Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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instruction in tinus of prosperity is an ornament, in times of adversity a refuge . . —Aristophanes.

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The Story of Villanova ANY years ago, on October 31, 1841, to be exact, the story of Villanova began. This is indeed a red letter date in the history of the college, for on this day the Augustinian Fathers purchased the Belle Air estate, as it was then known, for the sum of eighteen thousand dollars. The ground upon which the college now stands was originally the property of John Rudolph, a prominent merchant of Philadelphia, and it was from him that the Augustinian Order purchased the present site of the college, together with the surrounding acreage. Ninety'three years ago a new college opened its doors to a limited number of students. It was the fulfillment of a dream that the Fathers had, one which concerned the higher education of Catholic men. The college, however, is non'sectarian in that it admits anyone of good moral character provided they present the proper credentials. The school being under Catholic auspices naturally follows that Church in its teaching principles and in the enrollment of its student body, but there is discrimination against no sect and fully fifteen per cent, of the student body is non-Catholic. On September 14, 1843 school was begun for those who wished to enjoy the benefits accruing from the pursuit of a higher education. The initial enrollment totaled six students. Two years later the enrollment had swelled to forty-five. The faculty consisted of three priests and four lay instructors. Classes were held in the Belle Air mansion which was located on the estate that had been purchased. The first floor was confined to classes, the second to the faculty, and the third to the students. Early in 1844 the first new college building was completed and the students commenced to make use of it immediately. The first prospectus of the college was issued about this time. In the summer of the same year a new chapel was erected and blessed on September 1. This was also used for classes on week-days. At this point in her advancement misfortune befell Villanova. The Know Nothing furor was at its height in Philadelphia and St. Augustine's Church in the city was burned. The expense incurred in the reconstruction of this edifice forced the college authorities to close the school. Consequently classes were dismissed and were not resumed until the following year. In 1846 the college was again opened, and the first public commencement was held in July, 1847. The Rev. J. A. O'Dwycr was president at this time. With him were associated Fathers Ashe, Kyle and Hartnett, also Messrs. Gibncy and Ainslcy, who were retained as lay professors. In the year 1848 a petition for a charter was made to the State Legislature and on March 10 of the same year the governor, Francis A. Shunk, signed “An Act to Incorporate the Augustinian College of Villanova in the County of Delaware and the State of Pennsylvania. By this charter the institution was empowered to grant degrees. At the same time the present College Seal was adopted and the Ecclesiastical School was inaugurated. The first of the present college buildings was completed in February, 1849, and Thirteen