Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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The Fiftieth Anniversary of the founding of Villanova was cele- brated in 1892. A new board of directors was chosen and the faculty enlarged. Improved apparatus and many new appliances were in- stalled in the Scientific Department. In 1901 the present Main College Hall and Monastery was built. A Technology School was opened in 1905, and in 1912 was introduced a Pre-Medical School. About this time St. Rita’s Hall was almost totally destroyed by fire. A new building was immediately con- structed. On May 4, 1912, work was begun on Corr Hall. The old Tolentine Academy was altered in 1920 and dedicated to the Alumni. The Commerce and Finance School was introduced in 1921. The year 1925 not only marks the eighty-third anniversary of our beloved Alma Mater, but it also witnessed the greatest realization of a greater Villanova. A new building was added to the already im- posing group which then graced the campus. It is a new Dormitory for the College and is of the English Collegiate type of architecture, a long well-balanced, three-proportioned mass set on a low-walled terrace over a gently sloping lawn. The building is “H” shape in plan with a long central wing, thus giving to every room abundant light and air, and affording extended views. In the east wing of the New Dormitory is a library which will accommodate about fifty thousand volumes. This new building will add greatly to the splendid appearance of Villanova’s campus. It is modern in every detail and compares favorably with those of any other College in the country. It was formally dedicated on October 9th, the Very Reverend C. M. Dris- coll, O. S. A., Assistant General, presiding at the ceremony.

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 I. . 'i f. »„ .-?£, i ELLE AIR” is a traditional name which is near and dear to every Villanova alumnus. It is. therefore, only fitting that a historical sketch be given, tracing the development of Villanova from the site of Belle Air of more than a century ago. John Randolph, a Catholic merchant of Philadelphia, purchased one hundred acres from Jonathan Miller, of Haverford Township, upon which he completed a partly erected building and named the site “Belle Air,” in honor, it is said, of his father’s birthplace. He died on March 30. 1840, and on October 13, 1841, Belle Air wac pur- chased for $1800 by Rev. Augustine Kyle and the commissary of the province, Dr. Moriarity. The probable opening date of Villanova is Sept. 18. 1843; thirteen students enrolling. In 1844 the new college building (the east wing of old Tolentine Academy) was completed and occupied. In May, 1844, the corner- stone was laid for the new church which was opened on Sept. 1, 1844. The main hall of this building served as a study hall. On July 21, 1847, was witnessed Villanova’s first public com- mencement, Rev. Jas. O’Donnell presiding. During the same year another building was erected at the northwest corner of the College church. On March 10, 1848. Villanova was granted its charter. On De- cember 30th, of the same year, the first seal of the college was ac- cepted. In 1848 another college building was planned, one wing of wi'ch was completed. The second floor of this building was equipped with a library. In 1852 the Monastery was enlarged by the addition of a stone building. No further improvements were made until 1869, at which time a gymnasium was erected and fully equipped During Father Galbery’s administration a new wing was added to the college building. In 1883 the present College Chapel was erected. elle Bay

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UNDERGRADUATE COUNCIL Officers DANIEL P. McLAUGHLIN—Chairman JAMES TRAINOR—Vice-Chairman THOMAS A. JENKINS—Secrefary Members Athletic Association—GEORGE D. CASEY Viilanovan—CHARLES P. GAFFNEY Departmental JOHN P. KEFFER Seniors FRANCIS E. MARTIN JOHN J. FORD THOMAS B. CROSS JAMES P. O LEARY PHILIP A. HOLLAND Juniors CLETUS A. SEAVER EDWARD V. DUFFY Sophomores JOSEPH P. GIBBONS HERBERT J. MADDEN Freshman THOMAS J. McNEE