Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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Athletics at Villanova revolve around the field house, which is flanked by Goodreau Stadium and the baseball and football practice fields. Its interior contains a basketball floor, bleachers, poolroom and bowling alleys, swimming pool, and the various training rooms. In addition, a large stage is available for dramatic presentations and concerts; while at the same time the floor can easily be converted into a perfect setting for all campus dances. GYMNASIUM Twenty-one

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SIMPSON HALL Simpson Hall, named for its donor, William Simpson, is the most recently acquired of the college buildings. Built originally as a private dwelling, its spacious, home-like rooms and particu- larly secluded location make it the prize residence hall. On the first floor several large rooms have been completely furnished as lounge rooms which are used for the meetings of the seminars. Twenty

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 a 26 a x c 0 « Y Vr , A A A 4J ■S t rs A Ai Villanova College from 1842 to 1867 THE Order of Hermits of St. Augustine, more commonly known as the Augustinian Order, was founded about the year A. D. 387 by St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo and illustrious Doctor of the Church. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, and even before, the widespread existence of Augustinian Hermits was an established fact. The Augustinians, the second English-speaking Order of Regulars to come to America, established their first permanent foundation on these shores in the eighteenth century. Fathers Matthew Carr and John Rossctcr of the Irish Province laid the foundation of the new province. The first church, opened in the year 1801 at Philadelphia was named St. Augustine's. Among those contributing to its erection was the President, George Washington. During a eulogy by Fr. Carr, in St. Augus- tine's Church, George Washington was for the first time designated, “The Father of his Country. The Fathers, turning their energies to education, established the St. Augustine's Academy in Philadelphia. But the young organization shortly had to he abandoned. They continued their mission labors, and kept on the alert for another opportunity to open an educational institution. During a visit to the country home of John Rudolph, Catholic merchant and gentleman. Father Moriartv, one of the fathers from Philadelphia, after saying Mass, happened to step out on the veranda. He was deeply impressed by the panoramic view of nature spread before him. Other visiting priests had the same thought. But nothing was done about it until a public announcement was made in 1841, three years after the death of Mr. Rudolph, that the Belle-Air estate was for sale. Rev. Thomas Kyle and Dr. Moriarty, commissary of the province, recognized it as just the spot for an establishment of the Order, and, on Wednesday, October 13, 1841, the day before the one announced for the public sale, Belle-Air was purchased by the Augustinians lor $18,000. Time has proved the excellent judgment of those early Fathers in their purchase.