Family Ties

Many deaf children went away to schools before they could read and write, so parents had to be creative to communicate with their sons and daughters. Drawings and images cut from magazines helped parents send their affection and pass along news of home. Students also used drawings and photos to share family life with school friends and school activities with family.

A man in a suit and hat walks on a sidewalk, with a young boy in military-style uniform at his side

This father has come to bring his son home for Christmas. For some deaf children at schools, holidays were a rare chance to see their families, who might live hundreds of miles away.

Gallaudet University Archives c. 1947-1949
Courtesy of Jack R. Gannon

Two drawings, one showing two beds and a bunk bed, captioned "only two more sleeps and you will be home, Mike." Second shows a man and boy in a boat fishing, caption "Dad and Ricky went fishing, they caught only one fish"

Courtesy of Michael J. Olson - letter c. 1963

Handwritten letter in simple cursive, from Italo Russo to his mother and father, telling about his day

CLARKE School for the Deaf/Center for Oral Education - letter c. 1924

Pictures and drawings helped students understand notes from home and feel a part of family events. At most schools, children were assigned a regular time during class every week to write a letter home.