USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Oldenburg > Historical sketch of the Convent and Academy of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana : and of the work of their community in the United States > Part 11
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into two principal parts, under the special patronage of St. Teresa and St. Catherine, respectively.
ST. TERESA'S DEPARTMENT, located on the north side and extending east and west, contains the beautiful Oratory of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. the Seniors' recreation parlor, the main study-hall, the dispensary, the main dining-hall, and the Seniors' dormitory with its most elaborately equipped lavatory.
ST. CATHERINE'S DEPARTMENT, extending north and south, consist of the elegant library with its choice volumes and other objects of literary in- terests, the museum, a suite of private rooms, the Directress' Office, two suites of class rooms, a gen- eral reference room, the Juniors' and Minims' dor- mitories and lavatories.
These apartments are constructed and equipped according to the latest and best improvements. All the buildings of the Academy are heated by steam and lighted by electricity, thereby excluding the use of fire entirely.
St. Cecilia's Hall.
This hall, in nowise secondary to the other buildings in view of usefulness and beauty, is three stories high.
THE FIRST FLOOR is occupied by a large audi- torium, designed for concerts, musicales, lectures,
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contests, athletics, etc., and for Commencement Exercises.
THE SECOND FLOOR forms the well-equipped Music Department of twenty-four rooms. Off this corridor to the east, opens a dear, sweet haunt, half hidden in silent gloom, representing the Grotto of Lourdes, that forms a favorite retreat for the stu- dents, wherein petty passions are Ished and childish cares are smoothed away.
THE THIRD FLOOR contains the wardrobe, con- veniently arranged and irresistibly pressing the pupils to strict observance of order and neatness in every detail.
St. Luke's Art Department.
ST. LUKE'S STUDIOs are located on the fourth floor in the northeast end of the main building. and are amply furnished with every appliance and facility for the respective art-form studied therein. A fine kim for firing the glazed, decorated articles. is at the disposal of the students of ceramic art.
ST. JOSEPH'S STUDIO. This unigne apartment under the special patronage of St. Joseph, is in close communication with the other studios. Here is pursued the fascinating art of wood-carving, and many a beautiful piece of artistic design, finds its way out of this favorite nook of the happy school-
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girl, into the sitting-room, library, or parlor of her own home.
STUDIO OF PYROGRAPHY. Side by side with the studio of wood-carving, is located that of pyrog- raphy. This art, as a real art, has a vast field of its own, yet, is very effectively blended with wood- carving. To pursue these decorative arts in an artistic manner, the student is held to free-hand sketching of designs.
Mater Admirabilis Hall.
This hall is situated in one of the most desirable parts of the Academy, and devoted to the art of needlework exclusively.
PLAIN SEWING is taught and practiced through- out the Course. Each pupil is required to keep her own wardrobe in perfect repair. Mending and darning receive special attention. Competent teach ers direct the regular sewing circles which assemble on Thursday afternoon and Saturday, and nothing is left undone to enable the classes to obtain a prac- tical knowledge of this most useful domestic accom- plishment.
ORNAMENTAL NEEDLEWORK. The acquisition of this art is optional. When materials are fur- nished in the Institution, they are entered on account as Needlework Expense.
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SANITATION.
Great solicitude is devoted to the sanitary regu- lations of the Institution, and noteworthy in par- ticular among other hygienic advantages, is the well-designed system of ventilation, and the plenti- ful. well-regulated admission of sunlight every- where "Ilow complete your system of ventila- tion," "How pure the air," "How cheery and agree- able the light," are the umanimons exclamations of offr patrons and visitors, on entering the various apartments.
Grounds.
The grounds, secluded and spacious, are laid out in a tasteful style, and offer every incentive to invigorating and healthful exercise. The situa- tion is beautiful and picturesque. A salubrious climate, shady groves, beautifully sequestered and inviting walks, and fragrant bowers for the use and recreation of the pupils, all tend to promote health, and to create an atmosphere of cheerfulness in this abode of tranquil and refined enjoyment, carnest study, and meet preparation for the future. Ample exercise in the open air is insured by a generous supply of desirable out-door sports, such as pleasure gardening, swings, lawn croquet, etc. When incle-
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ment weather prevents out-door exercise, the cheery recreation halls are assigned to every variety of innocent and appropriate amusement.
