Vocational Training Programs
at the Utah School for the Deaf
Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2013
Updated in 2021
Updated again in 2023
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2013
Updated in 2021
Updated again in 2023
Implementation of the Vocational Training Programs at the Utah School for the Deaf
The Utah School for the Deaf (USD) had a strong focus on vocational training since its founding in 1884. After graduating from high school, the Deaf or hard of hearing student was able to contribute to society by learning vocational trades or skills.
The USD's goal was to equip young men and women with marketable occupational skills and to prepare them for marketable vocations. Through communication access on campus, the students were taught to undertake industrial work at the industrial arts building, which included a fully equipped carpenter shop, boot and shoe shop, cabinet shop, and printing office (Robert, 1994).
At USD, students learned arithmetic, higher mathematics, physics, geography, history, art, and English, among other subjects (Evans, 1999). They could pick any occupational training at no additional cost while taking the classes (Roberts, 1994).
The USD's goal was to equip young men and women with marketable occupational skills and to prepare them for marketable vocations. Through communication access on campus, the students were taught to undertake industrial work at the industrial arts building, which included a fully equipped carpenter shop, boot and shoe shop, cabinet shop, and printing office (Robert, 1994).
At USD, students learned arithmetic, higher mathematics, physics, geography, history, art, and English, among other subjects (Evans, 1999). They could pick any occupational training at no additional cost while taking the classes (Roberts, 1994).
Vocational Training Program Provides Transition From Vocational Paths to Work
Parents of early USD students came from a wide range of occupations. The majority of rural students' parents worked on farms or ranches (Roberts, 1994). John Beck, a USD co-founder in 1884 and the father of three Deaf sons, owned the Bullion-Beck Mine and Beck's Hot Springs. The most prevalent jobs of students' fathers were farming, shoemaking, carpenter, and laborer (Evans, 1999). Some of their parents worked as butchers, merchants, accountants, mechanical engineers, county recorders, dentists, surveyors, candy makers, eye specialists, and postmasters (Evans, 1999).
When it came to employment opportunities, Deaf people were limited in their ability to compete for various jobs at the time. A handful of them chose to follow in their parents' footsteps, while others decided to pursue careers other than their parents' fields of expertise. The fact remained that individuals needed vocational training to become self-sufficient members of society, regardless of their current circumstances. Vocational training programs in the Utah School for the Deaf provided the students with marketable skills and the ability to transition from vocational to work-related coursework. Following their studies, the students benefited from the vocational training program, enabling them to establish a self-sufficient lifestyle for themselves and their families. Students who attended USD had more job options than those who did not attend the school. Most of them studied a specialty, but they only sometimes pursued the careers for which they were educated and trained (Robert, 1994).
After graduating from high school, many young men and women chose to live and work in the metropolitan districts of Salt Lake City or Ogden, where there was a large Deaf community, rather than returning to the isolation of a small town in Utah with few other Deaf people (Roberts, 1994).
After graduating from high school, many young men and women chose to live and work in the metropolitan districts of Salt Lake City or Ogden, where there was a large Deaf community, rather than returning to the isolation of a small town in Utah with few other Deaf people (Roberts, 1994).
Did You Know?
For a young school ours had a right to feel proud of its graduates, all of whom were respectable, industrious, and self-supporting citizens. We had among nineteen graduates, one surveyor, one teacher, two instructors, one photographer, four farmers, three housewives, two carpenters, one printer, one student, and three laborers. ***** Utah Eagle (The Silent Worker, June 1906).
The Expansion of the
Vocational Program for Boys
Vocational Program for Boys
The vocational training programs were first offered as part of the curriculum at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1889. Initially, the curriculum included vocational training in various trades and skills, including carpentry, printing, and shoemaking. They were the first lessons that were developed explicitly for boys. Farming, horticulture, blacksmithing, painting, and barbering were all included in the vocational training (Roberts, 1994).
Leather crafts, mechanical drawing, upholstering, and photography were added to the boys' vocational program in the early 1900s (Driggs, The Utah Eagle, November 1, 1901). Boys in the top six grades were given the opportunity to participate in vocational training programs. During the first two years, the boys were exposed to every type of training. During their final four years of secondary school, they were offered to specialize in one subject. Unemployment among graduates was low (Utah School for the Deaf Program Book, 1960s).
Leather crafts, mechanical drawing, upholstering, and photography were added to the boys' vocational program in the early 1900s (Driggs, The Utah Eagle, November 1, 1901). Boys in the top six grades were given the opportunity to participate in vocational training programs. During the first two years, the boys were exposed to every type of training. During their final four years of secondary school, they were offered to specialize in one subject. Unemployment among graduates was low (Utah School for the Deaf Program Book, 1960s).
Printing
Printing was one of the most popular vocations in the Utah Schools for the Deaf's vocational programs, perhaps due to the loudness involved in operating the press (Roberts, 1994). The printing department issued the school newspapers known as the "Deseret Eagle," "Eaglet," and "Utah Eagle" school newspapers. Other documentation for the school administration and the Utah Association of the Deaf was also printed (The Utah Eagle, September 15, 1897).
On October 10, 1889, the first copy of "The Deseret Eagle," a small paper, was published. The printing department continued to publish the paper twice monthly until 1894 when it was discontinued. Between 1894 and 1899, the other paper, "The Eaglet," was formed, edited, and published by students who were also printers. After a three-year break for the Deseret Eagle, the "Utah Eagle" launched on March 1, 1897. Shortly after Utah became a state in 1896, the word "Deseret" was swapped for "Utah" in this publication. The early pioneers gave the commonwealth the name "Deseret." It signifies "industry" in the Book of Mormon. Since then, the "Utah Eagle," edited by the superintendent and his staff, has been the official newspaper of the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind. During the academic year, the publication switched to a monthly schedule. These periodicals provided information on current issues relevant to the Utah Deaf community. They included information on student activities, every day and former staff members, student and family information, student grades for several years, and news from other Deaf organizations and schools (The Utah Eagle, September 15, 1897; Pace, 1946; Roberts, 1994; Utah School for the Deaf Program Book, 1960s).
Harry Sanger Smith, Known as “Bob White”
In The Silent Worker Magazine
In The Silent Worker Magazine
Harry Sanger Smith was the first Printing and Linotyping instructor at the Utah School for the Deaf. Harry was born in Rosemount, New Jersey, on July 12, 1877. He lost his hearing when he was 12 years old due to cerebrospinal meningitis and pneumonia.
