📅 Timeline: Early History of the E.A.D.
May 10, 1960 (Contextual Note – Alberta School for the Deaf)
On the morning of Tuesday, May 10, 1960, Montreal Canadiens hockey star Jean Béliveau visited the Alberta School for the Deaf at 10:00 a.m. as part of a brewery-sponsored public relations tour. His visit was reported in the Edmonton Journal on Saturday, May 7, which stated he would arrive Monday evening and attend the ASD engagement the following morning.
While this event is not officially part of EAD history, several EAD members were students at ASD at the time and may remember Béliveau’s visit.
Edmonton Journal (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) · Sat, May 7, 1960 ·
Jul 27, 1960 - Summary of Letter by Douglas Ferguson
Douglas Ferguson, a Deaf man and father of a Deaf child, wrote a powerful letter criticizing the oralist approach to Deaf education at the Alberta School for the Deaf. He shared that after three years in the oral program, his son still could not pronounce his own name—highlighting the method’s ineffectiveness.
Ferguson denounced the refusal to use sign language and described oralism as a “farce” that leaves Deaf individuals unable to express themselves or succeed. He explained how lip-reading is flawed, often only 25% effective, and leads to shame, guesswork, and frustration. In contrast, he defended sign language as a method that “bears fruit.”
Drawing from personal experience and empathy for the Deaf community, Ferguson called the hearing world a “silent movie” for Deaf people and emphasized the emotional toll of being forced to speak rather than being given access to a real education. He challenged educators to consult former students rather than dismiss sign language, and corrected public misinformation about Deaf schools.
His letter is a strong early voice advocating for Deaf-centered education, recognition of sign language, and systemic change.
Source: Edmonton Journal – The Journal Letter Box (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Date: Wednesday, July 27, 1960 · Page 4
Edmonton Journal (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) · Wed, Jul 27, 1960 ·
Page 4
November 8, 1960 - Larry Rosell Wins $500 Scholarship
Larry Rosell, a long-time teacher at the Alberta School for the Deaf, received a $500 scholarship from the Quota Club of Edmonton to support his studies in secondary education at the University of Alberta.
At the time, Rosell was on a leave of absence after 11 years of teaching at ASD. He had previously completed high school in Devon and pursued further studies at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Vocational Institute.
The scholarship was presented by Mrs. Fred Grieve, Quota District Governor, and Mrs. K. Roll, President of the Edmonton Quota Club.
Source: Edmonton Journal (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) · Tuesday, November 8, 1960 · Page 19
May 3, 1962 – Book Sets Presented
The Edmonton Association of the Deaf presented two sets of the Life World Library to the Alberta School for the Deaf. The books were accepted by L. A. Broughton, superintendent, from John Kusznieryk, president of the association.
Source: Edmonton Journal (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) · Thursday, May 3, 1962 · Page 26
In 1955, EAD membership declined from 48 to 33 members, returning to its original size. Despite this drop, the organization remained active and committed to supporting its community.
That same year, EAD helped cover part of David Mason’s first-year expenses to attend Gallaudet University, marking one of its earliest efforts to support Deaf post-secondary education.
1956–1959 – Traditions, National Growth & Royal Visit
In 1956, the Edmonton Association of the Deaf (EAD) recorded 29 members, maintaining a modest but dedicated community.
In early 1957, Bowling President George Pody proposed launching an annual friendly bowling tournament between the Edmonton Association of the Deaf and the Calgary Association of the Deaf, setting the stage for a long-running intercity tradition.
On June 3, 1957, EAD hosted a variety and benefit show, showcasing community talent and raising funds for future activities. A major highlight followed in July, when EAD hosted the 12th Triennial Western Canada Association of the Deaf (WCAD) Convention at the Hotel Macdonald from July 3–6, 1957. With 46 members at the time, EAD welcomed Deaf delegates from across Canada and North America for business meetings and social gatherings, further strengthening its national visibility.
In April 1958, EAD membership was recorded at 45 members, and membership dues were increased to $3.00 for singles and $4.00 for couples. The following month, EAD purchased a trophy for the winners of the first Edmonton vs. Calgary bowling tournament. Calgary claimed victory in the inaugural match and continued to dominate until 1975. Over the years, additional individual and team trophies were introduced, enhancing the tradition.
By June 1959, EAD’s membership stood at 35.
CAD 1957 Bowling
1959 – Royal Recognition at the Legislature
On July 21, 1959, during Queen Elizabeth II’s official visit to Edmonton, EAD achieved a moment of royal recognition when Bruce Jack and his sister were invited by the Alberta Government to attend an outdoor luncheon at the Alberta Legislature, where nearly 2,000 locals had been invited.
The presence of EAD representatives at this prestigious event with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip marked a milestone in the organization’s growing visibility and importance within Alberta.