St Anthony of Padua High School - Siquaeris Yearbook (Watkins Glen, NY)

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delight. A background of forests, Seneca Lake, and the village of Watkins Glen at the foot of the hill, made it one of the most attractive golf courses in the country. Those who preferred water sports, were able to go boating or fishing in Lake Seneca. Quail, partridge and pheasant hunting appealed to many. The hotel, which made Watkins Glen known all over the world, was erected by Judge George S. Freer, around the year 1870. In the year 1890, William E. Leffingwell purchased it and converted the famous resort into a sanatorium. The Glen Springs then attracted many tourists and health-seekers until the year 1924, when its popularity gradually began to decline. The changing times, together with the Second World War, brought about the closing of the once famous resort. In 1943, the furnishings of the building were sold. When the Second World War ended, the building was used to house many students and members of the faculty of Cornell University. Its primary purpose was to accommodate the married couples and families with children. It wasn’t until the year 1949 that the Glen Springs Hotel was finally sold to the Assumption Province of the Order of Friars Minor, which established the school which now exists. The Very Rev. Isidore Cwiklinski, O.F.M., Provincial, represented the Order and received the title deed. When the school opened its doors for the first time, thirty cautious and wary

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had private baths and telephones. Talented musicians furnished daily concerts. A clinical laboratory, equipped with chemical, pathological and bacteriologi- cal facilities, together with a medical staff, were maintained at the Glen Springs. A pharmacy, X-ray department and an electrocardiograph were also available. After analyzing the medicinal properties of the waters of the Nauheim, Deer Lick, Kissingen and Salubria Springs, it was found that they were equal to the best known European springs. The brine of the Nauheim Spring was used for the treatment of rheumatism. The water of the Deer Lick Spring improved the digestive process and increased the red corpuscles. Those who suffered from chronic gouty disorders found relief in drinking the water of the Kissingen and Salubria Springs. Water for general domestic purposes was obtained from the Seneca Spring. In addition, Roman, Russian, Brine Vapor Baths, a swimming pool, supplied with Nauheim brine were available to the guests. Six hundred acres of farm, woodland and park, formed the Glen Springs estate. The guests had the opportunity to wander through the woods over shady, well-built paths for miles. From almost any point, one was able to obtain beautiful vistas of lawn, forest, glen, and lake. The paths were graded and at intervals had signs, showing the distance from the building. Benches and kiosks, placed in favorable places, enabled the visitors to relax and enjoy the beauties of nature. Wild life and almost every species of trees, wild flowers and shrubbery abounded. Golf and other outdoor recreation were available. The nine-hole golf course, three thousand yards in length, was a golfer’s

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boys arrived to form the memor- able Pioneer Class. The day of the dedication arrived. It was held on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, September 14th. His Ex- cellency, Most Rev. James E. Kearney, D.D., bishop of the diocese of Rochester, officiated at the ceremony. The Bishop was formally wel- comed at the school by representa- tives and officers of the community and the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. Many local priests and friends of the Friars were also present. Following the procession from the Friary to the chapel, the “VENI CREATOR was sung and the Bishop blessed the chapel and elevated a cross in the lobby. “The Cross” the Bishop said, “signifies the presence of Christ through every nook and corner of this building. Whenever we hang the Cross in any institu- tion or Church, it brings Christ