Please take a moment to watch this short video remembering AANARDE and the White House. This video length is 4 minutes, 37 seconds long.
A special thanks to retiree, Vincent Ruscavage, and alumnus and current staff/WPSD Alumni, Alan Majocha, for their help in procuring the photos and to WPSD Alumni, Harry Lang, whose book “WPSD: A Pictorial History of the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf” provided valuable historical information. This building will always play a cherished role in the history of WPSD for staff, students, and alumni alike.
From the transcript:
We wanted to take a moment to recognize a special “figure” – Aanarde also known as the White House. As you may already know WPSD has sold this property. We acknowledge that this building holds a special place in many people’s hearts. It is also a part of the wonderful history of the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf!
Over the years, we definitely put it to good use! Let’s take a quick walk down memory lane.
This beloved building began as the home of Mr. and Mrs. Allen S. Davidson, the proprietors of Davidson Sand and Gravel. The home was named Aanarde, which was derived from the initials of the members of the Davidson Family.
Mr. Davidson was a member of the WPSD board for 17 years.
The home was built in 1914 and was remodeled and enlarged in 1928 to include 26 rooms, 3 floors, 8 full bathrooms and 1 half-bathroom.
In 1955, WPSD purchased the building and grounds for $1! It was then converted into a nursery school that could house and provide teaching and recreational facilities for 30 to 35 residents plus day students.
Aanarde soon became known to all as “White House.”
Rosemary Burke was the Director and Anna Mary Benner was Matron.
In 1968, the building was expanded to provide space for the anticipated influx of students due to the German Measles epidemic.
The White House was home for many alumni during their most formative years. Some of our current staff began their educational Journey at the White House: living, learning and playing.
The Early Education Program moved to the main campus in the Fall of 2006 and is now known as the Children’s Center.
WPSD then began a new program called The Children’s House in the Fall of 2015, which was located in the White House until it also moved to the main campus in the Fall of 2019.
The White House was a homebase for not only students! The Business Office, Human Resources, CEO, Office of Institutional Advancement, and the Office of the Chief Engagement and Collaboration Officer were all located in the building at one time.
We will always be grateful to the generosity of the Davidson family for allowing us the opportunity to make the White House a part of WPSD history.
We know staff and alumni both will hold their memories of the time spent there as some of their most cherished.
Over the years and across the state, WPSD has been growing and thriving. We are excited to see what the future holds for us!
WPSD is proud to consider itself a part of the Edgewood, Wilkinsburg and Swissvalee communities. Because of this our commitment to investing in these communities will continue for years to come. Always remember and never forget, WPSD is number one!
What people are saying
Alumni of Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) reminisce about the “White House” property, also known as Aanarde, which has been sold. Many share fond memories of their time there, from preschool to graduation, and express sadness at its sale, suggesting it should be preserved as a museum to honor deaf history.