Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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Rev. Thomas A. Rowan, O.S.A. Director of V’illanova Frep.

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Rev. Howard A. Grelis, O.S.A Prefect of Studies

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Hellp-Atr SKVKNTY-NINK years lias slit- stood—our Alma Mater. Slie lias n juiced and sorrowed, struggled and enjoyed perimis of repose, hut al ways she lias kept her eager eyes fixed on the golden banner in the heavens. She has followed the words emblazoned thereon Kxeclsior. She sees even beyond that to a cross from which shine out letters in glitter ing diamonds, In hoc signo vinces. To every true son of Villauova it should be a pleasure ami a journey of love to wander back into the beginnings of our beloved Alma Mater. Were we to go back a few years after the nineteenth century mark, there is no Villauova. It is Belle-Air. On October 13, 1801», John Rudolph, a Catholic merchant of Philadelphia, bought a farm of one hundred acres from Jonathan Miller of Ilaverford township for $ 10,000. He afterwards enlarged his farm by four purchases from neighboring tracts of land. Rudolph was born in Philadelphia about 1700 and had served as a lieutenant in the Revolutionary war. When he bought this farm there was an uu finished building on it. fie completed it and then moved from town and in remembrance (it is said) of his father's native place, called our present VUlanova, Belle-Air. We, who are so blessed with conveniences in this day, will be surprised to learn that Mr. Rudolph drove every Sunday to Philadelphia to the near est Catholic Church. , The many details of the Belle-Air life we must pass over. Rudolph died March 30, 1838, and was buried at St. Mary's, Philadelphia. In 18 H, Belle-Air was put up for sale to take place Thursday, October It. I8H. The day before the one announced for the public sale, Belle Air was pur chased for $18,000 by Rev. .Uiguntim» Kyle, of St. Augustine's, and Dr. Moriarty, commissary of the province. On January 1812, title to Belle Air was granted to the Brothers of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine. ' At this time there were only five Augustinians in the country: l)r. Moriarty, commissary; Fathers Kyle and O'Dwyer in Philadelphia; Father, Nicholas and James O'Donnell in Brooklyn. Father O Dwyer. in the Fall of 1812 or the Winter of 1813, was forced by reason of poor health to go abroad. In the Summer of 1813 lie returned much stronger and filled with enthusiasm for the great work lie had in mind. With him came Rev. Francis Ashe, a priest, and Rev. William Harnett, a deacon, who bad made their novitiate and studies in houses of the Order in Italv. 10