John Carlin, Pioneering Deaf Painter

 John Carlin, born in 1813, became deaf as an infant, yet overcame his disability to become a well known landscape and portrait painter. The circumstances of his life and accomplishments are extraordinary and reveal a great deal about him as a person and the understanding - or lack of - and treatment of the hearing impaired in the mid-nineteenth century.

The following information is taken from Questroyal Fine Art, LLC's entry for the artist (the full entry and references may be found at: http://www.questroyalfineart.com/artist/john-carlin )

"John Carlin (1813–1891)

Pioneering Deaf Painter, Writer, Poet, and Public Sign-Speaker

By Amy Spencer

"Carlin was born in Philadelphia in 1813. His father was a cobbler who struggled to find work to support the family. Carlin became deaf in infancy and, without the ability to communicate with or understand instruction from his parents, was left to roam the streets of Philadelphia.

"In the late 1810s, a merchant and philanthropist named David Seixas founded an informal school for deaf children in his Philadelphia home. In 1820 Seixas found Carlin on the streets and brought him to his school. Around the same time, Seixas hired pioneering deaf teacher Laurent Clerc to help the fledgling school. Carlin thrived at the Mount Airy School (now the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf), learning reading, writing, sign language, and painting, which he loved.

"After graduating in 1825 at the age of 12, Carlin supported himself as a sign and house painter. He continued to study and draw in his spare time and by age 19 had mastered five foreign languages.....

"In 1843 Carlin married Mary Wayland (a relative of President Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State, William Henry Seward) who was also deaf. The couple raised five children together, none of who were hearing-impaired. Three years after his marriage, Carlin published his poem, “A Mute’s Lament” in the first issue of American Annals of the Deaf. He went on to publish many poems in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine and various newspapers. Carlin also wrote and illustrated a children’s book The Scratchside Family, in 1868. He also published an article, “The National College for the Deaf,” in The American Annals of the Deaf in 1854.

"From the early 1850s, Carlin began actively participating in deaf community affairs in addition to painting. Carlin helped raise $6,000 to build St. Ann’s Episcopal Church for the Deaf in New York. Erected in 1852, this church was founded by Reverend Thomas Gallaudet, and was the first church for deaf people in the United States. Carlin was a member of this church for the next forty years.
Carlin was also secretary of the committee in charge of financing a monument to Thomas Gallaudet at the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb in Hartford, Connecticut."

John Carlin

"A National Game that is Played Out"

This cartoon appeared in Harper's Weekly in December 23, 1876, just nine days after the "home invasion" of the Gillette home near Waterford. 

One of the fascinating things about history is context between the past and present. This cartoon by well-known 19th century artist, Thomas Nast, offers such context on two levels.

On one level, Nast's cartoon was intended as a visual lampoon on the bitterly contested US Presidential election of 1876 between NY Governor Samuel J. Tilden and his Republican challenger, Ohio Governor, Rutherford B. Hayes. There were disputed election returns from the states of Louisiana, South Carolina, and Florida - hence Nast's portrayal of the ballot box as a football. Presidential shenanigans have a long and inglorious history. To read more about the election in the nation's centennial year of 1876 follow this link to HarpWeek, which is a wonderful source: http://elections.harpweek.com/09Ver2Controversy/Overview-1.htm

On another level, Nast's rendition of a ballot box being kicked around like a football provides a bit of appropriate sports context to Super Bowl XLVIII. Here is the complete HarpWeek explanation:

 
"The disputed presidential election returns from South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana, are here represented by a sports analogy to American football, which evolved out of English rugby. In 1876 Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia established the Intercollegiate Football Association, with Yale also participating. Until rule changes in 1881, the ball was not passed, but kicked or carried (it took four carried touchdowns to equal one kicked goal)."

Rutherford B. Hayes, Ohio Governor

Sameul J. Tilden, NYS Governor

"...in an instant five masked and armed men were at his bedside."

The microfilmed copies of historic newspapers, or those found online as this one was, are sometimes difficult to read.

Here is a transcription of the entire article of the December 1876 burglary near Waterford.

“Masked Burglars Again

            Another masked burglary near Waterford, Monday night, appears to confirm the general belief that one or more gangs of masked burglars are and have been for months pursuing their nefarious calling in Saratoga county. This is the fifth case which as occurred in the past three weeks. About midnight of Monday, Mr. Henry Gillette, residing two miles northwest of Waterford, was awakened by the loud barking of his dog, and immediately thereafter the front door of his residence was burst open and in an instant five masked and armed men were at his bedside. Pistols were presented at the head of Mr. and Mrs. Gillette, with orders for them to keep quiet. They were securely bound and gagged after which the outlaws went to the room of Mr. Gillette’s son who was similarly treated. The premises were then thoroughly searched, chests, bureau, trunks and closets being broken open. The robbers secured $30 in money, all the silverware, clothing, provisions and other valuables in the house amounting in value to about $700. After partaking of refreshments they loaded their spoils into a wagon and drove off. The family were released by a neighbor who chanced to call the next morning. The matter is in the hands of the proper authorities, but no trace of the thieves has been found. The alarming frequency of these masked burglaries would seem to require that something more than ordinary measures be taken to ferret out the perpetrators.”

