Wayne E. Stewart's Photographs
of the Utah School for the Deaf
& the Utah Deaf Community
of the Utah School for the Deaf
& the Utah Deaf Community
Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Published in 2014
Updated in 2026
Published in 2014
Updated in 2026
Author's Note
Wayne E. Stewart, a Deaf photographer
I would like to express my gratitude to Keith E. Stewart, a graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, class of 1958, for his outstanding work in scanning and identifying the photos on this website. His father, Wayne E. Stewart, who graduated in 1930, was a passionate photographer. The images he captured beautifully document memories of the school, the local church, the Utah Association of the Deaf, and the friends he cherished. These photos provide a glimpse into the past and highlight the strong community formed during those years. Thanks to individuals like Keith and Wayne, these memories are preserved for future generations.
I invite you to explore the authentic photographs of students from the Utah School for the Deaf, including Wayne and others from the vibrant Deaf community in Utah. I share these images in their original form to honor their historical significance. With a love for styles from the 1920s to the 1940s, I’m excited to share these photos and Wayne’s beautiful work! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Each photograph tells a story, celebrating the rich culture and resilience of the Deaf community in Utah.
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
I invite you to explore the authentic photographs of students from the Utah School for the Deaf, including Wayne and others from the vibrant Deaf community in Utah. I share these images in their original form to honor their historical significance. With a love for styles from the 1920s to the 1940s, I’m excited to share these photos and Wayne’s beautiful work! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Each photograph tells a story, celebrating the rich culture and resilience of the Deaf community in Utah.
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Wayne E. Stewart. Photo courtesy of the Kenneth C. Burdett Bulletin Board
Keith Elsmore Stewart. Source: Utah Eagle, May 1958
Wayne E. Stewart's Photos
Students at the Utah School for the Deaf: Between 1914 and 1919. Top L-R: George Laramie, Frank Fuller, _____, Lee Hunter. 2nd Row: ___________, ________, ____________. Bottom L-R: __________, ________, Wayne E. Stewart.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Between 1917 and 1918, Wayne E. Stewart sits in front of his class at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah. In the middle of the second row, next to Wayne, is Kenneth C. Burdett. They knitted stockings for World War I soldiers.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Wayne E. Stewart is in the 2nd-row center, 3rd from the left. He was about ten years old. The picture was taken at the Utah School for the Deaf between 1918 and 1919.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The event took place in 1922–1923 at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ogden, Utah. Wayne E. Stewart, age 12 or 13, was sitting on a stone bench in front of President Max W. Woodbury.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The Utah School for the Deaf's Printer and the "Boss" between 1923 and 1925. Back Row L-R: Wayne E. Stewart, Instructor Harry S. Smith, Ross Thurston. Middle Row L-R: Kenneth C. Burdett and George Laramie. Front Row L-R: Charles Flowkes, Jr., and Heber Christensen.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The students dressed as clowns at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1925.
Top: Wayne E. Stewart, 14–15 years old. In the second row, from left to right, are Virgil Greenwood, Lee Hunter, Alton Fisher, Oliver Woodward, ________, (whose face was obscured by flapping), and Waldron Robinson. 3rd row L-R: Kenneth Burdett, Joseph Burnett, and Rodney Walker. Bottom L-R: Arvel Christemsen, ____, Verl Thorup, and John (Jack) White. Keith stated that his father, Wayne, was petite and very lightweight, and the boys easily lifted him to the top.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Wayne E. Stewart stood proudly on top of the snow. Behind him was the old gym building of the Utah School for the Deaf, in the 1930s.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Students at the Utah School for the Deaf shoveled the snow. Wayne E. Stewart is positioned on the third left bottom row in the 1930s.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Students of the Utah School for the Deaf Basketball Team in 1926. L-R: Joseph B. Burnett, Verl Throup, Virgil Greenwood, Alton Fisher, John (Jack) White, Earl Smith, Arvel Christensen, William Woodward, and Wayne E. Stewart.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Students at the Utah School for the Deaf on May 20, 1927. An old truck with piles of students is parked behind the Annex Building and a fire escape cylinder. Seated on the bumper is Wayne E. Stewart. Standing to his right is Cyrus Freston. Kenneth C. Burdett is standing tall above the cab of the truck. The first two standing nearest in the bed of the truck are Joseph B. Burnett (left) and Verl Throup (right).
