RIP F. Ted Henry
F. Ted Henry, is a jeweler and craftsman who displays and sells his stunning work at the White House Ruin in Canyon de Chelly (Tséyiʼ in Navajo) , Arizona.
On our annual photo trip this year to the four corners region of the southwest, we met Ted, in Canyon de Chelly. He greeted us warmly “Ya at eeh” and as we were already marveling at his jewelry, offered to show us something special. I feel sure he has shared his story with thousands of other visitors to his display stand at the White House Ruin. In my case, meeting Ted and hearing his story, had a profound effect and will leave a lasting impression. His smiling face and open, friendly nature was beguiling. He asked if I knew who Ansel Adams was? I answered, “I did”. He proceeded to open a coffee table size book to a page of a Navajo woman holding an infant on a cradle board. I am very familiar with the image and recognized it immediately. It is a personal favorite and is synonymous with Canyon de Chelly. I started to get tummy flutters as I anticipated where he might be going with this story. The Navajo tradition of story telling is not wasted on Ted. He dove in to how he first saw the image later in life, when a friend showed him the book with a picture of his mother and infant brother. He didn’t know for so many years that this image by Ansel Adams existed. His story continued until he laid a photo down of his mother made fifty years later, holding the Ansel Adams book open to the pages, in the exact location where he photographed her in 1942. Ted said we were welcome to make a portrait of himself holding the book and the companion photo. His smile and pride were palpable as the light in the canyon. I was quite overwhelmed by his gracious nature and the time in his presence. I made a few images of Ted under one of the cottonwood trees in the reflected light from the canyon walls, and beaming so bright I was glad to be wearing sunglasses. Thanks for looking. G
Ted’s card shown below says… “Ya at eeh (greetings) – Welcome to the heart of the Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelly, where Ansel Adams took a photo of my mother Rose Henry holding my brother Ben Henry in a cradle board in 1942 (top). The Bottom photo is 50 years later at the very same spot at the bottom of White House Trail” And then “Hozhoodoo – In beauty and in harmony” Teds, website.
Here’s the Ansel Adams image
“Navajo Woman and Infant, Canyon de Chelle, Arizona.”
[Canyon de Chelly National Monument], 1933 – 1942.
31 thoughts on “F. Ted Henry. Canyon de Chelly”
Beautiful!
Thank you Sharon. It was one of those moments one remembers for a long time. G
I just read your story and wanted to reply.
I was in the canyon several years ago. I also met Ted Henry and I purchased the necklace of this mother and brother.
He had a remarkable story of when he was little and lived in the canyon. He gave us a signed picture of his mother. This I display in my home. The necklace is very special to me. He made our trip so amazing and we have not ever forgotten him.
He also showed us where to hike and how to look for the exact spot his mother stood when she had her picture taken. He said she never realized the picture was for a book by this famous artist.
Afterwards we continued on to Gallop Nm where we met a wonderful native American lady who told us that her father was John Tinsel, a code talker. He just celebrated his 105th birthday last Sunday.
We have kept in touch with her over the years.
This trip was one that was one of my most memorable. We love the native American people. They are so friendly and genuine.
Thank you for your post on Ted Henry.
So nice to know he has made so many nice memories for people.
His jewelry is really beautiful. We wish him the best.
Thank you so much, Eleanor for sharing your connection with Ted. That’s a wonderful story. Geraint
I also was blessed to be taken to the Canyon by beloved friends several years ago. It was an amazing privilege to meet Ted Harvey and purchase his “2 sided” necklace and matching ring and hear the fascinating story of the Ansel Adam’s photo. He wrote the names of all the jewels he used on the inside top of the gold box that holds the necklace and ring. Today I will “pass it on” to my adopted granddaughter for her 18th birthday! I hope she cherishes them for many years.
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing. It seems Ted have a lot of people great pleasure through his work. I feel sure your granddaughter will cherish your pierce of jewelry and the accompanying story of Ted. Thank you, Ginger. G
That’s a great story Geraint!
I met a woman in Albuquerque who grew up in one of the buildings depicted in Adam’s “Moonrise, Hernandez.” But your encounter is tough to beat.
Stay well.
Thank you Rob. I think there are, more than likely, hundreds of stories of interactions like this around all the classic images out there. Would be fun to collect them. G
Deeply touching ~ both the story and your synchronicity ~
Thank you Gale. I was glad we had this encounter, a special life experience. G
Wow, such a beautiful story of your meeting with this lovely man. All this history and beauty wrapped up in one encounter! Synchronicity and magical, indeed, from the touch of one great photographer to another through the hearts of magnificent human beings. Thank you for sharing your work and life so graciously. ***R
Thank you Ruth. It was such an encounter to cherish. And Teds soul felt as big as the world. Thanks for looking and taking the time to write. G
Dear Geraint,
What a lovely story and the timing was amazing. I met Teddy last October hiking to White House Ruins and, of course, couldn’t resist buying some of Ted’s jewelry. Fast forward to last month. Your post is dated May 15th. Two day later on the morning of May 17th, I was hiking back up from White House Ruins and who did we meet- Teddy! We were simply sitting, drinking, snacking and enjoying the beautiful view when Teddy rounded the corner. I was startled but not teally surprised because I was carrying his famous post card he had given me last October and I was hoping it would “magically” allow us to run into him. I do think my students were impressed! Needless to say, it was great to catch up with him! Can’t wait until my next hike down the White House Ruins trail.
