fraternal Society of the Deaf’s birthday in 1976. Front Row L-R: Dennis Platt, Valerie Kinney Platt, Ned Wheeler, Rodney Walker, Celia May Laramie Baldwin, George Laramie. Back row L-R: Mary Sanderson, Nellie Sausedo, Richard Brubaker
Members of the Ogden Division No. 127 celebrate the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf’s birthday in 1976
Salt Lake City Division No. 56
Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary
Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary
In 1991, the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 celebrated its 75th anniversary, but by that time, its membership had shrunk to a fraction of its peak. Members of the Ogden Division No. 127 joined forces with members of the Salt Lake City division on this occasion, and a large banquet was planned. As a mark of appreciation, the Home Office presented a plaque. It read, "NATIONAL FRATERNAL SOCIETY OF THE DEAF—SALT LAKE CITY DIV. #56—For 75 YEARS OF FRATERNAL SERVICE—October 24, 1991." John F. White, who has been a member of the division for 58 years, was honored at the banquet as the division's longest-serving member. He became a member of the society in 1935. Rodney W. Walker was recognized for his 51 years of service to the organization (Walker, 2006).
Members of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf in Utah, 1980s
Salt Lake City Division No. 56 and Ogden Division No. 127 Host the 27th Quadrennial Convention
In a fierce competition during the 1991 NFSD meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Utah delegation gained the honor of hosting the 1995 NFSD convention. Salt Lake City would be the next host city. Ogden Division No. 127 was represented by Nancy and Jerry Taylor, as well as Robert and Mary Sanderson. The Salt Lake City Division No. 56's Peter M. Green did an outstanding job promoting his team. Pete and Nancy dressed up as honeybees in a buzzing skit marketing Utah as "the place to bee and bring one's beehive along for a lovely meeting and a family vacation, too!" The two sections collaborated on a unique presentation that featured Pete and Nancy dressed up as honeybees (because Utah is known as "The Beehive State") in a buzzing skit marketing Utah as "the place to bee and bring one's beehive along for a Colorful, neon bee-themed flyers were distributed to all eighty-one delegates, along with salt-water taffy. In addition, the two divisions held a hospitality room with the cooperation of Kathy Schell of the Little America Hotel, which generated comments from attendees that the Utah people were a special bunch.
Robert Sanderson and George Gavros
with a Frat Award, 1991
Washington, D.C., Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Tucson, Arizona, were among the other divisions competing for the 1995 convention. During the bidding, both states had hospitality rooms and gave presentations, but Utah received the majority of the votes cast. Soon after, the two divisions convened to form a basic committee for the creation of a plan for the 1995 convention (Sanderson, Utah Bulletin, August 1991).
L-R: George Garvos, Bruce Eyre, Rodney Walker, Dorothy Young, Peter Green, Sally Green, Carol Masich
After nearly four years of planning, Salt Lake City Division No. 56 and Ogden Division No. 127 collaborated to host the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf's 27th Quadrennial Convention in Salt Lake City from July 25–29, 1995. (UAD Bulletin, July 1995; Walker, 2006). Peter M. Green served as the event's chair. Dr. Frank B. Sullivan, a nationally known speaker, delivered the keynote address at the Friday evening banquet. Sullivan was a 1936 alumnus of the Montana School for the Deaf, a former Grand President of the National Federation of the Deaf, and a consultant for the National Captioning Institute. He was also a former NFSD Grand President, a former trustee of Gallaudet University, and a former NFSD Grand President. He'd always been a passionate speaker with a powerful message, and that night was no different. During the banquet, Bill Carwile, a well-known mime, entertained guests with his pantomime (UAD Bulletin, July 1995).
