Christian Brothers High School - Aerie Yearbook (St Joseph, MO)

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of St. Joseph business houses and banks bore the note Brothers' College graduates preferred. Similarly, many local business- men remarked that a Brothers' graduate could be recognized by his excellent pen- manship. In 1883, a new administration en- deavored to introduce a liberal arts course, and made new courses in Latin and Greek compulsory. However, these subjects could not be mastered by the students, and resulted in no graduating class in 1884. This established C.B.C. more strong- ly than ever as a commercial college. The graduating classes of these times were quite small, not because there were few students, but because the students went to school with the prime purpose of securing a position, and when they received em- Above is the Shack and below its Chapel. fu 'ul' '.' T' if '-2. i Mx- 1 ff: Q -f ,dl : mtwitftftf rg if 3, .. ,. Most Reverend Charles Hubert LeBlond, D.D. Bishop of St. Joseph ployment they ceased their scholastic pur- suits prior to any graduation. The turn of the century marked a new era for the school. The annual alumni banquet attracted much public interest, as well as the pompous graduation ceremon- ies. As public speaking was in its heyday at this time, a typical commencement pro- gram included vocal selections from the school Glee Club, an essay read by a stu- dent, some violin solos, another pair of essays giving the pro and con on some current issue, another essay, the valedic- tory, the awarding of the medals and diplomas, and finally the address of the graduation speaker. St. Joseph, whose population had ex- ceeded 80,000, was now a thriving mu- nicipality. Many industries, which had established here, now became important producers for the country, especially the

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D . The first annual in the history of C. B., is respectfully dedicated to all the Brothers, past and present, who have devoted their time and energy in doing the work of God among the men of St. Joseph. O St. John Baptist de Ia Salle Founder of the Brothers of of Z gl the Christian Schools The Christian Brothers came to St. Jo- seph in 1859, not long after the first ar- rival of the Brothers in America. St. Joseph, at this time was a frontier town, whose one contact with western civilization was the Pony Express. The gold rush had made the business here flourish, and the need for education in St. Joseph, was a tang- 'ible example in the city's expansion. The original school building was built at 13th and Henry streets, but the Brothers were unable to commence classes until 1867, since during the Civil War, the build- ing was used to quarter, alternately, both Union and Confederate troops. The first commencement was in 1869. As a sup- plement to the College department, the Brothers opened a grade school at 11th and Monterey. It was known as the Patee town school, and although closed at the turn of the century, the structure still stands, having served as a stable, garage, and at present, it is being converted into an apartment house. The following years were years of ex- pansion. In compliance with the wishes of Bishop Hogan, a boarding department was opened and in 1886, a new building was built to meet with the increasing en- rollment. The building was very impos- ing, and stood well until 1926. Then, the wear and tear of the years made it far from its original splendor, so far as being nicknamed by the students, The Shack. At about the time Jesse James and his gang were making their daring and no- torious exploits, Christian Brothers College was making quite a name for itself. The number of boarders increased yearly, coming from as far as Mexico. Often the Help Wanted advertisements St. Joseph, Home of the Pony Express

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6 meat-packing, cereal and brewing indus- tries. The city's boulevard system, one of the most beautiful in the country, was built as well as parks, public buildings, and other civic improvements. As the city was making timely improve- ments, likewise it became apparent in the early twenties, that the Shack was in no condition to continue due to its run- down condition. There were large cracks in the walls, and strange noises seemed to be heard at off hours around the prem- q-774g Part of the Brothers' Centennial Mass Choir: U. to r.j Brother Paul forganist at Glencoe, Missouril, Brother Roger, Brother John, Brother George, Brother Anthony, and Brother Oliver. ' 11th: v W This present school building was ready for occupancy in 1927