MSS 103
North Dakota School for the Deaf
Collection of the North Dakota School for the Deaf, 1890-1911


Gallaudet University Archives


Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 103
Creator:
Title: Collection of the North Dakota School for the Deaf, 1890-1911.
Quantity: 0.5 Linear Feet (1 document box)
Abstract:
Note: This document last updated 2006 January 6.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: The North Dakota School for the Deaf Minutes were purchased by the Gallaudet University Archives.
Processed by: Michael Olson and Thomas Strunk. 2000 October 10.
Processing Note: Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Related Material in the Archives: 

Deaf Rare

  • North Dakota School for the Deaf: Devils Lake, North Dakota, 58301. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Rare
  • North Dakota School for the Deaf [realia]: Devil's Lake, North Dakota. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Rare
  • Course of study in the Printing Department of the North Dakota School for the Deaf. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Rare
  • Course of study in the carpentry department: North Dakota School for the Deaf. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Rare
  • Activities: schedules and information / North Dakota School for the Deaf. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Rare

Photographs

  • Photograph album of Ellen Pearson Stewart [picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Photograph Album AL 98
  • Photograph album of Helen Northrop [picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Photograph Album AL 12

School Reports

  • Biennial report of the superintendent of the North Dakota School for the Deaf. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: School Reports

SMSS

  • Harland Jesse Lewis, 1933-1960. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: SMSS

Vertical Files

  • North Dakota School for the Deaf. 

Historical Sketch

As part of the provision of the Enabling Act of the United States of America to divide the Dakota Territory into two states, North Dakota and South Dakota, to admit them into the Union in 1889, the states were required to form an education of deaf and other handicapped children. South Dakota already had a school for the deaf in Sioux Falls. Federal government purchased 40,000 acres of land and donated them to the state. The state used part of this land for the school.

Anson R. Spear, a deaf graduate from the Minnesota School for the Deaf, formed the North Dakota School for the Deaf in Devils Lake by drawing up a bill to be brought to the State Legislature. The state congress passed the bill, but the governor vetoed it. Persistence by the supporters brought this bill back and on the last day of the legislative session, this bill was passed on March 18, 1890.

Spear became the superintendent, and his wife, matron. Olaf Hanson, a deaf architect, designed the new school building. Alto M. Lowman, the first deaf lady graduate from Gallaudet College, was hired to be one of the new teachers. A compulsory attendance of children between 11 to 21 years of age forced the attendance of deaf students at this school, or the parents would be fined $10 to $50.

Scope and Content

All the papers contained in this collection consist of the minutes of the Trustees meetings from 1890 to 1911. The collection of minutes from 1890 to 1903 comes in the form of microfilm. Minutes from 1903 to 1911 come in the form of papers.

Series Descriptions and Folder Lists
No Series

Box Folder Title of Folder Date
1 1 Minutes 1890-1903
1 2 Minutes in microfilm 1903-1911