History
In the early 1930's deaf Californians began what seemed to be a hopeless project. Despite the well-meant advice of legislators, professionals, and laymen the California Association of the Deaf (CAD) began plans for a home for elderly deaf in their state. To make the jobs seem more hopeless, they proposed to do it without Federal or State money.
The reason for their determination was simple. Too many times, deaf Californians had been faced with the problem of how to help their elderly deaf family members and friends who couldn't live alone anymore. Deaf senior citizens who were tired of living alone in their apartments and homes were faced with problem of where to go. Although there were homes for the elderly across the state, there was no place set up for the deaf. To deaf people in those homes, the isolation proved unbearable.
Unable to communicate with the staff where there were emergencies, unable to talk with other residents during the quiet times, and with activities programs that emphasized their deafness, retirement homes become more like prisons than anything else to deaf residents. The CAD knew that something would have to be done and that was going to require a great deal of effort. Little did they realize just how difficult it would be?
A bequest from the will of Theophilus d'Estrella provided first push and a constant stream of fund raising efforts by deaf groups across the state raised enough money in 1951, over 20 years later, for a down payment. A house on Menlo Avenue, formerly a home for unwed mothers, was suggested to the CAD by the Los Angeles City Council. A committee, led by CAD president Tovio Lindholm, inspected the property and authorized the purchase of the house. Neither a depression nor a World War had been able to stop the deaf community in California from reaching their goal. Finally, in 1952, the California Home for the Aged Deaf was a reality!
Able to house 12 residents, the three-story building was a dream comes true. Newspaper articles praised the state's 'deaf hotel' and visitors from across the country planned visits to see the home for themselves. The founders hired their staff, welcomed CHAD's first residents, and continued working on the countless fundraising events that would be needed to finance the operation of the
Home. There were dances, bazaars, bake sales, and parties sponsored as far north as Sacramento and as far south as San Diego -- all for the California Home for the Aged Deaf. The continued hard work lead to the burning of the mortgage at a gala dinner only six years later, in 1958.
The triumph seems short-lived when new laws were passed that forbid use of third floor housing in homes for the elderly in the state. Suddenly, the three-story home that could house twelve people had its occupancy reduced to six. Committees hurriedly convened to study the problem and make recommendations. After exploring and reenacting the idea of remodeling the Menlo Avenue CHAD, primarily because of its age, it became clear to them that a new home would need to be built.
They proposed this to the members of CAD - unsure of what their reaction would be. They wouldn't have to worry. Having seen how happy their friends had been in the home on Menlo Avenue, the deaf community in California rose to the challenge. Their lessons in fund raising had been well-learned, because only five years later they were able to purchase a lot and being construction in Arcadia. The CHAD would have a new beginning!
Arcadia was selected as the location for many reasons. The area itself was already familiar to deaf Californians because of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and the internationally-known Santa Anita Race Track located within the city's limit. Close the Pasadena and easily accessible by two major freeways, the lot in Arcadia was in a lovely residential area and within easy distance of shopping, parks, and public transportation. Known as the 'City of Beautiful Homes.' Arcadia seems a logical choice for the beautiful home that the CAD planned to build.
The work of committee headed by leaders from all parts of the state, the new building reflects their careful attention to detail. Each room in the U-shaped building looks out onto either the patio or a gardened walkway. Residents often take advantage of the beautiful California climate out on the patio under the shade of a large Chinese elm tree. When indoors, residents have access to the large kitchen and enjoy home-cooked meals served in a family-style dining room. The living room, which runs the length of the building, is really three living areas - two of which have television sets. Larger bath and shower rooms are equipped with stools and rails for safety and residents share semi-private rooms with half-baths. Also designed with married couples in mind, the facility had special arrangements for their comfort. The new CHAD finished and opened in 1965.
Maintaining the new, larger facility proved very expensive and, through the new few years, times were difficult for CHAD. Several times the Home was almost closed but was saved at the last minutes by the dedication of its supporters. They had struggled too long and hard to see their dreams fail, and thanks to their efforts, CHAD was kept going and in good repair.
The many close calls made the $65,000 still owing on the mortgage seem an impossible amount to rise, but Western Spirit won out. The formation of a Century Club, specifically designed to meet the mortgage goal, as well as the usual fundraising events, led to the retiring of the mortgage at still another gala celebration in 1976 that was attended by dignitaries from across the state. A what a celebration it was! Many who attended remarked that the building seems too small to hold many well-wishes who attended.
Much has happened since the final victory in 1976. The CHAD, with room for 24 residents, undergoes constant efforts at improvement designed to make its guests as comfortable as possible. Residents enjoy the well-maintained building, but have the added luxury of busy activities programs. With monthly visits to seven area deaf clubs - many of which have their names proudly displayed on the Century Club plaque-guests maintain contact with friends across the state.
The average month will include those trips as well as stops at some of the unique and interesting tourist spots in Southern California and regular journeys to the area's fine restaurants and lovely malls. Whether it's sunning at a neighbor's pool, touring Disneyland, or playing bingo at a local deaf club, CHAD residents have many opportunities to keep busy.
The continued support of the deaf community is reflected in many visits its different groups make to the Home as well as by the programs that they put on for the residents. Judging from the reactions of the people who live there, the California Home of the Aged Deaf in 1982 would appear to be all that its founders envisioned and more!
From the very beginning, for many reasons, the California Home for the Aged Deaf has attracted residents from across the country. Their move is a continuing testimony and quiet thanks to many Californians who have worked to make the home possible. With 1982 marking the 30th Anniversary of the founding of CHAD, the California Home for the Aged Deaf is proud example to the rest of the nation of the determination and abilities of deaf people.