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West Virginia Becomes a State
The establishment of the state of West Virginia made deaf and blind students who resided in the new boundary ineligible for attendance at the Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind -
Campaign for a School for the Blind
Howard Hill Johnson was a blind man from Pendleton County who spearheaded the effort. -
"Institution for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind" Established
The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind was established in Romney, WV through an act of legislation. There were 25 deaf students and 5 blind enrolled in the first semester. -
Name Changed to West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind
A positively recognized event in the history of residential schools for deaf and blind individuals, the name was changed under the leadership of Superintendent C.H. Hill. -
Mandolin and Guitar Classes Offered
Archives indicate that recitals were held every few weeks for the school for the blind's mandolin and guitar classes. -
Typewriting Class Offered
The seven students in the class shared one typewriter! -
Purchased Farm
This farm would be critical for feeding students and staff as well as teaching students the agricultural trade. -
Largest Enrollment in History!
A total of 264 students enrolled in 1915, making it the largest term in the schools history! -
Helen Keller Visits WVSDB
Two excerpts from the tablets immortalizing the event can be found below:
"The celebrated Helen Keller was a most welcome guest to our little mountain town. Many people motored in from surrounding towns..."
and
"Miss Keller visited many West Virginia towns and cities. At Wheeling a reporter asked to see her. It was late at night, however, so she sent the following message: 'If the men of West Virginia are as well educated as I think they are, the women will be given the vote next fall.'' -
Industrial Department Focused on Vocational Training
Specialized training included broom-making, weaving, hammock netting, chair canning and basketry.