Front Row L-R: Bruce VanKampen, Jean Nelson, Jerry Taylor, Nellie Sausedo. Back Row L-R: Ruth Smith, Berdean Christensen, Edith Wheeler, Nancy Taylor, R. Peterson, Kenneth Burdett, Priscilla Burdett, Max Hardy (back), Valerie Kinney Platt, Robert Sanderson, Mary Sanderson, Keith Nelson
Among the more significant events were golfing, watching the Pioneer Days Parade, taking a bus tour to Wendover, Utah, board meetings, workshops, the President's Reception, a Hall of Fame luncheon, business meetings, a fun night, a Gallaudet University continental breakfast, a banquet and awards night, a picnic buffet, and entertainment (Walker, 2006). That evening, Mary Beth Miller, a New York-based professional entertainer, tickled many people's funny bones (UAD Bulletin, July 1995).
Insurance, education, recreation, business, jobs, and membership organizations were all available to Deaf men at the time, compared to a century ago. The need to have a say in one's own advancement, welfare, and socialization has been constant throughout history (Walker, 2009, p. 170–171).
Insurance, education, recreation, business, jobs, and membership organizations were all available to Deaf men at the time, compared to a century ago. The need to have a say in one's own advancement, welfare, and socialization has been constant throughout history (Walker, 2009, p. 170–171).
Standing (L-R): Peter Green, George Gavros, Eugene Plumby, Lee Shepherd, Boyd Collins, Bruce Eyre, Robert Bonnell, Rodney Walker, Jerry Schwab, Ottrie, Schwab, Paul Wood, Verl Thorup, Carol Addeman, Spencer Addeman, Vida White, Penny Williams. Sitting (L-R): LaRue Ross, Carole Gavros, Darlene Bonnell, Dorothy Young, Jack White, and Sally Green
The Society's core principle was printed in the program
for the 1995 convention
for the 1995 convention
FRATERNALISM. Let us carry that message forward into the next century, telling other people that what we offer is much more than just a policy certificate. We care about each other; we really care (127th Quadrennial Convention Program Book, 1995).
Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 at goat ride
Did You Know?
The National Fraternal Society of the Deaf awarded Dr. Robert G. Sanderson of Ogden Division No. 127 the 34th degree designation. Members who had contributed and demonstrated dedication to the NFSD's causes and exemplified the spirit of fraternalism were given such degrees (UAD Bulletin, September 1995).
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson @ Gallaudet University Archives
As time passed, members began to miss meetings, many quit, and others died. The meeting place for Salt Lake Division No. 56 had moved over the years, eventually settling at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville, Utah. The overall membership of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 was estimated to be around 310 between the division's charter and the end of 1997 (Walker, 2006).
The National Fraternal Society of the Deaf had its quadrennial and final convention in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, in 1999. Rodney W. Walker was elected as the delegate for Salt Lake City Division No. 56, and he traveled to Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near Orlando, for the convention. Much of the conversation at the convention was on how to attract and retain members (Walker, 2006).
The National Fraternal Society of the Deaf had its quadrennial and final convention in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, in 1999. Rodney W. Walker was elected as the delegate for Salt Lake City Division No. 56, and he traveled to Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near Orlando, for the convention. Much of the conversation at the convention was on how to attract and retain members (Walker, 2006).
Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 gather at Social Night at Knights of Columbus Hall
Did You Know?
The National Fraternal Society of the Deaf inducted Valerie G. Kinney into the Golden Circle. Since January 1970, she has been a member of Ogden Division No. 127. This honor was granted to members of the NFSD who had been members for 25 years or more and had continued to serve their division and the Society beyond the 34th degree. The Golden Circle had been awarded to less than 1% of all Society members (UAD Bulletin, April 2000).
Valerie G. Kinney
NFSD Celebrates Its 100th Birthday
The NFSD celebrated its 100th birthday in Chicago in 2001, with delegations from several of the divisions in attendance. For that occasion, no delegates from Salt Lake City were sent. Due to limited budgets at the Home Office, an amendment on holding the quadrennial convention was altered to add the necessity for a mail-in ballot (Walker, 2006).
By this time, the number of people in Salt Lake City Division No. 56 had started to drop, making it hard to keep the number of people needed for regular meetings (called a "quorum") at a certain level. After 87 years of service, Salt Lake City Division No. 56 was finally disbanded in July 2004 by a quorum of five members (Walker, 2006).
By this time, the number of people in Salt Lake City Division No. 56 had started to drop, making it hard to keep the number of people needed for regular meetings (called a "quorum") at a certain level. After 87 years of service, Salt Lake City Division No. 56 was finally disbanded in July 2004 by a quorum of five members (Walker, 2006).
Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 outing
The NFSD's Declination and Eventual Closure
The NFSD's membership had been declining for several years due to a variety of factors. Since the late 1980s, Deaf people have had access to a variety of insurance options. Life insurance companies began offering policies at reduced prices in order to compete with one another, eventually making them available to Deaf people. Hearing parents with Deaf children bought life insurance from companies other than the National Federation of the Deaf. Not to mention the fact that some Deaf persons have accumulated enough NFSD insurance to cash in their life insurance policy. All of the aforementioned issues, as well as others, played a role in the downfall of the NFSD (Walker, 2006). Deaf people can now obtain insurance thanks to the efforts of a group of thirteen young men who founded the NFSD in 1898.
In 2005, the Catholic Order of Foresters took over the NFSD's insurance business with the intention of transforming it into a fraternal society. Two-thirds of the members did not renew their $25 annual membership fee. Because it had no other source of income, NFSD could no longer maintain an office or provide membership perks. On January 1, 2007, the NFSD's Board of Directors decided to suspend operations and pass over its insurance business to the Catholic Order of Foresters. After 105 years, the NFSD had to close its doors (DeafWeekly, February 21, 2007). At the time of its termination, Jerry Taylor was the last president of the Ogden Division No. 127, and Willis Morton was the last president of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56.
In 2005, the Catholic Order of Foresters took over the NFSD's insurance business with the intention of transforming it into a fraternal society. Two-thirds of the members did not renew their $25 annual membership fee. Because it had no other source of income, NFSD could no longer maintain an office or provide membership perks. On January 1, 2007, the NFSD's Board of Directors decided to suspend operations and pass over its insurance business to the Catholic Order of Foresters. After 105 years, the NFSD had to close its doors (DeafWeekly, February 21, 2007). At the time of its termination, Jerry Taylor was the last president of the Ogden Division No. 127, and Willis Morton was the last president of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56.
Jerry Taylor
The National Fraternal Society of the Deaf was among the country's oldest Deaf organizations. For more than a century, the NFSD was the world's first insurance company administered by Deaf and hard of hearing people for the sole benefit of Deaf and hard of hearing people and their families. Thousands of Deaf people benefited from the fraternal society's insurance program. Since its founding in 1901, the NFSD has built a financially successful business, ensuring that Deaf people no longer suffer the same difficulty in acquiring insurance coverage as the founders. While assisting in the removal of such discrimination, the NFSD also attracted fierce rivalry from other insurance companies. The organization served as a shining example of a determined group of Deaf people succeeding in their endeavors. The NFSD also proved that deafness does not have to be a barrier to commercial success (Gannon, 1981).
Members of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 watching a movie
National Fraternal Society of the Deaf
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame
A number of NFSD Utahns have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, including:
- 1973 – Paul Mark, Ogden Division No. 69
- 1974 – Ned C. Wheeler, Ogden Division No. 127
- 1975 – Kenneth C. Burdett, Ogden Division No. 127
- 1977 – Rodney W. Walker, Salt Lake Division No. 56
- 1978 – George L. Laramie, Salt Lake Division No. 56
- 1994 – Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, Ogden Division No. 127 and Peter Green, Salt Lake Division No. 56 (Gannon, 1981; Walker, 2006)
Ogden Division No. 127 members gather for a photo opportunity, around 1940
Did You know?
