History of Villanova STROLLING about the campus of Villanova College one is strongly impressed by the magnificence of its buildings, the beauty of its shrubbery, the grandeur and dignity of its campus. Surely such impressiveness and splendor is not the result of but a few years' work and growth This is the question which immediately enters the mind of one whose appreciation of nature’s beauty is so awakened Over a hundred years ago. just after the opening of the new century, these grounds were the estate of a Catholic merchant in Philadelphia, one john Rudolph. Named after the town of his father. Belle Air in Maryland, the estate fulfilled the requirements of its name abundantly Upon the death in 1838 of Mr Rudolph. Belle Air was placed on the block for sale Immediately the splendid possibilities for development of the property into a mother-house for the Province of St Thomas struck the Rev Thomas Kyle, of Saint Augustine’s in Philadelphia, and the Very Rev Patrick E Moriarity Consequently, the two Fathers began negotiations and on the day previous to the one announced for public sale. October 13, 1841. Belle Air was purchased for the sum of $18,000. A few months later, on january 5, 1842. title to Belle Air was granted to the Brothers of the Order of Hermits of St Augustine. In the spring of 1843 the mansion was opened by the Brothers Dennis Gallagher and Jeremiah Ryan, the first to live at the new home, who were sent from St Augus- tine's. Philadelphia Tradition has it that on St Augustine’s Day. August 28. 1843, Father O’Dwyer celebrated Mass in the parlor oratory of the mansion, blessing the new monastery and placing it under the special patronage of one noted for his saintly character and his charitable caring for the poor. St Thomas of Villanova Henceforward, after the first mass and the dedication, the institution was known no longer as Belle Air. but as Villanova Tradition has fostered the name Belle Air. however, until today it is an integral part in things Villanovan, with Seniors adopting it for themselves. On September 18. 1843. with an enrollment of six students, school was begun. Eleven
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