Infirmary.
The Infirmary is located in a quiet yet pleasant part of the Academy, and is well adapted for its purpose, in every particular. In case of illness, medical assistance is forthwith procured; every alleviation and every comfort that maternal solici tude can suggest is bestowed, and parents and guardians are promptly notified by the Directress of the Academy.
Physical Culture.
Physical Culture receives special attention, for the aid it affords for healthy development, ease and grace. As the sedentary employments of boarding- school life would tend to undermine the physical vitality, and as grace and elegance are among the most striking characteristics of a cultured lady, the Sisters make it their unremitting care that the pupils engage in healthful exercise. Wednesday and Friday evenings of each week are devoted to regular calisthenic drills directed by competent teachers. The music of pianos, violins and 'cello enliven the exercises. These general academic reunions are held in the Grand Commencement Hall. Drills with
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rings, balls, fans, wands, flags, etc., are practiced. Marching in plain and fancy step, and through beautiful and symmetrical evolutions, with bows, salutations, etc., are taught and have a marked effect upon the gait and general bearing of pupils.
Moreover, when the weather is clement, the pupils indulge in daily walks, within the beautiful grounds, so cozily ensconced by their loved convent walls. Wednesday afternoon from 3 to 6 o'clock is the time allotted for making pedestrian excur- sions to points of interest within a radius of three miles of the Academy. The pupils are accompanied by four or more of the Faculty, and the hearty enjoyment of these days has become proverbial in the Institute.
EDUCATION.
Education in the Oldenburg Academy, in short, is made to consist in the cultivation, training, devel- opment and strengthening of all the physical, intel- lectual, moral and religious attributes, belonging to the nature and dignity of woman. To form the pupils and to prepare them for the sphere of life kind Providence may assign them, is the constant aim of the Faculty.
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Deportment.
Due attention is given to the physical require- ments of the pupils, yet their moral training and correct deportment form an object of unremitting and paramount importance. Convinced that a truly refined and lady-like bearing can be attained only by persevering effort, the teachers assiduously culti- vate the manners of those entrusted to their charge. until their characters form a beautiful counterpar of the truly noble, Christian woman-"Virtne, Honor, Education," is our trine standard.
Correct Language.
The language of the pupils is carefully guarded, and attention invariably called to the correction of grammatical inaccuracies, vulgarisms, slang phrases, etc. While pupils are encouraged to think for them- selves, and taught to express their ideas with modesty, clearness and candor, all asperity, brusque- ness, want of gentle and charitable consideration for others, studied and caustic witticism, are liable to censure. Special instructions in etiquette and polite- ness are imparted twice a week.
Means of Emulation.
As incentives to laudable emulation, recourse is had to
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I. The Tablet of Honor, a public register of pupils who succeed in maintaining Excellence (90 to 100 per cent. ) for a specified time in Deportment. Politeness, Industry, Neatness, Christian Doctrine. Scientific Studies, Music, Needlework, and Art.
2. Weekly Reviews, the result of which deter mines each pupil's class-standing.
3. Reports -- a point in the weekly letters to parents.
1. Semi-annual Examinations.
5. Bulletins.
6. Grand Prize Drawing (January 6th ).
7. Annual Distribution of Premiums.
8. Crowns of Honor, and Medals of Excel- lence.
Epistolary Correspondence.
Epistolary Correspondence receives constant attention. Pupils write to parents or guardians once a week. No correspondence is permitted avith acquaintances or friends unless sanctioned by par- ents, and indorsed by the teachers. All letters received or sent out, are subject to the inspection of the Directress.
Scholastic Year.
The Scholastic Year is divided into two sessions of five months each. The first session begins on the
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first Monday in September, and terminates on the last day of January. The second session commences February Ist, and ends on the last Thursday in June. Pupils may be received at any time during the year, but it is earnestly desired that they enter promptly to begin the Course of Studies with their respective Classes. Want of punctuality in this regard is an injury to the pupil in question, and to the class in general. Examinations in the presence of the Faculty are held at the close of each session. No deduction is made for the Christmas holidays, even when the absence is extended beyond the limited time, which is from ten to twelve days.
General Classification.