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Students at the Utah School for the Deaf in the late 1920s. L-R) Joe Brandenburg, young boy, Verl Thorup, William Wesley Perry, Joseph B. Burnett, William (Willie) Enoch Woodward, Wayne E. Stewart, John (Jack) White, and ____ standing in front of the Annex Building. A young boy standing in front of Joe is unknown.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The students at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1928. Keith E. Stewart stated that the students were attempting to make themselves appear humorous. John (Jack) White rests his hand on his father, Wayne E. Stewart's head.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Students at the Utah School for the Deaf, 1928-1930. Back L-R: Wayne E. Stewart, William Woodward, Alton Fisher, John (Jack) White, Joseph B. Burnett, possible Leon Edwards, Arvel Christensen, Virgil Greenwood, ____ Front L-R: J. Sherwood Messerly, Rodney W. Walker, Melvin Penman, Wesley Perry, Verl Throup, _____.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Students at the Utah School for the Deaf between 1928 and 1929. L-R: Wayne E. Stewart, Alton Fisher, possibly Verl Throup, Earl Smith, and ___. The old gym is behind them, and next to it is the maintenance care building.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The play at the Utah School for the Deaf on May 31 and June 1–3, 1928. 1st Row L-R: Wayne E. Stewart, Lillian Fowkes, and Edna Freston. 2nd Row L-R: Virgil Greenwood, Helen Wood, Kenneth C. Burdett, Lucy Billeter, Kate Billeter, Carlos Seegmiller, and Frank Fullmer. Third Row L-R: Arvel Christensen, Paul Mark, Max W. Woodbury, John (Jack) White, Dellan Harper, and Jennie Holton.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The Utah Association of the Deaf Convention on May 30, 1929, in front of the Main Building of the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The Utah School for the Deaf Basketball Team in 1930. L-R: Coach____, Verl Throup, Joseph B. Burnett, Virgil Greenwood, Arvel, Christensen, Max Woodbury, Coach. Front L-R: Alton Fisher, John (Jack) White, Wayne E. Stewart, Earl Smith, William Woodward.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In 1929–1930, at the Utah School for the Deaf. Left Top L-R: Joseph B. Burnett, Alton Fisher, Wesley Perry, Rodney W. Walker, ____, Earl Smith, and Verl Thorup. Front Row L-R: Wayne E. Stewart, John "Jack" White with a crutch, Arvel Christensen, Virgil Greenwood, Willie Woodward, and Joe Brandberg.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In 1929–1930, at the Utah School for the Deaf. Standing on the vintage vehicle are, from left to right, Earl Smith and Joseph B. Burnett. Sitting on the snow slide are, from left to right: Alton Fisher, Verl Thorup, Empire Nelson, Wayne E. Stewart, Willie Woodward, and Wesley Perry.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The Utah Association of the Deaf Convention in front of Driggs Hall, the girls' dorm at the Utah School for the Deaf in 1931.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The students at the Utah School for the Deaf between 1933 and 1936. Front Row L-R: Robert G. Sanderson, _____, Frank Orlando, _______ Back Row L-R: _____, Lloyd Jones, _____, and Oliver I. Langworthy.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Wayne E. Stewart skiing in 1929–1930.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In around 1933, they had a great day riding in an old model vehicle. Top L-R: Alton Fisher, Earl Smith, and Verl Throup. 2nd Row L-R: Wayne E. Stewart, Willie Woodward, and Joseph B. Burnett. 3rd Row L-R: _____, Oliver Irish Longworth, and Ephraim Nelson.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
A Utah Deaf social gathering. In the late 1930s, women in dresses and men in hats with small neckties stood in front of the Model Ford. Back, L-R: Verl Throup, John (Jack) White, and Charles Fowkes. Front L-R: Vida Fowkes White, Evangeline Archabal, ________, and Lillian Fowkes Freston.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Vintage cars were on a paved road behind the mountain between Bountiful and Centerville, Utah, in late 1935. L-R: Ray G. Wenger, Kate Billeter, Joe Brandenburg, Arthur W. Wenger, Fern Brandenburg, John Steele, Georgie Mae Stewart, and Wayne E. Stewart.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Wayne E. Stewart and his wife, Georgie Mae Stewart, sit on their 1929 Model T Ford in between 1934 and 1935.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The Utah Deaf social group gathered for swimming at Saltair, the most renowned resort in Great Salt Lake in the 1930s.