High-resolution, full color images available online
Search, browse, read, and print yearbook pages
View college, high school, and military yearbooks
Browse our digital annual library spanning centuries
Support the schools in our program by subscribing
Privacy, as we do not track users or sell information
Page 17 text:
“
Villanova and Time A VIVID first impression, a lingering last look—whether we be entering or leaving —Villanova presents a fascinating paradox of ever-changing, yet permanent beauty, blended in its striking panorama of graceful architecture, distinctive atmosphere of campus life, and grandeur of seemingly boundless, flowing lawns and gar- dens. A glowing picture which arrests the eye and stirs the feeling to an appreciative enthusiasm. We sense the weight of tradition that surrounds the halls—the calm seren- ity of the old and sparkling vitality of the new. As we note the contrast an urge is prompted within us—a curious desire to learn of the past that must truly have lived, to have left Villanova the rich heritage which it is now so proud to possess. Traditionally known as the Belle Air, this volume commemorates the historical day when the title of the famous Belle Air estate passed into the hands of the Augustinian Fathers, and became known as Villanova College. For thirty-eight years after the turn of the eighteenth century, these lands formed the estate of John Rudolph, a Philadelphia merchant. Named after the ancestral home of his father, Belle Air in Maryland, the estate became famed as one of the finest in east- ern Pennsylvania. Shortly after the death of Mr. Randolph in 1838, Belle Air was offered at public sale. The Augustinian Order was at that time seeking a suitable site in the vicinity of Philadelphia for the establishment of a mother house, and consequently was quick to grasp the splendid opportunity of acquiring the desirable property. Negotiations were begun, and the tract of Belle Air was purchased on the day previous to that announced for the public sale, the title being granted to the Brothers of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine for the sum of $18,000. On the memorable feast of St. Augustine, August 28, 1843, Father O’Dwyer, O.S.A., cele- brated Holy Mass in the oratory of the mansion, dedicating the new monastery, and formally placing it under the patronage of St. Thomas of Villanova, be- loved for his saintly character and kindliness toward the poor. With such an inspiring begin- ning. Villanova took up the work of the higher education of Catholic youth. On September 18. 1843, classes opened with an attend- ance of six students, which THE ORIGINAL BUILDINGS TKirtoon
”
Page 18 text:
“
swelled to forty-five within two years. The faculty consisted of three priests and four laymen, who taught on the first floor of the Belle Air mansion. Early in the year 1844 the first new college building was completed, classes being transferred to it immediately. Shortly after, the first prospectus of the college was issued. In the summer of the same year, a new chapel was erected and blessed on Sep- tember I. At this time the Know-Nothing uprising was at its height in Philadelphia during which St. Augustine's Church was burned. Its reconstruction involved such an expense to the Order that classes were ordered suspended until the following year. Reopened in 1846, the first public commencement was held on July of the next year. At this time, Reverend J. A. O'Dwyer O.S.A. was president, having as his asso- ciates Frs. Ashe O.S.A., Kyle O.S.A. and Hartnett O.S.A.. and Messers Gibney and Ainsley, who were lay professors. In 1848, An Act to Incorporate the Augustinian Col- lege of Villanova in the County of Delaware and State of Pennsylvania. was enacted by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, Francis A. Shunk, giving the college a charter by which it was empowered to grant degrees. In the same year the present college seal was adopted and the Ecclesiastical School inaugurated. The oldest building on the campus at present, Alumni Hall, was completed by the half century mark, a year after which Fr. O'Dwyer O.S.A., Villanova's first president, succumbed to a long illness. Fr. Hartnett O.S.A. was elected to succeed to the office. In the year 1855, the degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred for the first time. A second financial storm swept Villanova in 1857, as a result of which classes were sus- pended for a period of eight years. In September, 1865, after the close of the Civil War, Villanova was reopened by the Fathers as a result of success in the missionary fields. Frs. Middleton, Fedigan and Coleman O.S.A. were successively appointed to the presidency, to be followed by Frs. Sheeran and McEvoy O.S.A. Following the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the College in June. 1893, the Monastery and College Hall were erected, into which latter the Arts, Engineering and Pre-Medical Schools were incorporated. This great work was accomplished during the fifteen years of Father Delurey's presidency. Fr. Dohan O.S.A. succeeded him in 1910, to be followed by Frs. Dean. Driscoll, Hickey and Sullivan O.S.A., all of whom strove to further the now fast pace of Villanova’s progress. The present St. Rita's Hall stands as but another testimony to the determination and undying courage of the Augustinian Fathers to achieve their aims. Its construction was occasioned by the destruction of its predecessor by fire in 1912. In the same year Corr Hall, which now houses the Seminarians, was begun. The long simmering fires of war broke out shortly, scorching practically every nation with its flames. With the entrance of our country into the strug- gle. Villanova became the site of one of the many training quarters which were established throughout the East. The decision rendered, peace returned to the world and once more the college resumed its normal atmosphere. VILLANOVA IN IMS Fourteen
Are you trying to find old school friends, old classmates, fellow servicemen or shipmates? Do you want to see past girlfriends or boyfriends? Relive homecoming, prom, graduation, and other moments on campus captured in yearbook pictures. Revisit your fraternity or sorority and see familiar places. See members of old school clubs and relive old times. Start your search today!
Looking for old family members and relatives? Do you want to find pictures of parents or grandparents when they were in school? Want to find out what hairstyle was popular in the 1920s? E-Yearbook.com has a wealth of genealogy information spanning over a century for many schools with full text search. Use our online Genealogy Resource to uncover history quickly!
Are you planning a reunion and need assistance? E-Yearbook.com can help you with scanning and providing access to yearbook images for promotional materials and activities. We can provide you with an electronic version of your yearbook that can assist you with reunion planning. E-Yearbook.com will also publish the yearbook images online for people to share and enjoy.