Peter M. Green, a member of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf since 1951, was one of four people inducted into the 1994 Hall of Fame. They were picked for their contributions to their divisions and the larger community. The names of those recognized over the years are listed on a permanent plaque at the home office.
Green joined the division when he was 16 years old and has been an active member ever since. He and other fraternity members were successful in getting the vote for the 1995 Salt Lake City Convention venue while serving as delegates at the Society's 1991 convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (UAD Bulletin, September 1995).
Green joined the division when he was 16 years old and has been an active member ever since. He and other fraternity members were successful in getting the vote for the 1995 Salt Lake City Convention venue while serving as delegates at the Society's 1991 convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (UAD Bulletin, September 1995).
Peter M. Green
Frater of the Year
In 1977, Celia May Baldwin of Salt Lake City No. 56 was awarded the title of "Frater of the Year" (Gannon, 1981).
Western Vice President Ned Wheeler presents plaque and $100 Savings Bond to Celia May Baldwin, the Society’s 1977 Frater of the Year
Source: Frat, 1978
Division of the Year
In 1979, No. 56 of Salt Lake City, Utah was named "Division of the Year" (Gannon, 1981).
National Fraternal Society of the Deaf
Board of Director
Board of Director
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson was elected as the first chairman of the NFSD Board of Directors under the new organization (27th Convention Program Book, 1995). He was the chairman of the board of directors from 1983 until 1999. He also served on the Board of Directors from 1987 to 1991 (Borggaard, 2001).
Western Vice-President
Ned C. Wheeler was the Western Vice-President from 1967 until 1981. Following his death in 1981, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson took over his responsibilities, and then again from 1983 to 1987. Borggaard, 2001).
Ned C. Wheeler
NFSD Convention Delegates
Dorothy Young of Utah served as a delegate for Division No. 56 in Salt Lake City and Division No. 127 in Ogden (27th Quadrennial Convention Program Book, 1995).
Dorothy Young
ARCHIVES
- Golden Anniversary. Salt Lake City Division No. 56. National Fraternal Society of the Deaf. 1916-1966. Prudential Plaza Auditorium. October 15, 1966. (PDF)
- National Fraternal Society of the Deaf. 27th Quadrennial Convention. “This is the Place.” Salt Lake City. Little America Hotel. 24-29, 1995. (PDF)
NFSD Ogden Division #127 Newsletters
References
“After 105 years, Fraternal Society closes." DeafWeekly, Vol. 3, No. 12, February 21, 2007.
"Another Utahn Receives Award." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 19.4 (September 1995): 1.
Borggaard, Virginia C. Celebrating a Rich Heritage 1901 – 2001. 2001.
Gallaudet University Library Deaf Collections and Archives, " Records of National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900-2006." http://www.gallaudet.edu/Library_Deaf_Collections_and_Archives/Collections/Manuscript_Collection/MSS_163.html
Gannon, Jack R. Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America. Silver Spring, Maryland: National Association of the Deaf, 1981.
"Golden Circle Gains New Member." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 23.11 (April 2000): 1.
Kinney, Valerie. "Utah Deaf Trivia." UAD Bulletin, Vol 25.11 (April 2002): 3.
National Fraternal Society of the Deaf: 27th Quadrennial Convention program book, July 25-29, 1995.
"National Fraternal Society of the Deaf: 27th Quadrennial Convention program book." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 19.2 (July 1995): 9 - 10.
"News From Ogden Frat Division #127.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 4 (Fall-Winter, 1970-71): 3.
Obituary. The Silent Worker, Vol. 37, No, 7, April 1925. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/39603
"S.L. Frat Celebrates Golden Anniversary." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 4, No. 5 (Winter 1967): 7.
"Salt Lake Frat to Mark 50th Year." The UAD Bulletin, Vol. 4, No. 3 (Summer 1967): 1.
