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Delavan founded
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Wisconsin admitted into the U.S.
Wisconsin became the 30th state of the United States. -
The birthplace of "WSD"
This house belonged to the Chesebro family, and was where the first Deaf student was schooled. The student was Ardiana Chesebro, later joined by James Dudley. -
WSD founded
The State Legislature passed a bill to establish a free school for the deaf, then signed by the governor on April 19, 1852. The school was first called the Wisconsin Institute for the Deaf and Dumb. Through several phases, the building was completely constructed in 1867. -
The first WSD Principal
Dr. Joseph Bradway was selected the first WSD principal (now called Superintendent). He also was the first public school principal in Delavan. -
The Institute building burned down
The building was utterly burned down in 1879. Luckily, there was no casualty, but furnitures and school records were destroyed. -
Four buildings constructed
Four buildings were constructed immediately after the Institute building was burned down. They were known as Swiler Hall, Phoenix Hall, Cochrane Hall, and the chapel, part of Swiler Hall. -
The chapel burned down
The Swiler Hall chapel was burned down. Then it was rebuilt and named Hannan Hall. -
Alex Slappey the present WSD Superintendent
Alex Slappey was selected the 19th WSD superintendent (now named director). -
WSD's 150th Anniversary
There was a series of celebration activities throughout the year. Among the activities was a WSD parade in the city of Delavan.
