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

Page 14 text:

The Franciscan Fathers and Brothers have much to give, not only to Catholics and the community in which the school is situated, but to the whole country. America need never fear for her future from the products of an institution such as this—boys who will learn both love of God and love of country. The Friars will continue to emulate their holy founder, St. Francis of Assisi, in placing all their trust in God, confident that He will bless and sustain His workers always. As a reminder of the school’s purpose and spirit, a six-foot blue neon cross shines nightly atop the former Glen Springs resort. The history of the institution which we now call Padua will never be forgotten. It will live on in the memory of all who have known it as the Glen Springs Hotel but above all, it will live on in the hearts of all who will have the the privilege of attending St. Anthony of Padua Minor Seminary and Preparatory School. 1912

Page 13 text:

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.

Page 15 text:

September 14, 1949, witnessed the birth of our Alma Mater. As the pioneering class, we were present for the impressive ceremonies of the dedication. Many of our small group felt the pangs of loneliness and disappointment upon not finding the things we had expected of a boarding school. However, we realized that every infant institution must undergo growing pains. Instead of losing heart, we decided to do our share in making Padua one of the best schools in the country. We learned to be satisfied with the minimum. Ping-pong wasn’t such a bad game after all. The front lawn served as a baseball field. Before we removed the machinery from a small generator room and made a court, we played basketball in a solarium. It had a low ceiling and many posts. But, it was fun! We put on a play in the refectory and erected our own scenery. Studies weren’t too difficult because we had almost as many professors as students. In chapel, we did all the singing and served Mass almost every dav. When the leaves began to fall, we were invited to clear the grounds. It was a long, dismal winter, but we managed to survive. When spring came, again we were invited to rake the lawns. We learned how to clean windows and how to use a paint brush and a broom. This was our first taste of army life. But, we made many friends and even got accustomed to each other’s snoring. Each year brought new improvements. We saw the athletic field completed and had the privilege of picking up tons of stones and sowing the grass. We played two games in our new gym and enjoyed it all the more because of the long time we waited for it. Now, as we look back at the years we spent here, we experience an inward warmth and a sense of satis- faction. We have tried our best to lay a strong foundation—a foundation upon which the future students of Padua can place their feet and walk the path we have walked. As pioneers, we are proud in being able to leave this book as a historical testimony of our achievements. May others, like we, learn to know and love Padua, our dear Aima Mater!