After losing his hearing, he enrolled in the New Jersey School for the Deaf because he couldn't finish his education in a regular school (The Silent Worker, September 1900). He was assigned to the printing office as an exceptionally bright student, where he acquired basic typesetting and presswork under the guidance of Mr. Porter. At first, Harry objected, stating that he was being forced to learn the type case in its entirety before being allowed to set the type. He said that where he lived, he "constructed pig pens for a dollar a day." Mr. Porter persuaded him that he could make a lot more money if he learned to print. As a result, he decided to stay (The Silent Worker, April 1925).
Harry got a printing job in Trenton, New Jersey, right after graduating from the New Jersey School for the Deaf, where he worked for five years. 'The perfection of his typographical executions caught the attention of printers at the printing job,' he said. He joined the Typographical Union and spent his spare time printing, hunting, and fishing (The Silent Worker, April 1925). He loved being outside.
By this time, Harry had become tired of his job and relocated to New Hope, Pennsylvania, to take over the management of a country weekly. Two months later, Harry accepted a job and advertising compositor position in one of Philadelphia's most prominent establishments. The office employed roughly 200 employees, with seventeen cylinder presses, nine linotypes, its lighting facility, an electrotype foundry, and an ink factory (The Silent Worker, September 1900).
He moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, due to his passion for the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting. He was able to combine printing with camping, hunting, trapping, fishing, and penning adventure stories for magazines such as The Silent Worker (The Silent Worker, April 1925). In the Silent Worker magazine, he published several articles named "Bob White" (The Silent Worker, September 1900). In 1920, Harry traveled through Utah's Ogden Canyon in his Deaf friend, Paul Mark's Peerless car, with National Fraternal Society of the Deaf President H.C. Anderson (The Silent Worker, November 1920).
After losing his hearing, he enrolled in the New Jersey School for the Deaf because he couldn't finish his education in a regular school (The Silent Worker, September 1900). He was assigned to the printing office as an exceptionally bright student, where he acquired basic typesetting and presswork under the guidance of Mr. Porter. At first, Harry objected, stating that he was being forced to learn the type case in its entirety before being allowed to set the type. He said that where he lived, he "constructed pig pens for a dollar a day." Mr. Porter persuaded him that he could make a lot more money if he learned to print. As a result, he decided to stay (The Silent Worker, April 1925).
Harry got a printing job in Trenton, New Jersey, right after graduating from the New Jersey School for the Deaf, where he worked for five years. 'The perfection of his typographical executions caught the attention of printers at the printing job,' he said. He joined the Typographical Union and spent his spare time printing, hunting, and fishing (The Silent Worker, April 1925). He loved being outside.
By this time, Harry had become tired of his job and relocated to New Hope, Pennsylvania, to take over the management of a country weekly. Two months later, Harry accepted a job and advertising compositor position in one of Philadelphia's most prominent establishments. The office employed roughly 200 employees, with seventeen cylinder presses, nine linotypes, its lighting facility, an electrotype foundry, and an ink factory (The Silent Worker, September 1900).
He moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, due to his passion for the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting. He was able to combine printing with camping, hunting, trapping, fishing, and penning adventure stories for magazines such as The Silent Worker (The Silent Worker, April 1925). In the Silent Worker magazine, he published several articles named "Bob White" (The Silent Worker, September 1900). In 1920, Harry traveled through Utah's Ogden Canyon in his Deaf friend, Paul Mark's Peerless car, with National Fraternal Society of the Deaf President H.C. Anderson (The Silent Worker, November 1920).
A strike was called by the Union in 1923. As a supporter of unionism, Harry walked out with the strikers. He was persuaded to accept a position as a printing and linotyping instructor at the Utah School for the Deaf after becoming tired of the long strike. Harry relocated to Ogden, Utah, where he accepted a position with one of the best printing offices in the West (The Silent Worker, April 1925). He enhanced the standard of printing the "Utah Eagle" magazine and "making it one of the very best from a typographical standpoint" during his brief effort (The Silent Worker, May 1924). Superintendent of USDB Frank M. Driggs commended Harry's artistic talent. "Never in the history of printing has a printer been so splendid, so thorough, so concerned with his work and his printer boys," he said. In the shop, he [Harry] held them and had a splendid influence over them" (The Silent Worker, May 1925).
Harry earned a reputation as a competent printer. In the summer of 1925, he was chosen by the Chairman of the Industrial Section to present a paper at the convention of Principals and Superintendents of the Deaf in Cincinnati, Ohio. However, on March 2 that year, Harry died suddenly of acute gastritis and was buried in the Ogden City Cemetery, about a block from the school gate (The Silent Worker, April 1925). Harry's talent for writing led him to the office of the Silent Worker, where he learned about the mysteries of the Printers' Art and was persuaded to give up his plan to build pig pens for a dollar a day (The Silent Worker, May 1924).
Harry earned a reputation as a competent printer. In the summer of 1925, he was chosen by the Chairman of the Industrial Section to present a paper at the convention of Principals and Superintendents of the Deaf in Cincinnati, Ohio. However, on March 2 that year, Harry died suddenly of acute gastritis and was buried in the Ogden City Cemetery, about a block from the school gate (The Silent Worker, April 1925). Harry's talent for writing led him to the office of the Silent Worker, where he learned about the mysteries of the Printers' Art and was persuaded to give up his plan to build pig pens for a dollar a day (The Silent Worker, May 1924).
William “Bill” Cole,
An Ogden Standard-Examiner Typographer
An Ogden Standard-Examiner Typographer
The earliest Deaf printer was William "Bill" Cole. He was born in England on June 15, 1884, and immigrated to America as a child. After his father died in a coal mine accident in 1904, he dropped out of the Utah School for the Deaf, where he enrolled in 1897, to help his mother sustain the family. On April 10, 1912, William began working as a galley boy for the old Ogden Standard. When Ogden's two major newspapers, the "Standard" and the "Examiner," combined, several employees were laid off. Bill was fortunate to keep his work because he was recognized as one of the city's fastest "make-up men" (White, The Silent Worker, June 1920).