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In the 1930s. A Utah Deaf social gathering took place at Saltair, the most renowned resort in Great Salt Lake. L-R: Wayne E. Stewart, Georgie Stewart, ________, Vida White, and John (Jack) White. Jack jokingly drank a keg of beer.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In the 1930s, a Utah Deaf social gathering took place at Saltair, the most renowned resort in Great Salt Lake. Front Row L-R: Fern Player Brandberg, Joe Brandberg, Charles Fowkes' wife, Dorothy Fisher, Georgie G. Stewart, and Wayne Stewart. Back Row: L-R: John (Jack) White, Verl Thorup, George Laramie, and ____.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
From 1935 to 1937, near the eastern side of the Great Salt Lake. Top Row L-R: Fern Player Brandberg, Joe Brandberg, Zelma Kreph Moon, Dorothy Moshier Fisher, and Georgie Mae Stewart. 2nd Row L-R: George Laramie held an unknown lady, ___, ___, Lucy Billeter, Verl Throup, Jack White, and Cyril Jones.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
At the Utah School for the Deaf campus in Ogden, Utah, during the 1933-34 school year. The top professional basketball player Joseph B. Burnett is featured, known for his long reach. 2nd Row L-R: Willie Woodward, ____, and __. 3rd Row L-R: ___, Cyril Freston, __, Alton Fisher, __,Verl Thorup, and Rodney W. Walker. 4th left: __, _, Earl Smith, __, __, Virgil Greenwood, and _. 5th Row L-R: Melvin J. Penamn, _, _, Arvel Christenson, and __. Keith Stewart was unable to identify the remaining individuals in the blurry pictures.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
A Utah Deaf social gathering in the 1930s. Men in hats with small neckties and women in dresses stand in front of the Model Ford. Back L-R: Verl Throup, John (Jack) White, and Charles Fowkes. Front L-R: Vida (Fowkes) White, Evangeline Archabal, ________, Lillian (Fowkes) Freston.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
A Utah Deaf social gathering in the 1930s. First Row L-R: Emily C. Miller, Afton Curtis, Evangeline Archabal, and Wayne E. Stewart. Second Row L-R: Verl Throup and Joseph B. Burnett.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In the canyon of Utah, a group of Deaf friends gathered around 1932 to 1935. From left to right: John (Jack) White, Empire Nelson, Elsie Christensen, and Wayne E. Stewart.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
John (Jack) White, Fern Player, and Wayne E. Stewart in 1938.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Georgie Mae, John (Jack) White, and Fern Player in 1938.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The Utah Deaf social gathering took place between 1942 and 1943. 1st Row L-R: Melvin Penman, Kate Keeley, Jolene Keeley (daughter of Alfred & Jessie Keeley), Gladys (Burnham) Wenger (Hart Wenger's wife), Margaret Lazenby, Naomi (Wright) Olsen, and Kenneth Olsen. 2nd Row L-R: John (Jack) White, Verl Throup, George Laramie, Wayne E. Stewart, and Joe Brandenberg. 3rd Row L-R: Jessie Agnes Busby (Allred Keeley's wife), Catherine Jones (Grant Morgan's wife), Ivy Griggs (Fred Low's wife), Lucy Billeter, Dorothy Moshier Fisher (Alton's former wife), Selma (Kreipl) Worsley (Robert's wife), Ellen Lusk, Pearl Wright (Elgin Jacobsen's wife), and Walter Kirk.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
A Christmas party was held on the balcony of the old gym at the Utah School for the Deaf in the 1940s, in Ogden, Utah.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
A Utah Deaf social gathering took place in the Canyon, Utah, in the early 1940s.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The Salt Lake City Division No. 56 of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf went on an outing to one of the parks around 1947–1948. The picture captured Keith E. Stewart at the age of 10. See the photo of him sitting in the front, with his hand shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight. Back Row: L-R: ____, _____, ____, John Glassett, Frank Stone, Philip Thornton, Carolina Thornton, a lady, a man with a child, and Verl Thorup, a woman and a child. _____, Cleo Thorup, Don Jacobs, _____. Left 2nd row: Marie Stone, Georgia Walker, ____, Geraldine Shepherd? ____, Vida White, child? Helen Thurston, Ross Thurston, Ethel Kirk, ____, Georgie Stewart with Darlene, three boys, Eyre, Don Jacobs's wife, lady—with a child, Walter Kirk, child? Man____, Lady____, Hart Wenger, and Dorothy Fisher. Left 3rd row: _____, Rodney Walker, Carol White, Helen and Ross Thurston's daughter Rosemary, Edna Glenn, and a boy. Justin Keeley, ____, a man with three children, Gene Stewart, _____, Spencer Hind, and a child are seated in the left 3rd row. Left 4th row: Marlo Honey, Jack White holding his son Jack, Elgin Jacobson, Wayne E. Stewart, Keith Stewart, Alfred Keeley, Grant Morgan, Alton Fisher, two kids, Ottie Palmer, and a child.