Mount Notre Dame High School - Mountain Lore Yearbook (Reading, OH)

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ST. MARY HALL

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Studs; of Time 7860-7885 N 1859 Sister Superior Louise, the Provincial Superior of the Sisters of Notre Dame in America, left the Notre Dame Convent at Sixth Street, Cincinnati, to take a long and dusty ride to the little village of Reading. The result of this journey was the purchase of the Edwards, estate, consisting of fifty-seven acres. Only a small portion of the land on top of the hill had been Cleared. the remainder being unreclaimed woodland. If one of the pioneer Sisters or pupils could return today, she would never recognize the extensive buildings, the lawus, driveways, gardens, and farmlands. Wjithin the following year, the twenty-one Sisters who formed the first community at Niount Notre Dame, and the first group of pupils who were the nucleus of the Mountain Alumnae began their residence in the nearly completed building. A few months later the Civil War broke out and iVlount Notre Dame became the home of northern and southern girls alike. General Sherman's daughter was one of the students, and when the former made his famous HMarch to the Sea , the arguments between the Northerners and Southerners became heated. Much tact and strategy on the part of the faculty were necessary to maintain peace within the precincts of the Mountain. On December 10, 1868, the stately new Chapel, built of Cincinnati Lime- stone quarried 0n the grounds, was consecrated under the title of the Immacu- late Conception, but nearly ten years more had passed before the church was beautifully frescoed, and the black walnut pews, carved by the Sisters, com- pleted' The increase in the number of resident pupils necessitated many improve- ments in the buildings. An octagonal wing surmounted by a cupnla was added to the school to provide space for music moms, and a house of two and one-half stories connected the church with St. Joseph Building. At this time also the property was extended by the purchase of adjoining land. The year 1878 marked the planting of the long rows of trees that give so much charm to Maple Avenue . At the Close of the first twenty-five years, Niount Notre Dame was well established through the sacrifices of the pioneer Sisters and the cooperation and generous support given them by their pupils. Truly could the Sisters say With Blessed Mother Julia, The good God is so very good. CAMILLE O'BRIEN. page eleven

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1885-7910 QBFE progress of the boarding-sehool continued steadi1y, and the number of resident pupils increased yearly. Dlany times specimens of class work merited high praise at educational exhibitions. The increasing number of pupils necessitated the forming of plans for building an annex to the old school. Finally in September, 1905, Classes were opened in the new building, St. 1V1ary Hall. The solemn dedication by Archbishop Moeller was held on A1umnae Day in October,1905. One year later an adequate gymnasium was constructed, a project which added greatly to the pleasure of the students. In 1898, the Mount Notre Dame Alumnae Association was forma11y established, and him. Kate Hayes Campbell became its hrst president. This organization has given for thirty-seven years most 10ya1 support and coopera- tion to The h'lountain even though its members are widely scattered through- out North America and the southern countries. One long-Continued and out- standing work of the Alumnae is the Trinity College Sch01arship founded by them and given every four years since 1900 to the most deserving pupil of The hiountain. A former pupil had presented in 1897, the beautiful marble main altar in the church. In preparation for the Golden Jubilee ceIebration of The Moun- tain in 1910, the frescoing of the church was renewed, marble aisles were laid, and polished oak Hoors placed under the pews. Two marble side altars and a marble altar railing were the generous gifts of friends of The Mountain. Through the efforts of zeanus members of the Alumnae, hand-Carved Stations of the Cross and exquisite, imported stained-glass pictured windows put the Enishing touches to Nlount Notre Dames Chief pride, its Church. Again there was cause for repeating B1essed Mother Iuha's favorite refrain, The good God, He is so very good! JANET LOUIS. page thirteen