Full Text of Article:

The last report of the Board of Visitors is before us. The Virginia Institution for the Deaf, Dumb and the Blind was established by act of Assembly, March 31, 1838; the town of Staunton being the point chosen for its location. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, was appointed President, and Nicholas C. Kinney, Esq., Secretary of the Board of Visitors. As soon thereafter, as practicable, the Rev. Joseph D. Tyler was elected Principal of the Deaf and Dumb Department, and Dr. J. C. M. Merillat, Principle of the Blind Department. The selection of these two gentlemen, for such high and responsible positions, proved to be peculiarly fortunate. Of the highest moral worth, of superior intellectual culture, of firm yet gentle demeanor, zealous, indefatigable and devoted to their work, they were peculiarly qualified to take charge of that Institution.

[section unclear]. early in the Spring of 1839, pupils of both classes of these unfortunates began to arrive in Staunton, where buildings ample for their accommodation had been procured. In the meantime each Department had been supplied with a complete and efficient corps of Instructors, and officers necessary for the control and management of the whole. At this time, each of the two Departments, the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, was assigned to separate buildings and were kept distinct for several years. The Legislature, having, at the time of the passage of the act incorporating the Institution, made the appropriations necessary, steps were immediately taken for the construction of buildings suitable for such an Institution. The result was the rearing of that noble [unclear] directly East of Staunton, which is the admiration of all beholders and known far and wide as the "Institution."

These buildings were so far completed in 1816 as to be able to receive the officers and pupils of both Departments, which has been stated, had hitherto occupied separate buildings.

The Institution had now been in operation seven years, was firmly and thoroughly established, and had already taken rank as one of the first of its class in the country. Its beneficent influences were being felt, and the practical success of its workings were appreciated, not only by its pupils, but by the people of the State at large.

On the 16th of January, 1852, the Rev. Mr. Tyler died, cut off in the midst of his usefulness, yet not without seeing the seed he had sown, spring up and bear an hundred fold. This was a severe blow to the Institution, as well as the community, but fortunately, so far as regarded the Institution itself, his place, as an instructor of the Deaf and Dumb, was able to be very happily filled by Mr. J. C. Covell, who had been engaged since 1847 as instructor of Deaf-mutes in the Institution. It was now deemed advisable to bring both Departments under the control of one Principal, and the Board of Visitors. Dr. Francis T. Stribling, President, on the 9th of March, 1852, elected Dr. Merrillatt, Principal of the Virginia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, and the Blind. The career of the Institution was still onward and upward. Each year witnessed an increase in the number of pupils; the range of studies was extended; new branches of trade were added. The introduction of gas into the buildings; also that of complete apparatus for heating them by steam, and an abundant supply of pure spring water, completed the arrangements for the health, convenience and comfort of the occupants. This was done by, and under the superintendence of, Wm. H. Wilson then the faithful Stewart of the Institution.

It now became apparent that the multitudinous duties devolving upon the Principal, and the scholastic pertaining to the Instructor, were too arduous to be borne by any one man, and the Board of Visitors. James H. Skinner Esq., President, elected Mr. Covell, Vice-Principal in June, 1854.

Nothing occurred to check the prosperity of the Institution, until the outbreak of the war for Southern Independence in 1861, at which time the number of pupils in both Departments was about one hundred and thirty, and the Institution was acknowledged the first of its class in the country. On the 19th of June, 1861, the buildings of the Institution were taken possession of, with the consent of the Governor of the State, by the Confederate authorities for Hospital purposes. The pupils numbering about seventy-five, (the rest being absent at home spending their vacation,) were removed to the buildings of the Virginia Female Institute, where they remained until June, 1865, when, the war having closed, possession was given of their own buildings. Dr. Merrillat resigned his position as Principal of the institution in September, 1862, having accepted a position on the Medical Staff, C. S. A., and the Vice-President, Mr. Covell, was appointed to supply the vacancy.

Most of the pupils who went home during the vacation of 1861, were prevented from returning in consequence of the unsettled state of the country, and the uncertainty of the future. For the same reasons new pupils were not admitted, and, fortunately, the number present, during that unhappy period, was comparatively small. It was not to be expected that the exercises of the Institution could continue uninterrupted during a war so protracted, desolating and varying, yet they did not experience any serious interruption until the raid of General Sheridan. He levied upon the provisions of this Institution, as he did upon those of the Insane Asylum, and there was for a time, consequently, a serious privation experienced. In fact, from that time until the reorganization of the Institution, it is due to the energy and untiring exertions of the Principal, that provisions could be procured of sufficient quantity to satisfy the most frugal living. In August 1865, the Institution was thoroughly reorganized under a new Board of Visitors, Thomas J. Michie, Esq., President. On the 10th of that month, Mr. Covell was re-elected Principal, and a full and efficient corps of instructors, prominent among whom was Lieut. S. H. Coleman. Other officers necessary to the complete management and operation of the Institution, in all its Departments, were appointed.

The total number of Deaf mutes who have entered the Institution since it was founded, is 275; total number of Blind, 151. Present number in both Departments 52 and 18 applying.

There is no reason to doubt, that the close of the year 1866, will witness this truly benevolent Institution occupying the same lofty pinnacle of fame and usefulness that it had attained before the war. It has been the means of lighting with the genial rays of happiness, many homes that would otherwise have continued enshrouded in gloom. It has opened eyes that saw not, unstopped ears that heard not and unloosed tongues that spoke not. It has diffused joy and gladness and intelligence where all was grief, sorrow and ignorance. In fine, the object for which it was founded is one that appeals to all that is noble, pure, elevating and sensitive in the mind and heart of man.