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In the 1940s. This photo may be of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf in Utah. Top L-R: William T. Watson, Earl Smith, and Alton Fisher. 2nd Row L-R: George Preece, Heber Christensen, Grant Morgan, Joseph Burnett, Kenneth Burdett, ________, Arvel Christensen, Walter Kirk, Joe Brandenburg, and Ephraim Neilson. Bottom L-R: Ralph Glenn, John (Jack) White, George Laramie, Alfred Young, Floyd Underwood, Ross Thruston, Wayne E. Stewart, Paul Mark, and Freda Billeter.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In the 1940s. Utah's Deaf social gathering. Top L-R: ______, George Laramie, Zelma Worsley, ______, Paul Wood, Frank Stone, Dorothy Fisher, Joe Brandenburg, Fern Brandenburg, John (Jack) White. 2nd Row L-R: Alton Fisher, Katie Billeter, Wayne E. Stewart, Georgie Mae Stewart, Rodney Walker, Lucy Billeter, Virgil Greenwood, Lucy Greenwood. Bottom L-R: Earl Smith, William T. Watson, Marie Stone, Verl Troup, Frederick Billeter.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Groundbreaking for the Salt Lake Valley Branch on August 20, 1947. Brimming with joy and excitement, the members witnessed the breaking of ground for the construction of the Salt Lake Valley Branch for the Deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah. This was a momentous step toward the realization of their long-awaited dream. President Willard Barlow, a key figure in the branch's establishment, was present at the groundbreaking, adding to the event's significance. The man capturing this historic moment with his camera was Wayne E. Stewart, a testament to the importance of documenting this journey. Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson, a representative of the Presiding Authorities, conducted the groundbreaking on August 20, 1947.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In the late 1940s. The Deaf Latter-day Saints gathered at the spot where the new Salt Lake Valley Branch will be built, as indicated by the rope.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The Salt Lake Valley Branch opened on November 14, 1948. In the morning, the Deaf Latter-day Saints members attended Sunday School. In the evening, they again attended the sacrament meeting at the Lion House, where Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, used to live. One of the Twelve Apostles, Elder John Andreas Widtsoe, the one with white hair and a beard, was present in the picture.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, from the 1940s: L-R: John (Jack) White, Heber Christensen, and Wayne E, Stewart.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
Between 1948 and 1950, Pearl Starr, her sister Ann Starr, and Helen Farmer (?) were standing in front of the Main Building of the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
The picture depicts Keith Stewart's mother, Georgie Mae Stewart, dropping him and his sister, Darlene, off at the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, after spending the weekend with their family. L-R: Helen Thruston, a friend and wife of Ross; Keith, age 16; their grandmother; Darlene, age 12; and Georgie Mae Stewart. This photo was taken in 1954.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
In the mid-1950s, Ned C. Wheeler hosted a social gathering at his place in Ogden, Utah. Bottom Row L-R: Robert Sanderson, Kimito Yokamura, Mary Sanderson, Edith Wheeler, Ned Wheeler, Donald Jensen, Vida White, Kenneth C. Burdett, Ray G. Wenger, and George Laramie. Second Row L-R: Walter Zabel, Arthur Wenger, Marie Stone, ________, Mabel Driggs, Supt. Frank Driggs, John (Jack) White, Katie Woodbury, Theo Logan, Elise Hertell, Georgia Walker, and Edna Glenn. Third Row L-R: Ivy Low, Cyril Jones, Myrle Edwards Jones, Mae Stewart, Afton Curtis, Burdett, Max W. Woodbury, Beth Jensen, Violet Zabel, Cleo Thorup, Milo Culter, Carlos Seegmiller, Gladys Wenger, and Ralph Glenn. Top Row L-R: Frank Stone, Eleanor Kay Kinner Curtis, LaVern Burnett, Joseph B. Burnett, Carl Hertell, Rodney W. Walker, Wayne E. Stewart, Verl Thorup, Robert Welsh, Lorraine Welsh, and Hart Wenger.
Photo from the private collection of Keith E. Stewart