The pupils are placed according to age in the Senior, Junior and minim Department, each with play-grounds, sleeping apartments and lavatories of its own.
THE SENIORS, in all the hours allotted to recrea- tion, are under the supervision of an experienced Preceptress, and engage in refined and appropriate diversions.
THE JUNIORS form a cheerful group under the guidance of a vigilant mistress. The sports and games of this department are of great variety, and the time allotted to recreation, though liberal, seems to them all too short.
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THE MINIMIS have premises and privileges of their own. These little Misses occasionally con- tribute to the general mirth of their elders, by ex- tending invitations to entertainments of their unique invention.
Religious Instructions.
Catholic pupils are carefully instructed in the teachings and practices of our holy Faith. Members of all denominations are admitted to the school, and religious opinions of non-Catholics conscientiously respected. To maintain order, however, all are required to assist at the public divine worship on Sundays, and all are taught to respect religious prin- ciples, and to appreciate moral worth. Catholic pupils attend Mass daily.
EDUCATIONAL AIDS.
The Library.
This apartment, filled as it is with the richest and rarest lore of the past and the present, is, aside from the class-room, without a doubt, the earnest student's most favorite haunt both for instruction and pleasure. Here she may draw at will from a wholesome fount of knowledge, whatever meets her needs, whatever may strengthen her on her onward
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path up Science's rocky steep, and whatever may bestow upon her the boon of intellectual pleasure.
A choice and extensive collection of Latin, English, German, French and Spanish standard authors is at the disposal of the pupils, as well as some of the best periodicals and magazines of the day.
Perusal of books is permitted at appointed times, but reference to them may be made whenever occa- sion requires.
The graduating department is furnished with an ample reference library, for its own private use.
The Museum.
This is another most interesting region for the science and nature-loving student. Here are large collections in Geology and Mineralogy. Handsome cases contain Native Elements, Sulphides, Sulpho- Salts, Haloids, Oxides, Carbonates. Silicates, Phos- phates, Sulphates, Hydrocarbons. Others hold rare specimens of Paleontology, from the various Geo- logical Ages and Periods; again, some filled with Echinodermata, Corals, Gorgonias and Sponges, while others exhibit fine specimens of Mollusca and Brachiopoda.
Collections of botanical and zoological speci- mens are also found here, as well as of a variety of woods. Numismatics, too, is represented. 23
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Science Room and Laboratories.
These are apartments of great care and solicitude of the Faculty, since it must be conceded that theory without practice, or application of the principles of science, is but scant work at best.
The "Hybla Bee."
This is a literary organ, designed to cultivate the taste of the students, to encourage criticism, and to create a landable emulation in class-work. It is conducted in the style of true Journalism. Essays, poems and editorials by the Seniors, constitute the main subjects of its columns, while reports of con- duct, class-standing, interesting events of the Academy, and amusing happenings in the various grades, without personal mention, however, of those concerned, form happy features of this periodical.
Friday Review.
The great aim held constantly in view, is to make the pupils thorough and practical in the Course selected for them by parents or guardians. Experience having proven that frequent review is the only means by which the instilled knowledge becomes indelibly imprinted upon the young mind, Friday of each week has been set apart for this special purpose-oral or written Review. This day is known and expected by all as "Review Day."
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Questions are selected from some of the lessons recited during the previous month, or, when deemed more expedient, from branches already completed. When the Review is written, the pupils are held strictly to system and neatness. The one receiving the highest average is entitled to the first place in class during the following month. A constant in- terest is maintained by this friendly emulation, and a fund of permanent knowledge is acquired.
Examinations.
Aside from the Friday Review, written and oral Examinations are required at stated times through- out the year, in the various branches of study. Pupils absenting themselves from these tests, with- out a just cause, deprive themselves of the promo- tions, to which otherwise entitled. Bulletins, giving detailed statements of pupils' progress and deport- ment, are forwarded to parents and guardians at certain periods.
SOCIETIES.
Religious.
Sodality of the Immaculate Conception. The Children of Mary.
Confraternities of the Holy Face, Holy Rosary, the Apostleship of Prayer and Sacred Heart League.
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Literary.