Source: Evening Journal, Albany, NY, December 14, 1876.

“Recent Archeological Finds on the Old Champlain Canal in Waterford”

“Recent Archeological Finds on the Old Champlain Canal in Waterford,”
Waterford Museum’s Winter Series at McGreivey’s

The Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center proudly announces our fourth program in the Winter Series, “Recent Archeological Finds on the Old Champlain Canal in Waterford” by Hartgen Archeological Associates Archeology to take place on February 11. Our presenter will be Matthew J. Kirk from Hartgen Archeological Associates, Inc.

Prior to dredging the Hudson River to remove PCB-laden sediments, the EPA installed a water line beneath the river providing Waterford with water from the Tomhannock Reservoir in Rensselaer County. Hartgen conducted archeological excavations of sites along the water line route in Waterford and Troy. Part of the project uncovered a portion of the old Champlain Canal, near the former Matton shipyard. Mr. Kirk will discuss the history of the canal and shipyard in this area, as well as the archeological information recovered from the excavations. Although only small portions of the canal were exposed, the archeology provides a compelling story of the evolution of the canal and the physical changes that occurred over time.

Enjoy splendid food, fascinating facts, great conversation and engaging company though the Fall and Winter at 7pm on the second Tuesday of every month at McGreivey’s, one of this areas finest restaurants. Programs run 7-8pm, registration starts at 6:30pm. Food & Drink available for PURCHASE all evening. Suggested donation is $6 per person ($5 members).

Canal Mule Parade- deadline extended

The deadline for artist submissions has been extended to January 10th.

Waterford Museum’s Canal Mule Parade

ARTIST PACKET and APPLICATION

Attention all Artists…….

You’ve seen the Horses in Saratoga and maybe the Moose in Bennington, now Canal Mules are coming back to Waterford, New York.

The deadline for artist submissions has been extended to January 10th.

Not seen in Waterford since the old canal was shut down, the Canal Mules are making a comeback. Waterford Museum’s Canal Mule Parade will offer events and promotions from May 2014-October 2014 throughout Waterford and the surrounding area. Patrons & Artists will be promoted in print, on the web, at events & in the streets!!

Canal Mule Parade is a fundraiser for the Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center, a promotion of Waterford and part of a year long celebration of the Museum’s 50th Anniversary.

Make tracks today to complete the artist packet (enclosed, download from Museum website or request via e-mail info@waterfordmuseum.com) to become eligible to decorate a Canal Mule (Full size mule fiberglass structure on a base, 62 inches high at the front leg and 8 feet long, it will weigh 140-150 pounds).

Artists are encouraged to submit their designs by December 31, 2013 to the Canal Mule Parade art committee for the selection process which will be completed by January 10, 2014. Once your design has been selected, you will be notified and you will be able to pick up your mule and start transforming it for the May unveiling. If you need delivery of mule, please state that in your application.

Some themes sponsors have already expressed interest in include canals, Waterford history, landscapes & services. IMAGINATIVE Canal Mule designs and names are encouraged.

All artists will receive:

$500 stipend ($250 upon Mule pick-up, $250 upon Mule completion) as long as you meet all deadlines.
Name recognition on Canal Mule Parade promotional materials
Name recognition on plaque on individual Canal Mule platform
Promotion at Auction & Gala
Special section of WHMCC website will be dedicated to promotion of artists and patrons.
2 Tickets to the Auction & Gala (per Canal Mule only)
Free Year Membership to the Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center

The deadline for artist submissions has been extended to January 10th.


Canal Mule Artist Information Packet

Annual Appeal

Please consider giving to our annual appeal.


Dear Friend,

It is the time of year that we write to thank you for all we have accomplished with your past support, and to ask for your continued help. Our memberships account for less than 10% of our operating budget. Thanks to compassionate donors like you, our Annual Appeal has been essential in keeping our wonderful museum running efficiently on a day-to-day basis.

Gifts to the Annual Fund are unrestricted, ensuring that lights stay on, our doors remain open, and our staff members continue preparations to welcome visitors. It’s not glamorous to donate toward the electric bill, insurance costs, office supplies, or staff wages, but the Waterford Museum simply cannot operate without these essentials.

We are therefore launching a mail solicitation, just in time for year-end, tax-deductible contributions. We understand the strain that the current economic climate has placed on everyone these last years, and we are truly grateful for whatever support that you are able to offer this year.

On behalf of the staff, board of trustees, students, and patrons of the Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center, I thank you for helping us to continue preserving and teaching our past as we move forward toward a bright future.


Warmest Holiday Wishes,


Patricia Burke
President of the Board of Trustees

Tonight- Birds of the Mohawk at McGreivey's

December 10th– Birds of the Mohawk River Corridor between Waterford and Crescent with John Hershey- This program will include a PowerPoint presentation on the history, habitat, and birds of the Mohawk River corridor between Waterford and Crescent. The focus will be on rare, uncommon, and common birds found in this area. Among the many birds that have been photographed along this corridor and will be discussed in the program are: the American White Pelican, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderling, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, and Lesser Black-backed Gull.