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Page 24 text:
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erected $350,000 Auditorium-Gymnasium was formally opened. The annual Inter-Fraternity Ball and the Shakespearian paro- dies were the inaugural functions, making the opening of the structure a very impressive one. Villanova owes thanks to the Villanova Literary Society, especially the society's Belle Masque Chapter, for enacting these parodies in a manner worthy of such a beautiful building. Again on June 7, the Fathers had cause to rejoice, for the Very Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Hickey, O.S.A., Assistant General of the Augustinian Order, formally and solemnly dedicated the gigantic edifice as pan of the Com- mencement Day ceremonies. The summer saw a severe blow dealt the Order. The Monastery and part of Good Counsel Hall fell prey to devas- tating Vulcan and a $500,000 loss greeted the newly appointed administration, headed by Very Rev. Edward V. Stanford, O.S.A., president: Rev. Bernard M. Albers, O.S.A., vice-pres- ident, and Rev. Charles A. Melchior, O.S.A., procurator. The new officers faced this catastrophe as those who had gone before them had faced similar situations, and shouldered their burdens courageously with the determination to carry on where their predecessors had left off. At the present time, after the Monastery has remained in ruins for almost one year because the Order lacked sufficient funds to rebuild immediately, the Fathers have commenced their task of erecting a newer and finer structure, which exemplifies their tireless efforts and of which they may always be proud. When we realize that the Fathers have devoted their lives to Villanova, in order to raise its standard to a pedestal equal to and above many other great colleges in the country, their sacrifices, the unselfish, unrewarded years, and their unceasing efforts expended in this cause, this rebuilding program merits the highest of praise and wc cannot but cherish an increased admiration for them. According to the plans that have been announced, the new building will differ from the former structure in that the architecture will be modeled along better lines. A collcgiate-Gothic building will result, three stories in height, and fire-proof throughout. The edifice will be of stone and limestone, 208 feet in length, 54 feet in width, with the wing being 42 feet by 65 feet. Thus, we take our leave of Villanova and her treasured halls, and we, who are leaving her perhaps never to return, take a last fond look and cannot help but shed a tear in fare- well. To the administration we extend our congratulations for the superb work accom- plished during the past year, and especially in their rebuilding venture. May the new Monas- tery be as imposing a building as all of Villa- nova's campus structure. We hope that the Fathers will continue to carry on, ever for- ward, ever onward, and raise Villanova's proud name to an ever higher plane. Monastery Fire. 19J2 Catastrophe Fourteen
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Page 23 text:
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A long-contemplated college building was begun on April 1, 1873. This structure, now Alumni Hall, was completed on February 3, 1874. At the same time a new post-office was opened, the nearest one heretofore having been at Haverford. During the succeeding years, not particu- larly eventful, the president’s chair was occupied in turn by Fathers Middleton, Fedigan and Coleman. The thoughts of the Fathers were now centered upon the erection of a new and fitting chapel. The present chapel of St. Thomas of Villanova was dedicated on July 3, 1887, after four years were spent in its construction. Its architectural beauty is undeniable. Father Coleman was in turn succeeded by Fathers Shceran and McEvoy. The Original Chapel On Wednesday, June 21, 1893, was celebrated the golden jubilee of the college, commemorating the first fifty years of its existence. Those fifty years had truly seen the little acorn grow into a mighty oak and spread its branches far into the field of education. With the dawn of the twentieth century came Villanova s greatest advancement. In 1901 was completed the largest construction program ever undertaken by the college, when the twin buildings. College Hall and Monastery, were dedicated. This step placed Villanova among the leading Catholic Colleges and permitted the establishment in 190? of the Engineering School. This great work had been accomplished under the direction of Father Delury, who occupied the presidency for fifteen years. He was succeeded by Father Dohan, and during the following years. Fathers Dean, Driscoll. Hickey and Sullivan each for a time held the office. From 1905 onward the college grew steadily, both in numbers and reputation. No event of note happened until 1912. This was a memorable year, for St. Rita's Hall, the original Monastery, was destroyed by fire. The authorities courageously set out to rebuild and the present St. Rita's Hall is the result of their efforts. At the same time work was begun on Corr Hall, and the college was augmented by the addition of the School of Science. With the coming of the World War, the placid existence of the college was disturbed by an influx of khaki-clad student-soldiers. But, with the end of the war, tranquillity was restored. In 1920 Alumni Hall, then Tolentine Academy, was renovated and renamed. In 1921 the School of Business Administra- tion was added to the roster. Austin Hall, with its east wing containing the college library with fifty thousand volumes, was erected in 1925. In the fall of 1926, last year’s administration, with Father Griffin as president, assumed office. Under this same administration the terrible fire of 1928 occurred, which destroyed College Hall com- pletely. The loss was estimated at close to two million dollars. Nevertheless, dauntlessly the Fathers plunged wholeheartedly into the arduous task of rebuilding. Exactly one year later a modern structure rose where once a moss-covered building had towered. This edifice was christened Mendel Hall and contains our present classrooms and up-to-date laboratories. While Mendel Hall was in the process of construction, the Fathers saw the need of another dormitory and the newest and most modern dormitory on the campus resulted, Fedigan Hall. In 1930 a gigantic building program was launched. This program was to call for a triangular group of buildings, consisting of an administration building, gymnasium, library, dining hall and two dormitories. However, the support that was hoped for was lacking and this cherished plan had to make way for a more practical one. Thus, on the site where the triangle was to exist, only the administration hall was erected. The historic radio building had to be torn down to make room for it. A cherished plan of the Augustinian Fathers was achieved on April 1, 1932. when the newly Thirteen
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