Bill was a typographer for this company for fifty years and is considered one of the industry's oldest full-time veterans in terms of service for one newspaper among typographers in the United States (UAD Bulletin, March 1984). He worked as a "head setter," make-up artist, ad man, floor man, and shop foreman throughout his career. On April 10, 1962, William retired from the company. He did not let his deafness prevent him from achieving his goals (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962).
He was featured in a piece in Editor and Publisher in 1941. He stated in that story:
"My Deafness is to my advantage. The noise in the composing room tends to distract some workers – but me. I never hear it. Thus, I am better able to keep my mind on my work."
Editor and Publisher commented:
“He is one of the fastest make-up men in the Intermountain country” (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962).
Bill was well-liked by both his workplace and the Deaf community in Utah. After traveling around the country, he worked as a makeup and operator at the "Standard" (White, The Silent Worker, April 1920).
Bill was a typographer for this company for fifty years and is considered one of the industry's oldest full-time veterans in terms of service for one newspaper among typographers in the United States (UAD Bulletin, March 1984). He worked as a "head setter," make-up artist, ad man, floor man, and shop foreman throughout his career. On April 10, 1962, William retired from the company. He did not let his deafness prevent him from achieving his goals (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962).
He was featured in a piece in Editor and Publisher in 1941. He stated in that story:
"My Deafness is to my advantage. The noise in the composing room tends to distract some workers – but me. I never hear it. Thus, I am better able to keep my mind on my work."
Editor and Publisher commented:
“He is one of the fastest make-up men in the Intermountain country” (The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1962).
Bill was well-liked by both his workplace and the Deaf community in Utah. After traveling around the country, he worked as a makeup and operator at the "Standard" (White, The Silent Worker, April 1920).
Many students were trained as printers, but only a small number of them went on to work as professionals in the printing industry for a significant period after graduation. Among the expertise were William "Bill" Cole, George L. Laramie, Charles Roy Cochran, Keith Nelson, W. David Mortensen, and Kenneth L. Kinner. They spent most of their working lives as printers for newspapers such as the Ogden Standard-Examiner, the Salt Lake Tribute, and the Newspaper Agency Corporation.
Some Deaf employees worked in the newspaper printing industry for a short period before moving on to other employment. Charles Martin, for example, was employed by a Nephi newspaper. He then resigned to return to his family's farm in southern Idaho, where he farmed for the rest of his life. After graduating from USD in printing, John H. Clark received a bachelor's degree from Gallaudet College. Instead of working in the printing industry when he returned to Utah, he worked in the construction and building industries (Roberts, 1994). G. Leon Curtis worked in the printing industry before resigning to attend the University of Arizona to pursue a graduate degree (G. Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009).
Kenneth L. Kinner, a Printer
for the Newspaper Printing Industries
for the Newspaper Printing Industries
Kenneth L. Kinner, a 1954 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, took part in different vocational trainings before deciding to major in printing, which secured him a printing position at the Inland Printing Company in Kaysville, Utah, when he was 16 years old. He remained a USD student and worked as a printer until 1954 when he graduated. He was paid 75 cents each hour. His hourly wage rose to $2.00 until he relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1960, when he earned $3.00. He thought it was an excellent wage! He purchased a brand new 1957 Ford car for $2,000. His car cost was only $60.00 per month for three years!
After graduation, Kenneth worked for the Inland Printing Company and resided with his mother in Clearfield, Utah. He had a routine during the week where he worked on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. He proudly stated that he earned more money than anyone else for the amount of time he worked at the time.
After graduation, Kenneth worked for the Inland Printing Company and resided with his mother in Clearfield, Utah. He had a routine during the week where he worked on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. He proudly stated that he earned more money than anyone else for the amount of time he worked at the time.
As a newlywed to Ilene Coles, he still worked at the Inland Printing Company. Then, in 1960, Kenneth joined the Newspapers Agency Corp, where he worked with the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News.
In 1964, Kenneth accepted his offer with the Ogden Standard-Examiner. They decided to relocate to Ogden, Utah, for Deanne, their Deaf daughter, to attend Utah School for the Deaf. They purchased their first home for $14,000 on Eccles Avenue between 30th and Patterson Streets and lived there for 23 years. The payment was $130.00 per month!
Kenneth was assigned to work during the day and remained with the company until 1993. Due to downside employers and substantial technological advancements, he decided to retire and work part-time in 1994. Kenneth compared modern technology to an old dog learning new tricks, such as a computer taking over printing. He worked until he was 75 years old in 2008. There are a total of 44 years! (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, December 26, 2010). Kenneth was proud of his printing profession and enjoyed telling stories about his adventures at the printing companies.
In 1964, Kenneth accepted his offer with the Ogden Standard-Examiner. They decided to relocate to Ogden, Utah, for Deanne, their Deaf daughter, to attend Utah School for the Deaf. They purchased their first home for $14,000 on Eccles Avenue between 30th and Patterson Streets and lived there for 23 years. The payment was $130.00 per month!
Kenneth was assigned to work during the day and remained with the company until 1993. Due to downside employers and substantial technological advancements, he decided to retire and work part-time in 1994. Kenneth compared modern technology to an old dog learning new tricks, such as a computer taking over printing. He worked until he was 75 years old in 2008. There are a total of 44 years! (Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, December 26, 2010). Kenneth was proud of his printing profession and enjoyed telling stories about his adventures at the printing companies.

Teletype-setter recently installed at Inland Printing Company sets type automatically from a perforated tape. Kenneth L. Kinner, Inland Linotype operator watches as William G. McMahon, customer engineer for Fairchild Graphic Equipment Company, San Jose, California, checks first tape run through machine which is attached to one of the company's four type setting machines. The Reflex Journal, November 13, 1958
The following newspaper article provides information about Kenneth L. Kinner (Kenny), his employment as a linotype operator, and his twin Deaf sister, Eleanor Kay Kinner, who worked as a model for clothing catalogs.
Blacksmith Trade
Students at the Utah School for the Deaf were taught blacksmithing skills. Hugh Jacob, a Deaf student, spent most of his professional life in Heber City, Utah, as a blacksmith. The trade of blacksmithing was taught as part of the curriculum. Later, many residential schools included auto mechanics and machine shops where students could learn blacksmithing (Roberts, 1994).
