THE INSTITUTION FOR EDUCATION OF THE DEAF AND DUMB
Located at Jacksonville established by act of the Legislature Feb 23 1839 and the oldest of the State charitable institutions.
Work was not begun until 1842 but one building was ready for partial occupancy in 1846 and was completed in 1849. (In 1871 this building then known as the south wing, was declared unsafe and was razed and rebuilt.) The center building was completed in 1852 and the north wing in 1857. Other additions and new buildings have been added from time to time such as new dining halls, workshops, barns, bakery, refrigerator, house, kitchens, a gymnasium, separate cottages for the sexes, etc. At present (1895) the institution is probably the largest, as it is unquestionably one of the best conducted of its class in the world.
The number of pupils in 1894 was 716. Among its employ's are men and women of ripe culture and experience who have been connected with it for more than a quarter of a century.