The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1883-08-23
A GREAT CHARITY.
The Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb and
the Blind at Cedar Springs.

the Blind at Cedar Springs.
CEDAR SPRINGS. August l3.-From
the Revolution until now Cedar Springs
has been place of note in Spartanburg
County. Years ago it WAS a summer re.
sort now it is the seat Of the South
Carolina Institution for the education of
the deaf and dumb and the blind. The
history of the origin and progress of this
most Christian enterprise is deeply in.
terestlng To every one who feels the
kindlines of y genuine philanthropy.
MIR. n. Z. Walker, native Of Spar
tanburg, and n gentleman Of genius and
great force Of character, first bad his
benevolent interest awakened by the
eloquent appeal of a deaf mute (relatcd
to his wife, l heleve( hauding him a
manual alphabet lie formed class for
the instruction of mutes, and taught it
awhile in connection with the ordinary
school. Aiterward he abandoned the
ordinary school, and devoted his life
henceforlh to this great work. success
crowned his efforts. The State readily
adopted the institution. the work of Mr..
Walkers labor aud genius.
The building is imposing aud the pos.-
ton commanding. When the other
wing is added. it will he ouo of tbs best
buildings Of the State admirably a,lap-
ted to the uses for which it is designed.
| The rooms are commodious and admira-
bly, ventilated. The whole building is
heated with radiators. Through the
energy of Mrs. Virginia Eppes Walker,
the accomplished wife of The present
principal, Mr.. Newton l.. Walker, m air
Of freshness and tidiness and refined
comfort pervades this home. For it is
indeed a home for the little unfortunatcs
who are gathered here from year 10 year,
and enjoy not only the best methods Of
scientific instruction, but have thrown
around them the protection and comfort
Of the tendercst maternal care. 1t is a
delightful home, and delightful place
to visit. Visitors here cannot but catch
the spirit of the sweetest and purest
philanthropby.
Upon the mantelpiec in the parlor is
q bust of Laura Bridgman, made when
she was IL years of age by Mrs. Haw-
thorne, (Sophia +. Peabody who was
at one time a pupil Of tho fine sculptor,
Clevinge. The story Of Laura Bridgman
is one of thrilling interest, bordering
upon the miraculous. Smitten with
scarlet fever, she was totally deprived Of
sight, hearing and OF every sense, save
only that of touch and a faint vestige Of
taste and smell: The highly gifted spirit
OF the little child was left imprisoned in
the broken, tumble down house of n
body 80 deplorablv bereft. The noble
DIR. Howe responded to the silent appeal
OF the little child with an enthusiasm
which has made his name immortal, and
has given one of the brightest crowns to
our peerless humanity. In D:ckens's
american Notes" is the story of his
visit to the Perkins Institution and his
account of Laura Bridgman. "Hcr face
was radiant with intelligence and pleas.
ure. Her hair, braided by her own
hands, was bound about head whose
intellectual development were beautiful.
ly expressed in its graceful outline and
its broad, open brow" The Gne bust of
Laura is gift to the institution from
tho venerable Peter G. Brooks, of Boston
There is also in the parlor magnifi
cent life-size portrait of the founder of
Ceder Springs Institution, painted by
Query. 'he position. the firm intellect
ual features inspired by the genius of
benevolence, and especially the mouth
Indicating such strength and force of
character, are life like. He died in his
forty fifth year, in the very prime of his
manhood.
| taTtiy Is IL permitted 10 man 10 do
so good and so great work in so brief
time. He raised here memorial to the
honor OF the State, which will be the
more appreciated and admired NJ we
advance towards higher ideals of life
and its duties
The widow Of this gifted man, Mrs
Martha l.. Walker, aud who by the sier.
ling qualities Of her chastened, cultured
character contributed so largely to the
success Of her husband, so patient and
80 persistent in his work, is now living
in Spartanburg with one Of her daugh-
ters. His older son, Newton F. Walker,
is now the principal of the institution.
| There could not be found more suitable
man for this great work in al! the State.
Familiar with it from his youth aud in.
heriting many of the gifts of his noble
father, and filled with the spirit of pro.
gress and working under more favorable
conditions than those enjoyed by his
father, and being moved by a fine enthu.
siasm, he, together with his very efficient
corps Of teachers, is making this one Of
the very best institutions Of the kind in
the United States. am sure that there
is not an intelligent, liberal minded
citizen in the State that will not joyfully
bid him and his Gu workers God speed.
Correspondence MeUs and Courier.