Old Watering Holes in the Seely Hall

As of 2025, CSDR is now 72 years old. The school is still in business of delivering its educational and related services to DHH students uninterrupted since 1953. Almost 5,000 students have come and gone with thousands more to come into the future.

With the recent decades and forthcoming construction projects on campus, the infrastructure is considered adequate for the physical aspects of the school to continue in a sound shape.

Of course, we still have many original materials that are still around since the school first opened 72 years ago. An example is the original water fountain in the Seely Center (formerly P Building) in which the main library is located on the right.

Below is the picture you can see for yourself. It is amazing that the original water fountain continues to operate after 72 years. It looks exactly the same to me as I saw it in 1970. I remember drinking water from this fountain during my student years. The white porcelain fountain still looks good. The gray metal fountain faucet is probably also original.

As you can see the green wall and floor, this material is called terrazzo. I thank Marlon Branton, ‘72, for furnishing the appropriate name for this building material that is found all over the campus. Terrazzo is ideal for institutional use and, with proper care, can last 100 years and beyond.

In another part of the Seely Center, another old watering hole near the high school principal’s office (for older alumni, it used to be the assistant superintendent’s office).

The gray water fountain is the replacement for the original white porcelain drink fountain. The newer fountain has an added advantage that it contains a storage container inside to refrigerate the stored water. Personally, I prefer the room temperature water for drinking, but most people prefer cold water.

I also remember the wall plagues for Arrowhead League champion for six years in a row from 1960 to 1966 hung on the left side of the water drink.

While it is always nice to keep the school remodeled over time to look good, it is also nice to keep some original materials look good. A balance of old and modern looks.

With the $300 million spent to maintain the school, CSDR will continue its mission to the Deaf community for another 72 years.

Kevin Struxness, ‘76, MA

Editor, CSDR Old Times

8 December 2024