The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-02-18
HALF CENTURY OLD
Columbia Institution Deaf
Mutes Observe Anniversary.
IMPRESSIVE SERVICES HELD
DIR. GaIlaudet Delivers an Address
In the Sign Language-StudeHts and
which Tell of the Origin of the
Institute at Kendall Green.

Without a word being spoken, the semi
centennial anniversary Of the founding Of
the Columbia Institution for the Instruc-
ton Of the Deaf and Dumb was cele-
brated yesterday in the chapel of the
college, at Kendall Green. NJ street and
Florida avenue northeast The unique as
well as impressive services were con
Quoted BY DR. Edward Miner Gallaudet
who has been at the head of the insti-
tuition for half a century. mis- address be
ing delivered by means Of the sign Ian
guage. DR.. Gallaudet is recognized as
one Of the most highly educated experts
in sign making in the world
Silently the several hundred pupils took
their seats in the chapel a few minutes
before o'clock Many friends Of the
children also attended. a few minutes
afterward Dr. Gallaudet arose. beginning
the ceremonies with prayer. As he began
his lesson, the students and guests, most
Of whom were familiar with the sign
language, arose, and remained standing
until the prayer had been finished
With exactness OF every movement Of
his hands, Dr. Gallaudet began his his
toric address. He took particular pains
10 make each sign as plain as possible
for the audience, which was composed
principally OF children. The attention
paid 10 the exercises by each individual
was particularly noticeable. As the presi-
dent continued, the hundreds of boys and
girls sat perfectly still, following the ad-
dress and every movement of the sign
makers hands as he told the story Of the
origin Of the institute, more than half a
century ago.
Founded Fifty Years Ago.
Fifty years ago on Saturday the in
stitution was founded. Services are held
AT the chapel every Sunday afternoon,
and the lecture Of yesterday took the
place OF the sermon. During the course
Of his address. DR.. GaHaudet related the
history of the institute from SIS very be-
ginning to the present day. together with
all the great work that has been accom-
plished. During the half-century that the
institution has been in existence. more
than LOO students have been there. and
started out in the world 10 earn their
own livelihood. many Of them having
learned 10 speak
At times, DR.. Gallaudet's address was
interpreted with bits Of humor Sew
cral times he referred to himself with re-
gard to his early life. These signs never
failed TO bring forth smiles on the faces
Of tho deaf audience. the children seem
ingly forgetting the history Of the inter
esting institution for the time being, and
enjoying the amusing incidents as much
as the doctor. himself
Act Approved by President Pierce.
President Franklin Pierce approved an
act to incorporate THE Columbia In
stitution for the instruction OF the Deaf
and Dumb and the Blind February Is,
1851 Several years after the college was
founded, the education OF the blind was
transferred to Baltimore. Amos Kendall.
the founder, was q Yankee He was the
father and one Of the Institutions most
generous patrons.
Some tine previous TO the founding OF
the college a man had arrived in Wash
ington, who hunted " the deaf and dumb
children under the pretense o. STARTING a
school for them. Instead of insJructing
the youngsters the man took them about
the city and exhibited them for money
for his own gain. Kendall heard of the
incident, and Immediately began an in
vestigauon. He found the house where
the poor children were being kept and
later took them On charge
The question Of what should be done
with them was taken IN hand by Kendall,
and he went into the task with eageruess.
With the aid OF the courts. ne gained
possession Of the children and for some
time acted as their guardian and teacher.
This was the beginning of the Columbia
Institution for the Instruction Of the Deaf
and Dumb which is now one Of the great
est colleges of its kind I'm the world.
When DIT Gallaudet took charge he had
but twenty pupils under his care. Since
then many hundreds have been brought
up educated. and developed into fine and
cultured women and men under his super
vision.
After finishing his anniversary address.
DR.. Gallaudet closed the services with a
prayer and as silently as they had come
the students and their guests left the
chapel after one Of the most interesting
addresses ever delivered at the college.