On This Date in Minnesota History: March 9

*March 9, 1915 – A nationwide fight against progressive methods of teaching deaf mutes forms one side of the triangle of opposition that resulted in the investigation of the State School for the Deaf at Faribault, according to a statement by Superintendent J. N. Tate to the Associated Press today.

Faribault School for the Deaf*

“For many years I have met the onslaught of the agitators who are opposed to my speech and lip methods of teaching,” Dr. Tate said. “But I am convinced that it is the proper method.”

He then outlined the method at some length, and tears flooded his eyes as he concluded:

“I have taken a child of eight who had never uttered a word, and when his parents visited him two months later, he rushed into their arms saying, ‘I love you.’

Accomplishments of that character certainly cannot be fairly combined with the charges of cruelty placed against me.”

That the Legislature erred in placing A. F. Teigen on the investigation committee was intimated by Dr. Tate.

“I have not criticism to make of the committee. But it seems a trifle unfair that a prosecutor should be acting as a judge on the committee,” said Dr. Tate.

“Mr. Teigen is embittered because a relative who was not in condition to remain at the school was discharged.

“Of all the pupils now at the institution, only two appeared who gave adverse testimony. They were spanked with a slipper for trying to break into the attic of a building with an ax.

“A. R. Spear, who was a student at the school many years ago, has been instrumental in bringing before the committee the many former inmates. Charges made by these witnesses have dated back ten and twenty years, and many of them were hearsay rather than actual experiences.”

Dr. Tate asserts that the nationwide fight against speech lip reading is encourages by those of the old school who fear the  sign language will be abandoned.

Dr. Tate said that he favored a combination of both.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Dr. Tate Defends Self, and Attacks His Critics; Deaf School Says Charges Part of Fight Against Progress. Says Much of Testimony Before Committee Was Based on Hearsay.”; March 10, 1915; p. 4.

*http://www.lakesnwoods.com/FaribaultGallery.htm

__________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com