First Annual Report of the California Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and Blind to the Legislature of the State of California, for the year 1860, (San Francisco: Towne & Bacon, 1861).

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Report of the Trustees

The Trustees of the California Institution for the Education and care of the indigent Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, submit to the Legislature their Report for the past year.

Feeling deeply interested in the Institution placed under our charge, much time was devoted to the selection of grounds suitable for the erection of the proposed building; and it was found, after many fruitless attempts, nearly or quite impossible to obtain any adapted to the purpose, on the terms required by law. In the mean time, very eligible and desirably located lots had been offered us, at unusually favorable rates. Due consideration having been given the subject, it was thought advisable to accept the proposal, provided it could be done in conformity with the law. The Board having no authority to purchase, an appeal was made to the Lady Managers of the Institution, when they generously came forward, and in accordance with our advice, purchased the fifty-vara lot on which the building is now erected - corner of Mission and Sparks streets - and have donated the same to the State; a deed to that effect having been properly recorded and handed to the Governor.

Owing to the small amount of means placed under our

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control, and a determination on the part of the Board not to exceed it in any particular, mature deliberation was required in the adoption of plans that would come within the sum appropriated, and meet the almost immediate requirements of the Institution. The plan finally adopted constitutes the west wing of the contemplated building - 32 by 62 feet, two stories and basement - plain in its style, from necessity, but substantially built, of the best material, completely and thoroughly finished.

The ten thousand dollars appropriated by an Act of the Legislature, approved April 19th, 1860, has all been drawn from time to time as required, and the entire sum disbursed in the erection and completion of the wing, as per vouchers in the hands of the Controller of the State.

The Board esteem themselves fortunate in the selection of the present grounds; the location being airy and healthful; and more particularly, as, since the selection, real estate in that vicinity has enhanced in value to such an extent, that the State at the present time is possessed of considerable more value in the property than the amount appropriated from its Treasury.

A refusal, until the first of May next, has been obtained by the Board of the three adjoining lots, making in all one hundred varas, on the same favorable terms as the first purchase. They have increased in value nearly one-half, are eminently necessary to the Institution for various purposes, amongst which is the very important one of furnishing ample space for the pupils to take that exercise essential to health. We would, therefore, recommend an appropriation of six thousand dollars for the purpose of consummating the purchase.

The present wing, although complete in itself, and erected with the utmost economy as to capacity, as well

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as in all other respects, is barley sufficient for the accommodation of the present number of pupils. Additional applications are being made frequently, and it is anticipated on almost positive grounds, that the number will more than double during the present year. These facts, with the urgent necessity of having two separate wings for an institution of this nature - one exclusively for boys, and the other for girls - are enough to cause your Trustees to consider it within their province to advise further appropriation, to enable the building to be carried to completion.

By order of the Board.
B. H. RANDOLPH,
President Board of Trustees

P. B. CLARK, Secretary.

San Francisco, February 1st, 1861.