ST. CATHERINE'S. Believing with Sidney Smith that we should accustom the mind to keep the best company by introducing it only to the best books, the Shakespearean Literary Union is maintained, under the patronage of St. Catherine. This is a reading and debating circle for the purpose of rais- ing the standard of literary taste. Rev. F. X. ('Connor's "Reading and the Mind," and Chateau- briand's "Genius of Christianity," are some of the hand-books used by the Association.
ST. TERESA'S. Another Circle is formed of the Preparatory Classes, with St. Teresa as patroness. Here reading is biographical and historical, mainly. The earnest endeavor of the Preceptresses is to awaken an admiration for the good and great in Literature and Art.
ST. ANGELA'S. A third Circle under the special patronage of St. Angela is formed of the Minims, who by no means wish to be outdone by their elders. and hence elect their own officers and have their own laws and constitutions, all, of course, being enacted under the supervision of the respective Preceptress.
Each of these Circles has a corresponding Music Society, which blends harmoniously with the liter- ary. The members of these Societies furnish the music at the varions gatherings. Three Saturday evenings of each month, the first, second and third,
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are assigned respectively, to the Seniors, Prepara- tories and Minims. Selections from literary class- work, as well as from exercises in elocution, and from the music student's repertoire, none of which require a special preparation for the occasion, con- stitute the main essence of the meetings of these Societies.
These weekly re-unions, besides prompting and exercising self-control, graceful and elegant bearing in public, also tend to foster a polite and cultured sociability in the pupils.
These private literary entertainments and musical recitals tend, moreover, to enliven the monotony of routine, without drawing the pupils' attention from the more essential duties of school- ·life.
No elaborate costumes are required for these entertainments, but it is requested that each pupil be provided with an appropriate evening dress- white preferred.
DISCIPLINE.
The Discipline is mild, yet exercised with such vigilance and firmness as to secure good order. The Sisters manifest a truly maternal solicitude for their young charges. The pupil's sense of honor is
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appealed to from the very entrance into the Institu tion. This sense of honor must, however, make itself prominent by implicit obedience, without which absolutely necessary virtue, the student's progress cannot be commensurate. Only by disci- pline can be commanded that quiet and order so imperative to earnest school-work, and the following are some of the regulations found to be expedient to attain the desired end.
1. All pupils are expected to attend religious exercises with punctuality and decorum.
2. When summoned by the bell to an exercise, each one is to repair in silence to the assigned place of duty.
3. Silence, the guardian of order and mother of thought, is prescribed, except in the time of recre- ation, and even then no talking is permitted in the corridors and on the stairways.
4. Without permission of the presiding Sister, no pupil is excused from recreation.
5. Pupils, when not otherwise engaged, are expected to be in the general Study-hall.
6. Weekly letters are written to parents or guardians. No other correspondence, without per- mission.
7. Pocket money must be deposited into the hands of the Treasurer. The pupils keep an exact
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account of all the receipts and expenses, and, of course, no one is permitted to overdraw her deposit.
8. Pupils are not allowed to repair to the robery or infirmary without having obtained per- mission.
9. Borrowing or lending articles of clothing, etc., is strictly forbidden.
10. Jewelry is not to be worn; earrings, a pin and ring, are excepted.
11. Want of due respect to superiors or courtesy to fellow-pupils will not be tolerated.
12. Private friendships are discountenanced. No two pupils must be exclusively together.
13. Permission to receive, entertain visitors, or leave the grounds with their relatives, is to be ob- tained from the Directress.
14. Without special permission, no pupil is excused from class or study to entertain company.
15. Visitors are received on Thursday in the Academy parlor.
16. Books, newspapers, magazines, etc., brought by pupils or sent to them must be submitted to the inspection of the Directress.
17. Letters sent or received are subject to in- spection. Pupils are positively forbidden to deliver or receive letters secretly.
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18. Pupils are responsible for library books in their possession.
19. Neatness of apparel, care of books, furni- ture, etc., is strictly enjoined. Desks, drawers and shelves are subject to frequent examination.
20. Amiable, polite, gentle, engaging manners must be cultivated.
GENERAL REGULATIONS.
VISITS. No visits home, Christmas vacation excepted, will be permitted at any period of the scholastic year. Parents are asked to aid in the observance of discipline, and not request exceptions without absolute necessity.
