History

WPSD’s forgotten buildings over the past 140 years reveal the reasons behind 9 out of 10 demolitions and the significance of these structures.

In 1906, the WPSD woodworking class embarked on a project to build a pavilion for the students and alumni to enjoy. They completed the project in 1907, naming it the Summer Playhouse. For seventy years, the Summer Playhouse, as it was known, served as a gathering place for friends and a venue for various activities.…

The storyline photos of the transformation of Teegarden Field on the WPSD backyard. Over time, it evolved into a shed tool garden and eventually became an Athletic Field, serving as a recreational space and hosting special events.

The school grew in numbers, the rooms set apart for hospital purposes became inadequate and the need for a special building to the care of the sick demand. The late William and Jane Holmes (sibling) left the money to the foundation of the school with the wise philanthropy to build a commodious hospital. It was…

Explore our collection of past Alumni Reunion Program books.

The story of the school’s name, proudly displayed on the brick sign in front of the main building, reflects WPSD’s singular identity as an institution for the Deaf. The Alumni Association supported WPSD by contributing to the expenses for the brick sign’s installation.

The Tale of 9/11 Tree on the WPSD campus narrates the story of the past tree that fell down and was planted as a maple tree in 2002. It serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

A difficulty confronted the management of the school. Little children should not mingle with older ones. They needed a special and can be best secured by them in a home by themselves where can be looked with a mother’s care. The Board of Trustees’ plan proceeded with the erection of a kindergarten large enough to…

Chronology of WPSD champions at Deaf Tournament or Deaf National 1932 E.S.D.A.A. and Deaf National Boys’ Basketball Champions 1937 E.S.D.A.A. Boys’ Basketball Champions 1948 E.S.D.A.A. Boys’ Basketball Champions 1966 E.S.D.A.A. Cheerleader Champions 1967 E.S.D.A.A. Cheerleader Champions 1968 E.S.D.A.A. Boys’ Track Champions 1969 E.S.D.A.A. Boys’ Track Champions 1987 Deaf National Boys’ Soccer Champions 1989 Deaf National…

James M. Salem, foreword about this book describe the fortunate to have a somewhat complete history at its disposal. The first section of the chronology, 1869 to 1911 written by Dr. William N. Burt ; the second section, 1911 to 1946 by Dr. A.C. Manning; and the two final sections, written by Dr. Harold Mowl,…

LIFE ® magazine published the article in June 1995, about WPSD graduates during the final school week of June 1994. This article describes the rich deaf culture in their institution; four girls and two boys – Class of 1994 graduated in WPSD ceremony.

This 1930 program book warmly welcomes you to learn more about the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. It includes ten images around WPSD buildings and campus; WPSD facts and their lifestyle. Also they have general information of short history about Deaf schools established in United States. 1930 1931

List of May Day Queen names each year since 1951

It has long been the desire of the officers of this institution to have a gymnasium, but there were so many other improvements needed that there seemed little prospect of the wish being gratified, until a way very unexpectedly opened in the summer of 1908. The late John Porterfield left a large part of his…

In the history of our School, the administrator’s position changed through the school years; Principal, Superintendent, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director. Summary list: James H. Logan John A. McWhorter Rev. Thomas MacIntire Rev. John G. Brown Dr. William N. Burt Dr. Arthur C. Manning Dr. Samuel B. Craig Dr. William N. Craig…

List of boy’s and girl’s records recorded at Teegarden Field. Those records were last updated on 2009-2010.