Carpentry
Carpentry was one of the first popular vocational programs. A carpentry shop was established before the Utah School for the Deaf relocated to Ogden, Utah. This shop grew substantially after the school moved into its current facilities. A Deaf carpentry graduate, Nephi Larsen taught many students and led carpentry workshops. They learned how to make tables, cabinets, cases, sash, doors, windows, and frames, among other things (The Utah Eagle, September 15, 1897; Roberts, 1994).
In addition, the carpentry shop took care of many of the minor repairs needed to keep the campus's school buildings in good operating order. Many woodworking pieces built by USD students can be found throughout the USD buildings (The Utah Eagle, September 15, 1897).
In addition, the carpentry shop took care of many of the minor repairs needed to keep the campus's school buildings in good operating order. Many woodworking pieces built by USD students can be found throughout the USD buildings (The Utah Eagle, September 15, 1897).
Donald Jensen, a 1938 alumnus of the Utah School for the Deaf, taught woodworking classes. After graduating from Utah School for the Deaf in 1944, Lloyd H. Perkins worked as a carpenter in the construction industry. He designed a deaf-friendly church for the Salt Lake Valley Deaf Ward, completed in 1977.
Barbering
Following the relocation of the Utah School for the Deaf to Ogden, a barbering program was formed, which prepared Deaf students to work in the barbering industry. The barbershop provided grooming services for students and staff. Former USD student Arvel Christensen opened his own barbershop.
Barbering was another option for students who wanted to acquire a different skill while still in school. Andrew Madsen, one of the students, learned carpentry and later became a barber when he returned to Ephraim, Utah (Roberts, 1994).
Barbering was another option for students who wanted to acquire a different skill while still in school. Andrew Madsen, one of the students, learned carpentry and later became a barber when he returned to Ephraim, Utah (Roberts, 1994).
Arvel Christensen, A Barbershop Owner
In 1973, an open house was held to mark Arvel Christensen's retirement from the barbering business. He is believed to be the only Deaf barber who can use scissors in Utah, where he owned a barbershop at 908 Washington Boulevard in Ogden, Utah.
After graduating from Utah School for the Deaf in 1932, he struggled to find work. However, due to the Great Depression in the early 1930s, he did not have much luck. Arvel decided to open a barbershop of his own. Before that, he studied at Moler Barber College in Salt Lake City and passed his state exam after five months of training.
After graduating from Utah School for the Deaf in 1932, he struggled to find work. However, due to the Great Depression in the early 1930s, he did not have much luck. Arvel decided to open a barbershop of his own. Before that, he studied at Moler Barber College in Salt Lake City and passed his state exam after five months of training.
Arvel's first shop, on 13th Street in Ogden, was set up on his parents' front porch. He struck out on his own in 1940, leasing a property on Washington Boulevard and building a business with residential quarters in the back. He had many customers because his shop was across the street from Ogden High School, one of the largest high schools in Utah.
Arvel and Berdean moved into their home at 908 Washington Boulevard after their marriage. A barbershop was set up on their front porch. He had a minor stroke in May 1973, and because of his heart condition, he felt that after 40 years of dedication, it was time to reap the rewards of his labor (UAD Bulletin, November 1973).
Arvel and Berdean moved into their home at 908 Washington Boulevard after their marriage. A barbershop was set up on their front porch. He had a minor stroke in May 1973, and because of his heart condition, he felt that after 40 years of dedication, it was time to reap the rewards of his labor (UAD Bulletin, November 1973).
Shoemaking
Students in the shoemaking program learned how to make and repair shoes. The majority of the students were trained in this program and went on to work in the shoe industry. The shoemaking department also repaired shoes for students and employees (Roberts, 1994).
Other students worked in the shoe repair business throughout the state, including John Alvey, who owned his shoe repair shop. The owners of a shoe repair shop were Paul Mark, John W. McMills, and Lee Shepherd.
Other students worked in the shoe repair business throughout the state, including John Alvey, who owned his shoe repair shop. The owners of a shoe repair shop were Paul Mark, John W. McMills, and Lee Shepherd.
Paul Mark,
A Shoe Repair Shop Owner
A Shoe Repair Shop Owner
Paul Mark, an 1892 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, ran "Dunn and Bradstreet," a shoe store on 25th Street in Ogden, Utah, in the 1920s. He had a very successful business and was a stockholder in several of Ogden's leading industries (White, The Silent Worker, April 1920; White, The Silent Worker, October 1920). In a single day, more than fifteen pairs of shoes were repaired. His business had become so busy one day that he was forced to work past his customary closing hours. Cyril Jones of Logan and USD class of 1912 (a Deaf father of two Deaf sons, Von and Rollin Jones) became his assistant and eventually got a job working for Paul (White, The Silent Worker, June 1920).
If members of the Deaf community wanted to know what was going on in the Deaf community, they would call Paul Mark. He hosted gatherings in his shoe business, inviting Deaf people from all across the country (White, The Silent Worker, April 1920). While Paul was running his shop in Ogden, Utah, another Deaf person, John W. McMills, a former USD student, also ran his shop in Salt Lake City, Utah (White, The Silent Worker, June 1920).
John W. McMills
A Shoe Repair Shop Owner
A Shoe Repair Shop Owner
At age six in 1888, John Wallace McMills entered the Utah School for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah. While in school, he learned a variety of trades. John excelled at horseshoeing, repairing, and fabricating harnesses. Shoemaking became his life's work. Following his father's health decline, John dropped out of school to become the primary breadwinner for the McMills family. His mother relied on him for a steady source of income. John, at the age of 20, opened his first shoemaking and repair shop in Tooele, Utah, around 1902. In 1903 or 1904, he moved his business to Mercur, Utah, to support his family. Following his marriage to Pearl Ault in 1910, John opened a new shop in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1926 and later relocated to San Francisco, California, to run his shoemaking business. Due to Pearl's health issues, he and their two daughters, Eva and Lucy, relocated to Utah to run his last business, J.W. McMills Shoe Repairing Co., located at 267 E. 5th South in Salt Lake City. John was well-known in the local business community. Furthermore, the Deaf community respected John and frequently sought his advice. In 1952, he retired and sold his business. In 1916, he was a founding member of Salt Lake City Division No. 56, an insurance company.
