Delavan in Walworth County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Wisconsin's First School for the Deaf

Photographed By Greta Schassler, August 27, 2023

1. Wisconsin's First School for the Deaf Marker

Inscription. In 1839 Ebenezer Cheseboro emigrated to Wisconsin from New York and settled in the town of Darien, two miles west of Delavan on the Janesville road. Due to the lack of a school for his deaf daughter, Ariadna, a teacher of the deaf was hired to come to the home. Two years later the school, then numbering eight pupils, had to be discontinued for lack of funds.
A petition for the establishment and maintenance of a school for deaf children was then sent to the State Legislature. On April 19, 1852, a bill was passed incorporating a school for the deaf to be located in Walworth County. Soon after, Franklin K. Phoenix, the son of one of the founders of Delavan, donated twelve acres of land to be used as the school site. The grounds are called “Phoenix Green” in his honor.
The school now comprises thirty-five acres of land and is supported by the State of Wisconsin. On October 20, 1962, dedication ceremonies were held for the Wisconsin Rehabilitation Center for the Deaf, also located on this site.

Erected 1969 by Junior National Association of the Deaf. (Marker Number 166.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1847.

Location.

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42° 37.984′ N, 88° 39.37′ W. Marker is in Delavan, Wisconsin, in Walworth County. Marker is at the intersection of West Walworth Avenue (State Highway 11) and Beloit Street (County Route X), on the right when traveling west on West Walworth Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Delavan WI 53115, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Delavan's Circus Colony (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Delavan’s Historic Brick Street (approx. half a mile away); Birthplace of “The Greatest Show on Earth” (approx. 0.9 miles away); John Bruce (approx. 3.6 miles away); Darien Civil War Memorial (approx. 3.6 miles away); The 755th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (approx. 6 miles away); The Webster House (approx. 6.3 miles away); Allen Family (approx. 6½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Delavan.