1950s
In the early 1950s, WPSD underwent several structural and organizational changes that improved safety, functionality, and student life.
In 1950, the heating plant transitioned from coal to gas, allowing for the removal of the coal conveyor and the filling of a large pit. This paved the way for the development of a parking area behind the Boiler House. Additionally, the outdated gravity water supply system, in place since 1901, was replaced in late 1951 with a high-pressure system, ensuring a steady water supply throughout all buildings.
Safety improvements were also a priority. The porches on both the Boys’ and Girls’ Sides were removed, and fire-resistant stairways were installed. The antiquated pulley-operated service elevators were also dismantled.
Enhancing pedestrian and vehicle safety, “Stop and Go” traffic lights were installed in 1951 at the intersection of Swissvale Avenue and Walnut Street.
An existing shed was converted into a charming cottage for faculty use, initially housing Mr. and Mrs. Barnes. Over the years, other faculty members resided there as well.
On June 5, a tragic accident occurred on campus. John Delong, Class of 1956, fell from a window on the top floor of the Boys’ Side while jumping on beds. He sustained three broken vertebrae and a broken bone in his arm but miraculously survived the fall.
The revival of May Day festivities in 1951 marked a return to a cherished tradition not observed since 1908. Patricia Blaker, Class of 1952, was crowned the first May Queen of the new era, while Carolyn Nock, Elementary Class, served as the first Crown Bearer.
In 1952, four double garages were constructed, three behind the Boiler House and one near the Superintendent’s Residence. Helen Craig, wife of Superintendent Samuel Craig, painted murals in the playrooms of the Primary Building. She created Mother Goose-themed murals for the girls’ playroom and Old Western-themed murals for the boys’ playroom, adding a touch of whimsy and creativity to the spaces.
Scouting programs flourished at WPSD during this period. The first Cub Scout pack was organized in 1952 under Cub Master Mr. Jones, with Den Mothers Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Nelson, and Mrs. Shaner. The first Brownie troop was also established that year.
Academic spaces were also reconfigured. In the summer of 1953, classrooms on the Boys’ Side were moved to the first floor, while the second floor was converted into a dormitory to accommodate more students. Recreation areas were created on the ground floor. Similar modifications were made to the Girls’ Side in the summer of 1954.
A long-needed student library was finally dedicated, occupying the first floor of the addition between the Main Building and Boys’ Side. Stocked with several thousand volumes, it became a valuable resource for students and faculty alike.
In 1954, Boy Scout Troop #19 received its charter, led by Richard Jones as the first scoutmaster, joining three existing troops—Troops 20, 24, and 32. Explorer Post 20 was also formed, with Harvey Barnes as its first advisor, succeeded by John Stanton, Class of 1926, in 1958.
In 1926, WPSD established a Normal Training class to train teachers of the deaf. This program became affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh in 1954, further solidifying its educational reach.
One of the most significant projects of the decade was the renovation of the Primary Building, made possible by a generous $100,000 donation. The open central stairway was replaced with fire-resistant stairways at each end. Extensions were added to provide dressing rooms, classrooms, and living quarters for dormitory counselors. The building also received modern upgrades, including new wiring, lighting, plumbing, and heating systems. In 1955, the building’s chimneys were removed, completing its transformation.
On October 8, the school acquired Aanarde, a name derived from the first names of the Davidson family members. Originally built in 1914, Aanarde was a three-story building with 26 rooms. It was retrofitted specifically for young children and opened in the fall of 1955, providing educational and recreational facilities for approximately 35 resident nursery-aged children. Former and graduated students are typically called White House.
The school fostered active participation in community and extracurricular activities. Both Boy and Girl Scouts engaged in fundraising by selling candy, while the Boy Scouts also built and sold birdhouses with feeders. Dasch’s Clothing Store in Wilkinsburg generously allowed them to use a store window for the sale. Meanwhile, the Girl Scouts enjoyed a weekend camping trip at Laurel Hill State Park, and the Boy Scouts camped at Camp Twin Echo in Ligonier.
In the first annual gym exhibit, the physical education boys showcased their skills in weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, and track and field, performing as the “Golden Athletic Statuettes.”
The graduating classes left their mark with thoughtful contributions. The Class of 1956 gave $350 to install four wrought iron rails on the front steps of the Main Building, while the Class of 1957 donated a sundial placed on the building’s right side.
The school continued enhancing its facilities to support modern education. In 1957, the business office practice was relocated to the second floor of the Laundry Building (formerly the Boys’ Industrial Building), where students were trained in word processing, filing, bookkeeping, and secretarial skills.
The Boys’ Vocational Building underwent extensive remodeling that summer. Wooden stairways were replaced with a concrete and brick stair tower, and the ground floor, previously used for storage, was transformed into a maintenance shop. The woodworking shop was upgraded with new machinery while relocating the older equipment to the ground floor.
A flu-like infection started among the students on Saturday, October 5, 1957. By Sunday noon, the illness had spread throughout the school. The Infirmary was filled; dormitories were converted into sick wards; and additional nurses were called in. On Wednesday, all classes were suspended, and most students were sent home. School reopened the following Monday, but attendance was significantly reduced. Tragically, Harry Schwartz, an eight-year-old student, succumbed to the infection on Sunday, October 7, despite efforts by the school infirmary and Children’s Hospital to save his life.
The Boy Scouts participated in remarkable experiences, including an adventurous ten-day hike through the mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, in the summer of 1958, led by Scoutmaster John Stanton.
That same year, WPSD formed its first wrestling team under Coach John Barner. Comprising 36 boys, the team competed at junior varsity and freshman levels and earned fourth-place honors in an ESDAA tournament.
The Sertoma Club supported furniture and decorations in the Boys’ Reading room and a Sertoma plaque was put in there. It read “As a memorial to gilbert Gassner, Sertoma, this is dedicated to the boys of WPSD”.
In 1959, John Karcher, the grandfather of two deaf students, Ann and Carol, made heartfelt contributions to the school. He donated Christmas trees for the dining room and entrance light posts, and two years later, provided funds for new sleds for the girls. Additionally, he gifted wood to the boys’ woodshop class, enabling them to craft furniture.
Above the Aanarde, a five-room cottage was renovated for Edmund Clippinger, the Director of the Maintenance Department, and his family in 1959.
On May 30, 1959, the athletic field was dedicated to the memory of George M. Teegarden. Over 100 alumni and guests attended the event, which featured the placement of a commemorative stone marker.
A popular game among the boys at WPSD was a modified version of baseball played with a tennis ball or a rubber ball. The upper wall served as the “batting zone,” while the lower wall acted as “home plate.” The basketball pole on the right side marked first base, the fence ornament by the Infirmary served as second base, and the basketball court center represented third base. To score a run, the batter had to successfully hit the upper wall and run around the bases.
A drafting and blueprinting course were added to the Boys’ Vocational program in 1959. The course consisted of fundamentals, orthographic projection, development of techniques, blueprint reading, Sheetmetal drafting, reproduction, and graphic representation. The classes meet twice a week.