Lee Shepherd,
An Owner of the Shoe Repair Business
An Owner of the Shoe Repair Business
At the turn of the 20th century, Lee Shepherd's family settled in Spanish Fork, Utah, but during the Great Depression, Lee's father relocated the family to Salt Lake City in search of work. Lee was born in Salt Lake City in 1926 and moved back to Spanish Fork in 1928 after becoming deaf. Lee enrolled in the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden in 1932 and graduated in 1946 with a class of eight to ten students (Doug Stringham, personal communication, April 29, 2009).
Lee spent most of his in-school apprentice training at USD with Paul Mark, a Deaf man who ran an Ogden shoe repair shop. Mr. Mark was a "weekend teacher," coming to USD on Fridays and Saturdays to help Lee and others learn how to repair shoes. Lee was invited to teach and train other students by his senior year since he had become so skilled at the trade while in the training program. Lee also worked as an apprentice with Grant Morgan, a Deaf man who had a shoe repair shop in Spanish Fork. Mr. Mark was credited with most of Lee's training (Doug Stringham, personal communication, April 29, 2009).
Lee spent most of his in-school apprentice training at USD with Paul Mark, a Deaf man who ran an Ogden shoe repair shop. Mr. Mark was a "weekend teacher," coming to USD on Fridays and Saturdays to help Lee and others learn how to repair shoes. Lee was invited to teach and train other students by his senior year since he had become so skilled at the trade while in the training program. Lee also worked as an apprentice with Grant Morgan, a Deaf man who had a shoe repair shop in Spanish Fork. Mr. Mark was credited with most of Lee's training (Doug Stringham, personal communication, April 29, 2009).
After being employed at the Modern Shoe Clinic in Ogden, Utah, Lee decided to venture into business and opened a shoe repair shop in Spanish Fork, Utah, in March 1947 (Burdett, The Utah Eagle, January 1947). His first store in 1947 was located in Spanish Fork on the northwest corner of 100 North and 100 West. He later bought a bigger and better-trafficked shop in 1956 on the northeast corner of 200 North Main Street (Doug Stringham, personal communication, April 29, 2009).
After working at the Modern Shoe Clinic in Ogden, Utah, for a while, Lee started his own business and opened a shoe repair shop in Spanish Fork, Utah, in March 1947 (Burdett, The Utah Eagle, January 1947). In 1947, he opened his first business in Spanish Fork, on the northwest corner of 100 North and 100 West. In 1956, he purchased a larger and busier shop on the northeast corner of 200 North Main Street (Doug Stringham, personal communication, April 29, 2009).
After working at the Modern Shoe Clinic in Ogden, Utah, for a while, Lee started his own business and opened a shoe repair shop in Spanish Fork, Utah, in March 1947 (Burdett, The Utah Eagle, January 1947). In 1947, he opened his first business in Spanish Fork, on the northwest corner of 100 North and 100 West. In 1956, he purchased a larger and busier shop on the northeast corner of 200 North Main Street (Doug Stringham, personal communication, April 29, 2009).
Lee chose Spanish Fork over Ogden and Salt Lake City, where there was a large Deaf community because he felt his family, extended family, and the entire Spanish Fork community already recognized him. It would be easier to build a clientele. He thought starting a business in SLC or Ogden would have been more challenging due to a larger and unknown client base (Doug Stringham, personal communication, April 29, 2009).
In Spanish Fork, Utah, Lee was recognized for his kind demeanor and prompt service. In 1985, he sold his company and retired. For many years, he sold western boots and repaired shoes. He is thought to be the last Deaf business owner to graduate from the Vocational Department of the Utah School for the Deaf. In addition to his business, he served on the boards of the Utah Association for the Deaf and the Utah Valley Chapter (Doug Stringham, personal communication, April 29, 2009).
In Spanish Fork, Utah, Lee was recognized for his kind demeanor and prompt service. In 1985, he sold his company and retired. For many years, he sold western boots and repaired shoes. He is thought to be the last Deaf business owner to graduate from the Vocational Department of the Utah School for the Deaf. In addition to his business, he served on the boards of the Utah Association for the Deaf and the Utah Valley Chapter (Doug Stringham, personal communication, April 29, 2009).
Thomas Loran Savage's Shoe Repair Business
in Flagstaff, Arizona
in Flagstaff, Arizona
While teaching at the Utah School for the Deaf, Elizabeth "Libbie" DeLong, USD class of 1897, 1902 Gallaudet graduate, and the first female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf met Thomas Loran Savage, better known as Loran Savage, from Antimony, Utah (Banks & Banks; Roberts, 1994). They spent much time together and got to know each other well. Because of the nature of the residential school at the time, students and staff members could get to know one another, and it became a popular social meeting spot for Deaf people. As a result, there were several deaf weddings (Roberts, 1994). Loran, a member of the 1914 USD class, was 14 years younger than Libbie. Loran was very athletic and participated in all of the school's sports. He was a great basketball player. Loran was in school to become a shoemaker (Banks & Banks). Loran and Libbie Savage were married on July 25, 1917, in Panguitch, Utah. Loran started his shoe repair business after they moved to Flagstaff, Arizona.
Loran and Libbie ran a shoe repair shop together and got along swimmingly. According to Banks and Banks, the entire town held Libbie and her husband in high regard. They were happy "in their constant companionship until her last illness of cancer when she passed away in 1931, at the age of 57, which did not abate her sweet cheerfulness nor his devoted devotion," as she undertook most of the clerical chores associated with Loran's business (Banks & Banks).
Learning Agriculture and Farming Skills
at the Utah School for the Deaf
at the Utah School for the Deaf
When the Utah School for the Deaf relocated to Ogden, Utah, it was surrounded by lawns, flower beds, trees, orchards, a farm, and a garden on 200,000 acres of property on a high plateau. It was large enough to grow crops and raise "garden sass" to feed the students (The Silent Worker, January 1897).
To prepare them to return to their agricultural roots, the students were taught by competent workers in gardening, farming, and horticulture (The Silent Worker, January 1897).
To prepare them to return to their agricultural roots, the students were taught by competent workers in gardening, farming, and horticulture (The Silent Worker, January 1897).
Did You Know?
Mr. Driggs [USDB Superintendent] gave us ten dollars to deposit in the Commercial National Bank; we got a checkbook and when we buy chicken feed, we write a check to pay for it. When Mr. Driggs pays us for eggs, we deposit that money in the bank. When we have enough, we will pay back ten dollars to Mr. Driggs. – Utah Eagle
No wonder they grow rich and prosperous out in Utah, when even the girls, in additions to learning poultry management in a practical, common-sense way, are given the excellent course in business methods which the above extract from a girl’s description of her poultry studies shows she is receiving (The Silent Worker, November 1916).