Sanderson, Robert . "Utah Wins 1194 NFSD Convention!" UAD Bulletin, Vol. 15, No. 3 (August 1991): 1.
"Utahn Honored at Frat Banquet." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 19.4 (September 1995): 1 & 7.
Walker, Rodney Wilson. "Salt Lake Frat to Celebrate 45th Anniversary." The UAD Bulletin, Vo1. 2, No. 4 (Fall 1961): 1 & 4.
Walker, Rodney Wilson. Outlined History of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf. Golden Anniversary: Salt Lake City Division No. 56 National Fraternal Society of the Deaf 1916-1966. Prudential Plaza Auditorium, October 15, 1966.
Walker, Rodney Wilson. My Life Story, 2006.
White, Bob. "Notes and Comments from the Land of the Mormons." The Silent Worker, Vol. 32, No. 7, April 1920. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38096
White, Bob. “Winding Trails.” The Silent Worker, vol. 33, no. 2, November 1920. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38227
White, Bob. "A Tribute to Otto P. Farley." The Silent Worker, Vol. 33, No. 3, December 1920. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38247
White, Bob. "Going Some - and More." The Silent Worker, Vol. 33, No. 5, February 5, 1921. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38310
"Another Utahn Receives Award." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 19.4 (September 1995): 1.
Borggaard, Virginia C. Celebrating a Rich Heritage 1901 – 2001. 2001.
Gallaudet University Library Deaf Collections and Archives, " Records of National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900-2006." http://www.gallaudet.edu/Library_Deaf_Collections_and_Archives/Collections/Manuscript_Collection/MSS_163.html
Gannon, Jack R. Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America. Silver Spring, Maryland: National Association of the Deaf, 1981.
"Golden Circle Gains New Member." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 23.11 (April 2000): 1.
Kinney, Valerie. "Utah Deaf Trivia." UAD Bulletin, Vol 25.11 (April 2002): 3.
National Fraternal Society of the Deaf: 27th Quadrennial Convention program book, July 25-29, 1995.
"National Fraternal Society of the Deaf: 27th Quadrennial Convention program book." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 19.2 (July 1995): 9 - 10.
"News From Ogden Frat Division #127.” UAD Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 4 (Fall-Winter, 1970-71): 3.
Obituary. The Silent Worker, Vol. 37, No, 7, April 1925. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/39603
"S.L. Frat Celebrates Golden Anniversary." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 4, No. 5 (Winter 1967): 7.
"Salt Lake Frat to Mark 50th Year." The UAD Bulletin, Vol. 4, No. 3 (Summer 1967): 1.
Sanderson, Robert . "Utah Wins 1194 NFSD Convention!" UAD Bulletin, Vol. 15, No. 3 (August 1991): 1.
"Utahn Honored at Frat Banquet." UAD Bulletin, Vol. 19.4 (September 1995): 1 & 7.
Walker, Rodney Wilson. "Salt Lake Frat to Celebrate 45th Anniversary." The UAD Bulletin, Vo1. 2, No. 4 (Fall 1961): 1 & 4.
Walker, Rodney Wilson. Outlined History of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf. Golden Anniversary: Salt Lake City Division No. 56 National Fraternal Society of the Deaf 1916-1966. Prudential Plaza Auditorium, October 15, 1966.
Walker, Rodney Wilson. My Life Story, 2006.
White, Bob. "Notes and Comments from the Land of the Mormons." The Silent Worker, Vol. 32, No. 7, April 1920. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38096
White, Bob. “Winding Trails.” The Silent Worker, vol. 33, no. 2, November 1920. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38227
White, Bob. "A Tribute to Otto P. Farley." The Silent Worker, Vol. 33, No. 3, December 1920. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38247
White, Bob. "Going Some - and More." The Silent Worker, Vol. 33, No. 5, February 5, 1921. http://dspace.wrlc.org/view/ImgViewer?url=http://dspace.wrlc.org/doc/manifest/2041/38310
