Flint in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Michigan School for the Deaf / Superintendent's Cottage
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
1. Michigan School for the Deaf Marker
In 1848 the Michigan legislature established the Michigan Asylum for Educating the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind. Flint was selected as the site for the new institution. The first student arrived on February 6, 1854. After the School for the Blind opened in Lansing in 1880, the Flint facility began serving only deaf children. The curriculum, which combined academics and practical training, emphasized “market gardening and general farming.” Boys studied carpentry, printing, tailoring, and farming, while girls learned the sciences of cooking, sewing, darning, and patching. The school’s mission was to educate deaf children so that they “may earn a living...may have culture enough to enjoy that living ... [and] may be fitted for citizenship.”
The Superintendent’s Cottage, completed in 1890, is the oldest building on the campus of the Michigan School for the Deaf. With the exception of the masonry work, the cottage was built almost entirely by male students. In addition, students made the furniture for the house in the school shops. The building reflects the craftsmanship of the boys who studied under instructors Edwin Barton and James Foss. Student labor saved the state money while preparing the boys for future employment. Construction
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Erected 1997 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L0262.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 43° 0.361′ N, 83° 42.144′ W. Marker is in Flint, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker is on Beaver Drive, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1301 W Court St, Flint MI 48503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Birthplace of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf (within shouting distance of this marker); Stockton House / Thomas Stockton (approx. 0.4 miles away); At Their Side (approx. half a mile away); Flint Industry / GM Sit-Down Strike (approx. half a mile away); Chevrolet Empire (approx. half a mile away); Body By Fisher (approx. half a mile away);
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
2. Superintendent's Cottage Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
3. Michigan School for the Deaf / Superintendent's Cottage Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
4. Michigan School for the Deaf / Superintendent's Cottage Marker
Marker located at the cottage
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
5. Superintendent's Cottage
Added to NRHP July 7, 1975
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 402 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