No wonder they grow rich and prosperous out in Utah, when even the girls, in additions to learning poultry management in a practical, common-sense way, are given the excellent course in business methods which the above extract from a girl’s description of her poultry studies shows she is receiving (The Silent Worker, November 1916).
Gardening
The Utah School for the Deaf was able to start a horticulture program because of the size of the new facility in Ogden, Utah. The gardeners and staff members, Mr. Kremer and Mr. Hickenlooper taught the students about agriculture and farming. Later, two students, Joseph Beck and Alfred Young, were hired as gardeners at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 10-acre Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City (Roberts, 1994).
Farming Animals and Tending Orchard
Utah School for the Deaf had a vast orchard in 1897 with practically every fruit imaginable. Canning was done in the kitchen area to preserve fruits and vegetables. Over 3,000 jars of fruit, several hundred quarts of jelly, pickles, tomatoes, chow-chow, ketchup, and other items had been stored (Roberts, 1994).
The boys learned how to raise cattle and grow orchards. They also studied agriculture to improve their work skills, which would be helpful when they returned to their rural homes (Roberts, 1994).
The boys learned how to raise cattle and grow orchards. They also studied agriculture to improve their work skills, which would be helpful when they returned to their rural homes (Roberts, 1994).
The Expansion of the
Vocational Program for Girls
Vocational Program for Girls
During their early training at the Utah Schoo for the Deaf, which began in 1897, the girls learned to make tea towels, table doilies, throws, sofa pillows, pillow shams, handkerchief cases, bed blankets, and photo holders. The homemaking training covered everything from cooking to cleaning to sewing. Homemaking skills such as embroidery and needlework, as well as painting, crocheting, knitting, and making paper flowers, were taught to the girls. Commercial subjects like typing, filing, and the proper use of office equipment were also covered (The Utah Eagle, September 15, 1897). At the time, the USD's goal was to show that every Deaf child should be sent to this school, where they could live happy and content lives (The Utah Eagle, September 15, 1897).
The girls' vocational department paralleled the boys' program during the top six levels at USD. Art, cooking, sewing, dressmaking, fancy work, and housekeeping were all taught to the girls (Driggs, The Utah Eagle, November 1, 1901). The girls were required to take regular domestic science courses and assist with the school's domestic tasks (Utah School for the Deaf Program Book).
While both boys and girls participated in vocational training programs, they obtained equal experience. Several young women worked as dressmakers, including Sarah Abby, and Ivy Griggs Low served as a housemother at the Montana School for the Deaf (Roberts, 1994).
Vocation Training Program Continued
at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1968
at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1968
As indicated in the History of the Utah Association of the Deaf, the Utah Association of the Deaf (UAD) had long advocated for vocational training. While the vocational training programs at USD were still in operation in 1968, the UAD proudly acknowledged that history had shown that Deaf students were more likely to take their positions in society as helpful tax-paying citizens in one of the vocations rather than one of the professions (The Utah Eagle, February 1968).
The vocational training for the girls during the period included home nursing, family living, beauty culture, and data processing (The Utah Eagle, February 1968).
More Job Opportunities for the
Utah School for the Deaf Graduates
Utah School for the Deaf Graduates
The USD supported students in building independent lives for themselves and their families by utilizing their marketable skills (Roberts, 1994). As a result of vocational training programs, they were self-sufficient and relied less on their family members. Furthermore, the Utah Deaf community flourished, and Deaf people began to connect with their peers that were previously inconceivable before the USD was established in 1884 (Roberts, 1994). As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, many young men and women chose to live and work in the metropolitan areas of Salt Lake City and Ogden rather than return to the seclusion of rural towns in Utah, where few other Deaf people lived after leaving the USD (Roberts, 1994).
The Utah Association of the Deaf had long advocated for vocational training. While USD's vocational training programs were still in operation in 1968, the UAD proudly acknowledged that history had shown that Deaf students were more likely to take their place in society as productive tax-paying citizens in one of the vocations rather than one of the professions (The Utah Eagle, February 1968).
More Trades and Skills Are Available
During the 1960s, the boys' vocational program added a few additional trades and skills to the mix, including welding, sheet metal, electrical and plumbing repair, and car mechanics. Weber State College's facilities were used by students who were able to meet the school's requirements (The Utah Eagle, February 1968).
The vocational training for the girls at the period included home nursing, family life, beauty culture, and data processing (The Utah Eagle, February 1968).
The vocational training for the girls at the period included home nursing, family life, beauty culture, and data processing (The Utah Eagle, February 1968).
Eleanor Kay Kinner works as a Card Punch Operator
at Hill Air Force Base, Utah
at Hill Air Force Base, Utah
Eleanor Kay Kinner, a 1954 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, who worked as a card punch operator, was awarded the annual Air Force Association Outstanding Achievement award in 1968. The card punch operator vocation was extremely popular among Deaf women, who made exceptional operators because the noise did not bother them, and they could concentrate on the production process. Many Deaf women were employed at Hill Air Force Base, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Western Service Center in Utah (The Utah Eagle, Summer 1968).
Ilene Coles Kinner Detects Tax Fraud
In 1976, Jim Hilber, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, was looking for more Deaf people to take a position with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in Ogden, Utah, where there were at least five Deaf seasonal workers. Ilene Coles Kinner, a 1959 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, was at home with her son, Duane, at the time. Ilene was one of eight Deaf people who assisted Jim in reaching his goal. Ilene was one of eight Deaf people who helped Jim achieve his goal. To begin with, she took a part-time job in January 1976 so she could spend as much time as possible with Duane, who was four years old. From there, Ilene, a Tax Examiner, gained recognition for identifying similarities in five fraudulent returns of taxes and preventing refunds totaling $2,700 from being issued. She explained that while examining tax returns during the last filing season, she noticed five Forms 1040A, which all had similar filing patterns. She also spotted two returns that showed the same address in one batch of forms and then discovered a third in another batch. In the award ceremony, Eillot Kramer, Chief of Intelligence Staff, and Barbara Norseth, supervisor of the Examination Branch, thanked her for her alert action and gave her a $100 cash award. Ilene said at the event, "I was thrilled to get the award and can't believe that I received it" (The IRS Newsletter, 1977; Ogden Standard-Examiner, March 19, 1977).
