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

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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

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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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closer tc us. His presence in this building will exercise a benign and tender influence on the activities of the community.” In closing, the Bishop said, “May God bless the future of the Friars here and may God bless the little people who will come here to break the bread of life.” The Friars’ choir, under the direction of Rev. Benedict Ehmann of Watkins Glen, rendered the polyphonic portion of the Solemn High Mass which followed. At the dinner reception, the speakers were Rev. Benedict Eh- mann, the Very Rev. Isidore Cwik- linski, O.F.M., Msgr. Joseph A. Balcerak, Rochester. Major Allen D. Erway and Bishop Kearney. Rev. Albert L. Simonetti, Elmira, was the toastmaster. Approximately three hundred guests witnessed the ceremonies of the dedication and were pleased to welcome the Friars into their midst.