The Original Buildings: Woodard Hall and Vestal Hall
Woodard Hall was named in honor of Representative Tom Woodard who helped establish the ENCSD while a member of the General Assembly. This building was originally owned by the Eastern North Carolina Sanitarium. Since the ENCSD was a residential school, it was necessary to establish a medical facility for the students. The original infirmary was established on the second floor of Woodard Hall and consisted of a pediatrician, head nurse and practical nurse. Woodard currently houses our administrative and business offices.
Vestal Hall was named in honor of J.M. Vestal, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, who was deaf himself. Vestal spent his life advocating for the welfare and education of children with hearing loss in North Carolina and he also served on the Board of Directors of the NC Schools for the Deaf. In 1968, an additional wing was added on to the original building. This wing added classrooms, dormitories with the capacity to serve 120 students, a gymnasium, a kitchen, and a dining area. Vestal Hall is currently being used for elementary and middle school classes, daily meals, and activities in the gymnasium.