Our 150th anniversary year continues with some glimpses of happenings in the month of March.
From the Stella Niagara Chronicles 1933:
Stella Niagara Chapel interior 1933
March 25 marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the breaking of the ground for our beloved Motherhouse. The jubilee was celebrated on Laetare Sunday, March 26. About seventy letters had been sent out to the Alumnae of Stella Niagara Seminary, inviting them to return to their Alma Mater for general communion and a reunion on that day. High Mass was celebrated at 9:00 in the convent chapel by our chaplain, the Rev. William A. Heim. At breakfast, served in the dining room to the Alumnae and our present Senior Class, Father Heim welcomed our guests in the name of all the sisters and spoke at length on the history of Stella Niagara and the marvelous achievements of the daughters of St. Francis during the past twenty-five years. It was generally agreed by the Alumnae to make the Communion breakfast an annual affair.
From the Chronicles of St. Francis Mission, SD 1934:
On March 18, our basketball team left for Chicago to represent the Indians in the National Tournament, losing to the team which took second place. Lenard Quick Bear, a forward, was given the medal as the best forward of the thirty-two teams represented. The following is a tribute paid to their playing by Spalding’s, the official Basketball Guide for 1934-35: “Without a doubt the most colorful team of the tournament (National Catholic) was the one sent to Chicago from the Jesuit Indian Mission of St. Francis, South Dakota. The Indians’ style of play coupled with their conduct and attitude, instantly drew all spectators to side with them. Cheer after cheer greeted their spectacular floor shots and effective, if unorthodox, ball-handling.” They have played seven games this session and so far have not lost one, although one team was a College Prep from Chadron Normal, and another, the fastest team in the Northwest, the Vandykes, Colored House of David. (This was a 1930s African-American barn-storming team based in Sioux City, Iowa. They fielded teams in baseball and basketball.)
From Chronicles of St. Mary’s Academy, O’Neill, Nebraska 1934:
On March 3, a meeting of the Normal Training classes of Holt County was held in O’Neill. St. Mary’s class gave a very satisfactory demonstration of the Palmer Method of Penmanship. On March 9, Reverend J. McNamara arrived to take the place of our dear deceased pastor, Reverend Monsignor Cassidy. On the 13th a public reception was given him in the auditorium of the Public School. St. Mary’s grade children again carried a number of prizes. During Vocation Week our students presented a play, “the Better Part.” It was very favorably received by all who attended. Father Leahy, our assistant priest, gave a very inspiring and suitable lecture. The week was closed by Communion and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
From Chronicles of St. Jude Thaddeus Convent, Havre, Montana 1935:
Teachers and children were the participants in an enjoyable treat when on March 18 we had the privilege of hearing the Gonzaga Glee Club and Band. They visited Havre in the course of a tour through several states. March 20, 21, and 22 marked the days set for the school children’s retreat. Father Cotter, S.J., gave some impressive conferences. Each day’s lectures were brought to a close with devotions of Stations and Benediction. During the Lenten season, the Dramatic Club gave a play entitled, “The Divorce Question.” The matinee performance was attended by the teachers with their respective classes.