Thank you Penelope. What a wonderful story and encounter. I would certainly enjoy meeting him again. My first trip to the canyon was during the week between christmas and new year 1985. It was a trip I will always remember. I’ve visited numerous times since but don’t recall meeting Ted previously. I feel sure I would have remembered him. We are looking forward to another trip this time in the fall, recommended by our guide, Ben. Thanks for looking and taking the time to write. G
My wife and I met teddie 10years ago and have purchased many items from him we went to see him 2times and when I got home to Florida my wife had him make a silver bracelet for me with a lot of history of the Navajo nation history on it. He took the time to write down what each symbol means and I am delighted with it he is the best and I hope to see him again one day!
Hi Homer. Thank you so much for sharing this story. Meeting Ted was a life changing moment. Thanks fo looking in. Best. G
My mom and dad met Teddy at Canyon de Chelley in March 1989 where he was working on a bracelet outside the visitor center. My mom was very intrigued with the piece but left. A short time later my mom decided she wanted the bracelet and went back but he was gone. The visitor center said they would have him call their motel. And the rest is history with my mom owning a beautiful silver bracelet telling a story of the Navaho nation. My folks were thrilled to read your story about this talented special artist. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing this with me, Bonnie. I’ll be in Canyon de Chelly again this coming May. I will be passing along a number of stories that have been told me since I posted this photo with Ted. I hope it’s ok to share yours. G
Sorry to miss your reply in 2019. Here it is January 2024 and I am holding the bracelet Teddy made in 1989. My mom gave it to me last year for my birthday and I was thrilled and often tell the story of how she met Teddy. She wanted so much to get back to Canyon de Chelly and meet with Teddy and show him him she still treasured the special bracelet. Sadly she passed away just 3 months ago and I regret not getting her back to the canyon. This bracelet and its history will stay in our family forever.
Thanks so much for sharing. Condolences to you and your family for your loss. I’m sure the bracelet brings you comfort. Best wishes. Geraint
I met Ted this last Friday. He’s just an amazingly warm person. My husband bought a necklace for me. Meeting him was truly a highlight of our trip
So great to hear that Ted is still there. We missed him at “white house ruin” in May this year. His work is stunning, more so as it is infused with his wonderful energy. Thank you Ronitta, for letting me know and for visiting my website. Geraint
I am very pleased I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Frederick Teddy Henry of Chinle, Arizona. I was told that Mr. Frederick Teddy Henry had passed away. His funeral service is in a about a week or so. My condolences to his three daughters he spoke highly of. Teddy always brought up his daughters in a conversation and his former wife. God Bless you and we are pleased to have met Teddy Henry.
We looked for him last May. No one we spoke to had heard from him. He was very dear and thrilled to speak with us. I’m glad to have met him and honored he shared his story with me. Thank you Tom, thank you Joyce for letting me know. Geraint.
Teds funeral is tomorrow March 17, in his hometown of Chinle AZ. I heard from his niece today. G
Teddy was an artisan in the VC at Casa Grande Ruins the past 2 winter seasons and I volunteered as a tour guide. I spent a lot of time speaking and learning from Teddy. I made sure he had hot coco and warm goodies every weekends. He shared stpries and understanding of his Dine culter with me and I bought several pieces of jewelry from him. Soft spoken, happy and always with a smile. I am sad to have lost him but he will live on in my heart. A gentle man.
Meeting him was a profound moment and this picture of him has had an impact on many who have seen it. Thank you Barb for sharing this story of your personal connection with Teddy. G
A dear older friend just gave me earrings and bracelet her husband bought from mr. Henry over 40 yrs. ago. She knows how much i admire the Navajo culture. I’ve been trying to discover more about the artist. Since NP. are closed your posts have given me valuable information. Thank you.
Teddy was such a lovely man. https://geraintsmith.com/spider-rock-canyon-de-chelly-arizona/ Teddy passed this last Spring. I was saddened to hear. Thank you Marlene for taking the time to write and share your connection. My best to you. Geraint
Met Teddy on the rim several years ago with my grandson. He bought a beautiful bracelet from him and gave it to his girlfriend at the time. I want to buy him another one for Christmas. Are any available?
Teddy passed away two years ago. He will be greatly missed. I’ve had many inquiries regarding his exquisite work. Best regards. Geraint