Thursday is the regular visiting day. Relatives and friends of the pupils are particularly requested to respect this regulation. Much confusion and interruption, which materially interfere with the progress of the entire School, will thus be obviated. Callers who desire to visit the various departments of the Institution are permitted to do so, under the escort of one of the Sisters.
REFERENCES. Strangers desiring to enter pupils, are requested to furnish letters of recom- mendation from reliable sources as to their social and business standing.
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PAYMENTS to be made semi-annually in advance. No deduction is made for the unexpired portion of a term during which a pupil may leave, except in case of dismissal or protracted illness.
EXPENSES. Necessary purchases will be made for clothing, dressmaking, etc., provided a sufficient sum be deposited for the purpose. It is suggested that each pupil be supplied with five dollars pocket money for incidentals.
EXPRESS CHARGES. All parcels sent to pupils should be prepaid. Parents and guardians shoukl refrain, except at Christmas and Easter, and other very special occasions, from sending boxes and sweet-meats. These delicacies interfere with the relish for good, nutritious food. Fresh fruit, how- ever, is not included in this prohibition. As the health of the pupil is considered a matter of vital im- portance, they are furnished with savory, substantial and plentiful meals, conducive to strength and phys- ical development.
VALUABLES. The Academy Faculty will not be responsible for valuables, watches, bracelets, dia- mond pins or rings, retained by the pupils. It is deemed prudent to leave such ornaments at home.
TRAVELING FARE. Whenever parents or guardi- ans wish to withdraw a pupil, timely notice should be sent to the Directress, the traveling fare for- warded, and all accounts settled.
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COURSES OF STUDY.
The course of study is thorough, comprehensive and practical, embracing all the branches of a solid and accomplished education. Every pupil who en- ters the academy is expected to take one of the Reg- ular Courses, Academic, Business, Music or Art. unless for cogent reasons the Partial Course, con- sisting of special studies, be desired.
The classes are so arranged, that pupils advanced in some but deficient in other branches, may perfect themselves in whatever they are defective, without losing their rank in the grade to which their general scholarship entitles them.
Elementary Course.
This Course is adapted for younger pupils, and for such not sufficiently advanced to enter the Preparatory.
I .- Catechism (orally), Spelling, Reading, Writing, Oral Arithmetic, and Object Lessons.
2 .- Catechism, Bible Stories, Elementary Arith- metic, Language Lessons, Spelling, Elements of Literature and United States History, Primary Geography, Home and Map Drawing, Composition.
3 .- Catechism, Bible History, Practical Arith-
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metic, Mental Arithmetic, Geography, United States History, General Literature, Grammar, Spelling and Composition.
4 .- Errors of speech are carefully corrected and the use of good English is exacted throughout all recitation, written work, and conversation.
Drills in Elocution, Breathing and Vocal Culture are begun.
Preparatory.
I .- Catechism, Bible History, Practical and Mental Arithmetic, Analytical Grammar, Litera- ture, Dictation and Composition, United States History, Geography, Natural History and Hygiene.
2 .- Catechism, Bible Ilistory, Mental and Prac- tical Arithmetic, Advanced Grammar, Composition and Dictation, Literature, United States History, Geography, Science of Familiar Things and Physi- ology.
3 .- Catechism, Church History, Algebra, Arith- metic, Elements of Rhetoric and Composition, Lit- erature, General History, Physiography, Civil Gov- ermment, Zoology, Physiology, Botany, E of Book-keeping.
Orthography, Epistolary Correspondence and Reading receive special attention throughout the whole Course.
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Academic Course.
1 .- Christian Doctrine, Church History, Alge- bra, Higher Arithmetic, Rhetoric, Composition, Lit- erature, Physiography, Civil Government, Modern History, Botany, Zoology.
2 .- Perry's Instructions, Church History, Alge- bra, Higher Arithmetic, Elements of Geometry, Rhetoric, Composition in Prose and Poetry, Ancient History, Botany and Chemistry.
3 .- Perry's Instructions, Church History, Geometry, Versification, Composition in Prose and Poetry, Criticism, Logic, Geology, Physics, Special Ilistory, Astronomy.
4 .- Christian Religion and Church History, Logic, Metaphysics, Ethics, Composition, Current Ilistory, and Higher Mathematics, Review of Studies Completed.
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