Due to season days, Ilene worked into May that year and stayed home with Duane afterward. Ilene's manager, Barbara Norseth., visited her home one day during the summer to convince her to accept a full-time position since she demonstrated that Deaf individuals are capable of doing the task. Ilene was selected from a pool of thirty part-time hearing staff members. After a little pause, Ilene remembered that Duane had just turned five. She wasn't sure if she wanted to work full-time. Jim pushed her to accept the job offer because he wanted to show that Deaf people can perform just as well as hearing people. Ilene took the job, becoming the first Deaf person to work full-time in a permanent position.
Due to season days, Ilene worked into May that year and stayed home with Duane afterward. Ilene's manager, Barbara Norseth., visited her home one day during the summer to convince her to accept a full-time position since she demonstrated that Deaf individuals are capable of doing the task. Ilene was selected from a pool of thirty part-time hearing staff members. After a little pause, Ilene remembered that Duane had just turned five. She wasn't sure if she wanted to work full-time. Jim pushed her to accept the job offer because he wanted to show that Deaf people can perform just as well as hearing people. Ilene took the job, becoming the first Deaf person to work full-time in a permanent position.
In January 1978, Ilene began working full-time. Shortly after, she pushed supervisors and staff members to hire Deaf people for full-time, permanent positions. Her wish came true. The IRS began to hire more Deaf employees on a full-time basis. Ilene had been with the company for 26 years. She retired on January 3, 2004. Ilene has found working for the Internal Revenue Service to be a rewarding experience. She expressed gratitude to the Internal Revenue Service for being reprective to hiring more Deaf employees (Ilene Coles Kinner, personal communication, December 26, 2010).
Declination of the USD Vocational Training Programs
Since 1889, the Utah School for the Deaf has successfully provided vocational training programs for Deaf and hard of hearing students despite years of financial difficulties (The UAD Bulletin, Winter 1961). However, due to the promotion of general education over school-based vocational training and the expansion of mainstreaming, the vocational programs at USD quickly declined and ended in the 1990s. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can now receive vocational training and career assistance through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Students from Utah School for the Deaf, ages 16 to 21, can also participate in the Supported Transition Extension Program, which provides comprehensive academic, social, job readiness, college preparation, and life skills education to prepare students for adulthood, according to the USD website. Post-high school students who live in a residential cottage on Ogden's campus can also gain independence, social skills, and adult transition skills. The Ogden/Weber Applied Technology College offers students a trade certificate and on-the-job training. Students enjoy working for companies such as Sears, Smiths, Honks, and Petco, to name a few.
For several years, according to Michelle Tanner, Associate Superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, the state of Utah has advocated for all students to attend college. Many students find this helpful, but others find it challenging. As a result, the Utah School for the Deaf made a deliberate effort a few years ago to ensure the success of all students, regardless of their goals. Some students still want to attend college, while others want to pursue a vocational career. USD has teamed with Ogden-Weber Technical College, or OTECH, in the Ogden area to further these goals. The Kenneth Burdett School of the Deaf in Ogden works collaboratively with this group, providing job coaches and interpreters to make classes more accessible. Students at USD have earned degrees in welding and culinary. Some students have graduated at the top of their class. USD recently teamed with EnableUtah, an Ogden-based nonprofit organization, to assist some students with significant delays by providing a career training program that teaches highly specialized skill sets. The old woodshop on the Ogden campus was also renovated to accommodate a vocational training space. In this space, they have the equipment to design and print shirts and work on other technical projects. USD has teamed up with Salt Lake Community College and Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School in Salt Lake City to help students receive certifications from their co-enrolled programs. USD recruited a transition specialist in the fall of 2019 tasked with finding businesses willing to train their students in various positions (Michelle Tanner, personal communication, December 21, 2021).
In specific ways, USD's post-secondary education program differs from the traditional vocational training program. They have, however, established a way to create vocational options for Deaf and hard of hearing students, as mentioned above.
Students from Utah School for the Deaf, ages 16 to 21, can also participate in the Supported Transition Extension Program, which provides comprehensive academic, social, job readiness, college preparation, and life skills education to prepare students for adulthood, according to the USD website. Post-high school students who live in a residential cottage on Ogden's campus can also gain independence, social skills, and adult transition skills. The Ogden/Weber Applied Technology College offers students a trade certificate and on-the-job training. Students enjoy working for companies such as Sears, Smiths, Honks, and Petco, to name a few.
For several years, according to Michelle Tanner, Associate Superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, the state of Utah has advocated for all students to attend college. Many students find this helpful, but others find it challenging. As a result, the Utah School for the Deaf made a deliberate effort a few years ago to ensure the success of all students, regardless of their goals. Some students still want to attend college, while others want to pursue a vocational career. USD has teamed with Ogden-Weber Technical College, or OTECH, in the Ogden area to further these goals. The Kenneth Burdett School of the Deaf in Ogden works collaboratively with this group, providing job coaches and interpreters to make classes more accessible. Students at USD have earned degrees in welding and culinary. Some students have graduated at the top of their class. USD recently teamed with EnableUtah, an Ogden-based nonprofit organization, to assist some students with significant delays by providing a career training program that teaches highly specialized skill sets. The old woodshop on the Ogden campus was also renovated to accommodate a vocational training space. In this space, they have the equipment to design and print shirts and work on other technical projects. USD has teamed up with Salt Lake Community College and Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School in Salt Lake City to help students receive certifications from their co-enrolled programs. USD recruited a transition specialist in the fall of 2019 tasked with finding businesses willing to train their students in various positions (Michelle Tanner, personal communication, December 21, 2021).
In specific ways, USD's post-secondary education program differs from the traditional vocational training program. They have, however, established a way to create vocational options for Deaf and hard of hearing students, as mentioned above.
ARCHIVES
- Special Alumni Issue. The Utah Eagle, April 1955. (PDF)
- Utah Deaf People in Business and Industry...in the Space Age. The UAD Bulletin, Summer 1968. (PDF)
Notes
Doug Stringham, personal communication, April 29, 2009.
G. Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009.
Ilene Coles Kinner, Personal Interview, December 26, 2010.
Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, December 26, 2010
Michelle Tanner, personal communication, December 21, 2021
G. Leon Curtis, personal communication, February 7, 2009.
Ilene Coles Kinner, Personal Interview, December 26, 2010.
Kenneth L. Kinner, personal communication, December 26, 2010
Michelle Tanner, personal communication, December 21, 2021
References
“Arvel Christensen Retires From Barbering.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 8, no. 4 (November 1973): 4.
Banks, Gladys W. & Banks, Douglas W. "The DeLong Family Saga.
Burdett, Kenneth, C. “Lee Shepherd.” The Utah Eagle, vol. 58, no. 4 (January 1947): 9.
“Death.” The Silent Worker, vol. 37, no. 7 (April 1925): 359.
Driggs, Frank, M. The Utah Eagle, vol. XIII, no. 2 (November 1, 1901): 16.
Evans, David S. “A Silent World in the Intermountain West: Records from the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind: 1884-1941.” A thesis presented to the Department of History: Utah State University. 1999.
“Exchange.” The Silent Worker, vol. 29, no. 2 (November 1916): 33.
“Harry Sanger Smith.” The Silent Worker, vol. 13, no. 1 (September 1990): 5.
“It is great, our School for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind.” The Utah Eagle, vol. IX, no.1 (September 15, 1897): 1-2.
"Keen Action By OSC Workers Reveals Fraud." The IRS Newsletter. (1977).
“Miss C.V. Eddy.” The Silent Worker, vol. 10, no. 5 (January 1898): 73.
“New Developments in Utah’s Educational Programs for the Deaf.” The Utah Eagle, vol. 79, no. 5 (February 1968): 13 – 15.
“News of Note.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 7, no. 10 (March 1984): 5.
“Obituary.” The Silent Worker, vol. 37, no, 7 (April 1925): 359.
“Printer Serves 50 Years Engineer Closes Career.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 7 (Summer 1962): 3.
Roberts, Elaine M. “The early history of the Utah School for the Deaf and its influence in the development of a cohesive Deaf society in Utah, circa. 1884 – 1905.” A thesis presented to the Department of History:Brigham Young University. August 1994.
“Starting Things.” The Silent Worker, vol. 36, no. 8, (May 1924): 365.
"Tax Examiner Uncovers Fraud." The Ogden Standard-Examiner. (March 19, 1977): 9.
“Tribute to Harry S. Smith.” The Silent Worker, vol. 38, no. 8 (May 1925): 385.
“The Utah School for the Deaf.” The Silent Worker, vol. 9, no. 5 (January 1897): 77.
"Utah Deaf People in Business and Industry ...in the Space Age." The UAD Bulletin, vol. 5, no. 3 (Summer 1968).
Utah School for the Deaf Program Book, 1960s.
“With Our Exchanges.” The Silent Worker, vol. 18, no. 9 (June 1906): 141.
White, Bob. “Notes and Comments from the Land of the Mormons.” The Silent Worker, vol. 32 no. 7 (April 1920): 186.
White, Bob. “Notes and Comment From the Land of the Mormons.” The Silent Worker, vol. 32, no. 9 (June 1920): 243.
White, Bob. “Winding Trails.” The Silent Worker, vol. 33, no. 2 (November 1920): 59-60 & 62.
“WM. Cole, Carlos Seegmiller Honored.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 7 (Summer 1962): 3 & 10.
Banks, Gladys W. & Banks, Douglas W. "The DeLong Family Saga.
Burdett, Kenneth, C. “Lee Shepherd.” The Utah Eagle, vol. 58, no. 4 (January 1947): 9.
“Death.” The Silent Worker, vol. 37, no. 7 (April 1925): 359.
Driggs, Frank, M. The Utah Eagle, vol. XIII, no. 2 (November 1, 1901): 16.
Evans, David S. “A Silent World in the Intermountain West: Records from the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind: 1884-1941.” A thesis presented to the Department of History: Utah State University. 1999.
“Exchange.” The Silent Worker, vol. 29, no. 2 (November 1916): 33.
“Harry Sanger Smith.” The Silent Worker, vol. 13, no. 1 (September 1990): 5.
“It is great, our School for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind.” The Utah Eagle, vol. IX, no.1 (September 15, 1897): 1-2.
"Keen Action By OSC Workers Reveals Fraud." The IRS Newsletter. (1977).
“Miss C.V. Eddy.” The Silent Worker, vol. 10, no. 5 (January 1898): 73.
“New Developments in Utah’s Educational Programs for the Deaf.” The Utah Eagle, vol. 79, no. 5 (February 1968): 13 – 15.
“News of Note.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 7, no. 10 (March 1984): 5.
“Obituary.” The Silent Worker, vol. 37, no, 7 (April 1925): 359.
“Printer Serves 50 Years Engineer Closes Career.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 7 (Summer 1962): 3.
Roberts, Elaine M. “The early history of the Utah School for the Deaf and its influence in the development of a cohesive Deaf society in Utah, circa. 1884 – 1905.” A thesis presented to the Department of History:Brigham Young University. August 1994.
“Starting Things.” The Silent Worker, vol. 36, no. 8, (May 1924): 365.
"Tax Examiner Uncovers Fraud." The Ogden Standard-Examiner. (March 19, 1977): 9.
“Tribute to Harry S. Smith.” The Silent Worker, vol. 38, no. 8 (May 1925): 385.
“The Utah School for the Deaf.” The Silent Worker, vol. 9, no. 5 (January 1897): 77.
"Utah Deaf People in Business and Industry ...in the Space Age." The UAD Bulletin, vol. 5, no. 3 (Summer 1968).
Utah School for the Deaf Program Book, 1960s.
“With Our Exchanges.” The Silent Worker, vol. 18, no. 9 (June 1906): 141.
White, Bob. “Notes and Comments from the Land of the Mormons.” The Silent Worker, vol. 32 no. 7 (April 1920): 186.
White, Bob. “Notes and Comment From the Land of the Mormons.” The Silent Worker, vol. 32, no. 9 (June 1920): 243.
White, Bob. “Winding Trails.” The Silent Worker, vol. 33, no. 2 (November 1920): 59-60 & 62.
“WM. Cole, Carlos Seegmiller Honored.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 2, no. 7 (Summer 1962): 3 & 10.