Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1908-07-01
CEDAR SPRINGS HAS CLOSED
Its ScssiOn-Aiiss Annie Crisp, of
Wnlhalla, Graduated Last Week.

Below we give portion Of the
published account Of the closing ex-
ercises Of Cedar Springs Institute for
the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. This
year the closing exercises are of pe-
culiar interest to the people of Wal
halla and vicinity because Of the val
edictorian Of the graduating class,
Miss Annie Crisp, who Is well known,
not only to the people Of Walhalla,
but to a wide circle throughout the
county.
We clip the following from the
Spartanburg Herald:
Knew Her as u Child.
Each Of the graduates was handed
diploma and a Bible. Governor
Ansel made some fitting remarks
concerning the scripture with the
presentation Of the Bible to each of
the nine graduates. To Miss Annie
Crisp, Of Walhalla, he said: "You
and l came from the same town. |
and now you have grown to full wo-
manhood. 1t gives me exceeding
great pleasure, Annie, to present you
with your diploma and this Good
Book-the best book in the world.
And let me admonish you that it Is a
book to be read daily"
After the diplomas had been de-
livered the chorus rendered "Estu-
diantina,' quick, stirring melody.
In this selection the chorus showed
itself capable Of every dynamic
shade. Loneliness Of tone and per-
fection OF phrasing were in evidence
while the volume and rythm were
predominating elements.
The valedictory was then given by
Miss Annie Crisp in the sign language
and interpreted by Prof. Lawrence
Walker President Walker announc-
ed that time was too limited to have
the young lady give her essay What
Christianity Has Done for the Deaf"
but that he hoped to see it in print
in the newspapers where it would
reach a large number, for he said 1t
was an essay worthy Of special at
tention. being filled with good
thougt throughout.
Below is printed the essay prepar-
ed by Miss Annie Crisp. Of the gradu-
ating class, on the subject, What
Christianity Has Done for the Deaf"
and which, on account Of the length
Of the program, had to be omitted.
1t Is filled with good thought, and is
but an expression Of the life OF the
noble girl whose spirit seems 10
breathe in every line. 1t Is as fol-
lows:
'What Christianity Has Done for
the Deaf"
Before the fifteenth century and
almost up to the eighteenth century
deaf people were considered almost
on an equal with demented people.
All the early schools for the deaf
were called "asylums," showing that
the people did not even then believe
that "school for the deaf" was
possible any more than "school for
crazy people" would be.
They were treated as animals and
outcasts and their parents would not
let them be seen because they were
ashamed Of them. They were the
Cinderillas in the house throughout
the world.
They were left to sit In the ashes
while their hearing brothers and sis
ters went to receive the good things
OF this world.
In the ages past people thought
that deaf people possessed devils;
that these devils used their deaf
ness. Just when the first deaf per-
son lived we do not know, but it
must have been very early, as Mo-
ses III the Old Testament mentions
them as a class
Ancient philosophers held that
hearing was necessary to the gaining
OF knowledge. Occasionally back Of
the eighteenth century deaf per-
son was educated but it was called
miracle, and not a natural event.
Now look around you and see what a
great change has taken place.
Bear with me a little while as |
tell you Of some deaf people who
have won fame.
Do you know the name Of the most
day?
Do you know that one OF the
"Pach Brothers" Is a deaf man: