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Bend, Oregon
1936
- 1950
1936 - 1937
August 1 Appointments Holy Obedience has
assigned to the house for its first scholastic year, Sister Catherine
Mary, Superior, Sister Mary Ann Bertha, Assistant, Sister Mary Roseen,
Sister Aloysia Maria and Sister Mary Frances Jean. May God bless our new
mission and allow the work we begin this year to prosper for the glory
of His Holy Name.
September 2 First Day at Home The train was
to have brought our other three Sisters but since the beds have not
arrived, it was deemed best that they wait until Thursday. However,
Sister Catherine Mary, our Superior, and Sister Mary Roseen came to our
new home and spent the day in unpacking and arranging what there was to
arrange.
Bend, a gateway city to the beautiful Cascade Mountains, is about three
thousand five hundred feet above sea level. In the distance, the
towering peaks of Mount Jefferson, The Three Sisters, and others, of
majestic beauty meet the eye of the nature lover. The town itself is of
fair size. The streets, however, are poorly laid out, for the most part
unpaved and are named after almost every state in the Union. Dust, lava
rock and sagebrush reign in profusion.
Our school is on Bond Street, one of the main streets of the city. It is
a small red brick structure, very nice appearing on the exterior and
well equipped on the interior.
Our home on 429 Georgia Avenue is set back from the road. It has a
spacious lawn with many shade trees and a large garden with many shade
trees and a large garden which is now beautified by a variety of flowers
and vegetables. The inside is devoid of furniture save for a Frigidaire,
a green kitchen table, four chairs and a radio which has lost its voice.
A fireplace in the parlor, a hardwood floor in two rooms and three large
bedrooms on the upper floor give promise of a nice home.
September 10 Picnic Mrs. Herman B. Meyers,
sister of our Sister Mary Sylvia, invited us yesterday to an all day
picnic at her ranch on Powell Butte. We left our little home, securely
locked, at ten o’clock. After a ride of twenty eight miles we arrived at
their well kept ranch home. The day was one of relaxation. The Sisters
tramped the fields, looking at ponds of lilies and gold fish, flowers
and farm animals. Willing hands helped turn the churn which brought
forth home made ice cream. A lovely chicken dinner was served. In the
evening we returned home, tired but happy and grateful to these good
people.
October 16 Reception This afternoon at two o’clock our
pupils assembled to greet our pastor, Reverend Luke Sheehan, O. F. M.
Cap., in anticipation of his feast day, which falls on Sunday. The
program consisted of a piano selection by Lloyd Robideaux, a song,
“Thanks be to God,” sung by the pupils of the four higher grades and
accompanied by Mary Helen Montgomery, the school song sung by all the
pupils accompanied by Lloyd Robideaux, and an address delivered by Mary
Mildred Chambers. A spiritual bouquet was presented by Jack Lightfoot in
the name of all the pupils of the school. Reverend Father dismissed
teachers and pupils from further school this afternoon.
December 25 Christmas Day Mr. and Mrs. D.
Dacey very kindly offered their car to take the Sisters to Midnight
Mass. The ground was covered with a blanket of fresh snow which made the
feast more beautiful.
February 11 Death Claims Our Dear Pastor Our revered
and beloved pastor, Reverend Luke Sheehan, O. F. M. Cap., was called to
meet his Creator at about four o’clock this morning in Hood River.
Rather is mourned by all, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Having come
from Ireland in 1910, after working in the missionary fields of England,
Arabia, and India, Father has spent a period of twenty-seven years in
Bend and its outlying missions. He was ever a kind father and counselor,
a teacher by example rather than word, a zealous and devoted pastor. A
lively sense of humor endeared him to everyone who met him for it made
all feel at ease.
Like Our Blessed Lord, Father Luke Sheehan loved children. His life’s
ambition in the parish was to have a school and his labors were rewarded
this year. How happy he was to see the children of this flock in a
Catholic School, to see them daily at Holy Mass and their voices ascend
to God in hymns of praise.
No sacrifice seemed too great to Father Sheehan in order to have our
Sisters housed and accommodated to conduct his school. Every request was
immediately fulfilled and many needs anticipated.
Reverend Luke Sheehan, O. F. M. Cap., left on the evening of February
first to attend the funeral of a diocesan priest in The Dalles. From
here he accompanied His Excellency, Bishop Joseph McGrath to Baker City
as the Bishop was desirous that he pay him a visit. Father left Baker
for Hood River on Ash Wednesday. He died there Thursday morning after
Reverend Fabian Reynolds, O. F. M. Cap., had heard his confession and
administered Extreme Unction.
1937 – 1938
October 1 Uniforms A certain air of excitement
and admiration pervaded the classrooms this morning, and a single glance
at the pupils gave the obvious reason! Today marks the first appearance
of uniforms in our school. Our girls clad in their simple, dark blue
serge frocks trimmed with snowy white collar and cuffs is a sight which
truly delights the eye.
October 16 Crater Lake At one o’clock this
afternoon, the cars of Mr. and Mrs. D. Dacey and Mrs. And Mrs. J.
Mahoney, stopped at our home to pick up six passengers bound for Crater
Lake. This anticipation, in this case, was a greater pleasure than the
realization for the heavy fog prevented our getting even a glimpse of
the lake. However, we greatly enjoyed our drive and the novelty of
eating our lunch under a ski jump.
November 15 Reception for New Pastor The
children of St. Francis School greeted the new pastor, Reverend
Berchmans Cantilon, O.M.Cap., at a reception held in the parish hall
after the following short program:
Polish Dance Scharwinka Lloyd Robideaux
Fairies in our Garden Lehman Carol Jeanne Hauck
Thanks Be to God Dickens Chorus
Address Jack Thatcher
Father assured us that he wished to follow in the footsteps of his
revered predecessor, Father Luke Sheehan, O.M. Cap., and that he would
be especially watchful over the little ones of his flock. After giving
us his blessing, Father declared the remainder of the afternoon to be a
holiday.
1938 – 1939
August 28 Visitors As a fitting close to the day’s
festivities, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Meyers, and their guests, Mrs. McGuire,
from Portland, and Miss Ida Peaper from Washington, D.C., spent the
evening with us. After carefully scrutinizing the fishpond and the
various improvements in the garden, Mr. Meyers decided that Sister Mary
Madalena is an excellent gardener.
May 12 Flower Boxes Our front porch has been adorned
with two green flower boxes, one on either side of the steps. Although
Sister Mary Madalena, our clever carpenter, made the boxes out of some
old lumber, with their coat of green paint and the variety of plants
which were given by Mrs. Paulsen they look very stylish.
1939 – 1940
Christmas Program This evening in the parish hall, the
pupils of St. Francis School presented their annual Christmas program.
The influenza epidemic seems to have taken hold of Bend at this
particular time, for many of the children became ill with it today. Due
to this fact, the “Little Angel” in the play needed to be replaced
during the course of the performance. This was a source of great anxiety
and disappointment to Sister Aloysia Maria. Nevertheless, the play was a
credit to Sister’s patient and inspiring efforts. The program follows:
Santa Claus March Fordell
To Santa Claus Shackley
Boys’ Rhythm Band
Star Dance: Beverly Baer, Ann Condon, Mary Elizabeth Dacey, Georgia Ann
Dragich, Louella Hackett, Jean Harris, Ann Middleton, Maria Murphy,
Barbara Oestreicher, Betty Oestreicher, Dorothy Pendergast and Louise
Tekampe
Accompanist : Mary Katherine Moore
When the Angel Sang
Cast of Characters
Our Blessed Lady Mary Alice Glatt
St. Joseph Edward Powell
Gloria Angel Eva Moore
Littlest Angel Lorraine Holst
Joel A little shepherd Thomas Hyde
Naomi His little sister DeLoris Smith
Thief A fugitive from conscience Wayne Allen
Old Man An unfortunate traveler Robert Gregg
Angels
Night of Nights Van de Water
Silent Night Gruber
Boys’ Chorus
Santa Claus
To the great joy of the children and their parents, as well as to that
of the Sisters, Sister Superior was able to be present at the
performance this evening. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Dacey offered themselves
and their car at Sister Superior’s convenience for the evening.
1940 – 1941
April 21 Lay Teacher Sister Superior engaged
Mrs. Terry Fox to replace Sister Florence Marie in teaching the second
and third grades during the coming week.
May 6 New House Sister Superior informed
us of a surprising bit of news, today. Our pastor, Reverend Edmund
Hyland, O. F. M. Cap., has purchased the pieces of property including a
house and about four lots, directly across from the Church facing
Franklin St. Our present convent was disposed of in the transaction;
therefore, at the end of the school year, we shall be moving our
belongings to the newly acquired residence.
May 22 Death About ten o’clock this
morning, the feast of the Ascension of our Lord into Heaven, the parish
was shocked by the sudden death of John Gorske, one of our first grade
boys. The little boy who was playing with his sister, Rosalie, and with
Lorraine Holst, fell into the Deschutes river. Although the screams of
the children brought Mrs. Fred Luellen and Mrs. William Baer to the
scene of the accident they were unable to rescue Johnny from the swift
current. The beautiful spirit of resignation to God’s holy Will with
which his parents and his brothers and sisters are accepting this heavy
cross is truly a most edifying spectacle for the whole parish.
May 24 Funeral The children of the School
attended the funeral Mass which was offered this morning for the repose
of the soul of John Garske. Surely, this little boy who was so well
prepared to die, will obtain man blessings for his good parents and for
his many friends who were present at the cemetery as well as at Mass.
June 16 Closing of House The remaining
quartet, Sister Marian Theresa, Superior, sister Florence Marie, Sister
Mary Frances Jean, and Sister Charles Mary, bade farewell to an empty
house today. When we return next August, we shall no longer live in our
little stone Convent, but we shall reside on Franklin Street. It is our
fervent prayer that this home which has been hallowed by the Eucharistic
Presence of our Lord will never be desecrated; and that the fragrance of
peace and charity may sweeten the lives of those who shall live here.
1941 – 1942
August 1 Death We were shocked, today, to hear
of the sudden death of Mr. Dan Dacey. Mr. and Mrs. Dacey have been kind
benefactors to our Sisters since the opening of the house, in Bend, six
years ago.
August 4 Funeral At Mrs. Dacey’s earnest
request, Sister Marian Theresa, Superior, and Sister Catherine Mary, the
former Superior of Bend, arrived last night from Marylhurst to attend
Mr. Dacey’s funeral, which was held, this morning at St. Francis Church.
Reverend William Coughlan, O. F. M. Cap., pastor at Roseburg, Oregon,
and an intimate friend of the family, said the Requiem Mass. The Sisters
will return to Marylhurst tomorrow.
September 1 Floor Completed Today, we
were able to move the furniture into the rooms on the first floor of our
Convent. Last Saturday, the painters finished varnishing the new
hardwood floors in the chapel, the parlor, the community room, and the
refectory. And now, after several coats of wax, applied by the Sisters,
they have been polished to a beautiful brightness.
It was good to partake of our supper in the refectory, this evening; for
during the past few days, we have been carrying our meals across planks
from the kitchen to the hall and upstairs to the office.
September 28 Open House Our pastor,
Reverend Edmund Hyland, O. F. M. Cap., announced a formal open house of
our Convent, today, to which all the parish was invited. At the close of
the afternoon, we calculated that our visitors numbered about one
hundred.
October 1 Standardization of School We were
happy, today, to receive the official affirmation of the standardization
of our St. Francis School.
October 21 Furnace Installed Today, we
had cause for triple rejoicing. Not only was it Founders’ Day, but it
was, also, Sister Ursula Maria’s feast day. About five o’clock this
evening, as a climax to the day’s festivities, the furnace began to send
forth its friendly greetings of warmth.
February 10 Exceptional Privilege Through
the kindness of our pastor, Reverend Edmund Hyland, O. F. M. Cap., the
Sisters and pupils of St. Francis School enjoyed a great privilege, this
morning. The celebrated family of singers, the von Trapps who gave a
concert in Bend, last evening, assisted at the holy sacrifice of the
Mass which was said by their director, Dr. Franz Wasner. It was truly
inspiring to witness the devotion and the piety with which this Catholic
family prayed the Mass. The motets which they sang a capella were
treasures exemplifying the spirit of Church music as well as beauty of
art.
March 4 Radio Broadcast This afternoon, at two
o’clock a group of pupils from St. Francis School presented a half
hour’s program over KBND, our local radio station. The program consisted
of a spelling match, several musical numbers, and a brief skit employing
some of Longfellow’s poems.
May 27 Death One of our pupils, Vincent
Rosengarth, died this evening at St. Charles Hospital. The sudden death
was the result of an accident which occurred a few hours ago, when a
horse dragged the child over several feet of stony ground.
May 30 Funera l This morning at nine o’clock, the
funeral services for Vincent Rosengarth took place in St. Francis
church. Reverend Edmund Hyland, O. F. M. Cap., pastor, sang the Requiem
Mass at which the children’s choir, assisted. It was just five years ago
today that Vincent received Holy Communion for the first time.
1942 – 1943
August 24 Shocking News Quickly and
unexpectedly, God summoned by death, one of Bend’s nobleman, Mr. Maurice
Cashman, who died at St. Charles Hospital today. Mr. Cashman had been a
kind benefactor of the Sisters, since their coming to Bend. His
daughter, Rosemary, is a graduate of Marylhurst College. We extend our
prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.
August 30 Mass in Chape l Reverend William
Cashman, brother of the late Mr. Maurice Cashman, offered the Sacrifice
of the Mass, today, in our Chapel, in the presence of immediate
relatives.
September 2 Picnic Mrs. Dan Dacey and her
daughter, Mary Elizabeth, arranged a picnic supper for the Sisters. We
were driven up the Metolius River to its source. As we were preparing to
partake of our supper, the sky darkened, thunder and lightning followed,
and a heavy downpour of rain drove the surprised group into the shelter
of the car. Soon, the rage of the storm subsided, and we had our delayed
supper in a little log picnic house, near by.
November 14 Departure The inclement
weather added its voice of protest to that of the Sisters, to detain our
two visitors for a longer stay. Reverend Edmund Hyland, O. F. M. Cap.,
kindly offered to drive our departing guests, Sister Claire Marie,
Provincial Sub-Assistant, and Sister Mary Virginia Clare, Supervisor of
classes, to the bus depot.
Surprise Hardly had Father’s car disappeared around the corner, when a
terrific gust of wind blew down a tall pine tree in our yard. A prayer
of thanksgiving rose to our lips, for though the tree had fallen across
the walk, no one was hurt.
December 20 Christmas Spirit Abroad The air tingled
with excitement, tonight, as girls of the upper grades, gathered at St.
Francis School to go caroling. Transportation was kindly furnished by
Mrs. Lloyd Parker and Mr. and Mrs. C. Belmer. The group sang the old
familiar carols, bringing joy to those at Lumberman‘s Hospital, St.
Charles Hospital, the parish priests’ residence, our convent, and Pilot
Butte Inn. Refreshments were served to the happy group in our parlor.
January 20 Blizzard What a wintry world Bend awakened to
this morning! Snow had fallen throughout the night, and, this morning, a
very strong wind blew the snow into huge drifts and made walking
impossible. The schools of the county were closed until the following
Monday.
February 14 Scout Investiture Very impressive were
the ceremonies carried out in St. Francis Church this morning, after the
half past seven O’clock Mass. Reverend George Barcelo, C.S.C., National
Field Administrator of the Boy Scouts of America, was Master of
Ceremonies. Reverend Edmund Hyland, O. F. M. Cap., our pastor and
Chaplain for the local Boy Scouts, members of the Parish Scouting
Committee, and the twelve members of the cornerstone troop took part.
The boys in this initial group, are Gottlieb Baer, Michael Breen, Lewis
Cozad, Michael Eagan, Cornelius Guincy, David Hackett, Robert Harris,
John O’Leary, Richard Pierce, Thomas Stenkamp, Frank Thatcher and John
Warner.
February 26 Improvement on Front Door Our
pastor, Reverend Edmund Hyland, O. F. M. Cap., is carrying out another
improvement on our Convent. On the front door, a plain glass replaces
the figured one, and a sign, “Convent of the Holy Names,” is being
worked, in gold leaf, on it.
March 27 Victory Garden Mr. Joseph
Stenkamp came this afternoon, to begin preparations for a garden for the
Sisters. Due to the removal of the old barn in the yard, the size of the
garden plot is to be double that of last year’s. May God bless Mr.
Stenkamp, a kind and constant benefactor of our Sisters.
April 22 A Garden Enclosed Today, the planting
of a privet hedge has been completed on three sides of our Convent. This
has been done through the kindness of our pastor, Reverend Edmund
Hyland, O. F. M. Cap.
May 21 Other Improvements The woodshed has now,
a new appearance since the boarding on the exterior has been replaced. A
brick walk, laid from the Sacristy exit in our Convent to the street,
greatly improves that section of the yard. Our pastor, Reverend Edmund
Hyland, O. F. M. Cap., with the help of several of the school boys,
constructed the walk. The basement, so long anticipated, is, now, almost
complete. A new picket fence is being constructed to neatly boarder the
edge of the grounds facing the alley and to protect the garden. We are
deeply grateful to our kind pastor.
1943 – 1944
September 13 Maneuvers In the past month
Bend and vicinity has increased one hundred thousand in population. Army
divisions are encamped in surrounding districts awaiting the opening of
the maneuvers. There are to be seven army problems which are expected to
be accomplished by November 1.
September 28 Sauerkrau t After supper this
evening we all helped to prepare cabbage as for sauerkraut. Sister
Marita Anne, our Superior, had pulled about thirty heads of cabbage
before supper. We have had a heavy frost already, so it would be rather
risky to leave them in the ground any longer. John O’Leary, of our
eighth grade, will dig a trench and bury the cabbages we did not use.
September 29 Army Aid In response to our
reply to an ad in the Bend Bulletin last week for an alarm clock to be
used by the army, a friend of Lieutenant Johnson called this evening.
The clock was given to us during this past year and was not needed. This
friend assured Sister Mary Rose Martine that it would be greatly
appreciated by the army during which Lieutenant Johnson is attached. She
left a dollar in payment.
October 2 Surprise Late this afternoon we
were surprised by a rap at the sacristy door. A captain of the army to
which division Lieutenant Johnson was attached and to whom we had but
several days before given an alarm clock has brought three of his men in
with two boxes of cheese and a carton of canned milk. The men told us
again how much they appreciated having the clock. It is impossible to
buy one at the present time.
October 23 Gifts This is surely our gift
day! Early this morning Joan Dugan brought to our back door two chickens
and some vegetables. At the front door a little later we found a note
from Mrs. Charles Kustner in appreciation for all that has been done for
Charles, their son, since his entry last September, into our seventh
grade. The note told us of an order for ice-cream and cake at a time of
our choice. Because of the Lieutenant Colonel Kushner has been
transferred from Camp Abbot so the Kushner Family is returning to
Chicago.
Toward noon today a large box of “delicious apples” were delivered to us
at the request of Mrs. Nannie Hyde. This must be part of the
“hundred-fold.”
November 25 Arrival of Piano We have expected this
piano for some weeks now. Sister Claire Marie, out Provincial
Sub-Assistant, purchased a used one in Portland for us. However, we
neither expected it the day nor the hour it finally came. About eleven
o’clock last evening Sister Adelaide Mary heard quite a pounding at out
front door. Two men were there with the piano. Since it was to be used
at school, Sister awakened Sister Marita Ann, our Superior, to see what
was to be done. It was decided that they go to school to let the freight
men in. After some time the piano was located and the men went on their
way, having three other pianos to deliver.
February 11 Anniversary This is the eighth
anniversary of the death of Reverend Father Luke Sheehan. The children’s
choir sang a Requiem Mass for the occasion. Since Sister Carmel Therese
had not yet arrived Sister Claire Marie played the organ while Sister
Clare Lucille directed. The memory of Father Luke is still a force in
Central Oregon.
May 11 Pre-School Party Children of next
year’s first grade were guests of our first and second grades this
afternoon. After some interesting classroom activities the children
played a few group games out on the playground. They then went down to
our library where a party had been prepared for them. The table was
attractive and colorful. The eleven small guests were: Barbara Baer,
Hugh Cole, James Dalhlain, Jack Hayes, James McNearny, Moran, Michael
O’Doherty, Patrick O’Leary, Joseph Lee Petranovich, Anthony Rosengarth,
and Rosemary Scott.
1944 – 1945
October 1 Death This afternoon as we were
on our way to Benediction Reverend Vincent Kerwick O. F. M. Cap. stopped
us and told us that Mrs. Ted Holladay has died of Scarlet Fever. Mrs.
Holladay is the mother of one of our fourth grade pupils, Phyllis.
Phyllis had contracted the disease just two weeks ago and had been quite
ill. Mrs. Holladay who had taken care of Phyllis during the first week
contracted the disease herself and was taken very quickly. The remains
are to be sent to Walla Walla. Since Phyllis has not recovered yet she
and her father are to go to the Portland Isolation Hospital.
November 13 Death We were surprised today
to hear of the sudden death of Mrs. J. Burich. Mr. and Mrs. Burich have
been generous benefactors to our Sister from the beginning of our work
in Bend.
November 17 Funeral Our girls’ choir sang
the funeral Mass for Mrs. Burich this morning at nine o’clock. After the
Mass the remains were taken to Portland to be interred at Mount Calvary
Cemetery.
December 8 Departure Four fortunate
Sisters of our household were privileged to go to Portland today for the
Centenary celebration of our Community. Preceding events proved almost
as exciting as the event itself. We were all given permission to go if
transportation were available. Sister Superior very hopefully set about
trying to get transportation. After meeting with refusals at every try
because of the war and gasoline rationing. Sister Superior finally
received an offer from Mrs. F. Scott to take us in her truck. However
she discovered that she could not take the truck to Portland. She was
not to be disappointed so easily so tried to get a car. Mr. J. Wettle
came to our aid and offered his car. All this time we had waited in
breathless suspense. Mrs. Scott was to get the gasoline from a friend
who had a generous supply at his disposal. Everything seemed safe now.
However, Thursday afternoon R. Welle’s gasoline mileage was checked by
the Ration Board thus forestalling any trip with that car. Again we were
without hope of getting there. Not even that stopped Mr. Wettle who
offered to pay our bus fare and to take care of everything. That was
rather overwhelming, but not unlike Mr. Wettle. He insisted that we
accept so Friday morning at seven o’clock four elated Sisters boarded
the bus for Portland.
December 9 Centenary Celebration The
fortunate four attended the Solemn Pontifical High Mass offered by His
Excellency, The Most Reverend Edward Howard D.D. and sung by our
Novitiate Sisters and the girls from Marylhurst College, St. Mary’s
Academy and Madeleine High School. It was both thrilling and inspiring
to see the great number of Sisters attending the Holy Mass offered in
celebration of the Centenary of the Sisters of the Holy Names. Before
Mass the Sisters met outside the Cathedral School and formed lines for
the procession. Then they led the procession into the church and were
followed by the girls who were in the choir. The many Sisters filled
most of one side of the church and the girls who sang the Mass the other
side. The Mass was sung beautifully and we were happy to hear that
recordings were made of it that it might be heard again. Reverend George
Campbell gave an inspiring sermon on our Congregation and its Foundress,
Mother Mary Rose. After the Mass a banquet was given for the priests and
for the older Sisters. The younger Sisters spend the afternoon at St.
Mary’s. In spite of Advent and the regulation concerning visits since
this is a special time we were allowed to visit with relatives. The Bend
Sisters took advantage of this permission and visited with relatives
until nearly time to return home.
December 9 Retu rn A little after midnight the
Sisters who had gone to Portland were met at the Bend Bus depot and
brought home in a taxi sent by Mr. Wettle. It had been wonderful to be
able to go to Portland but they were happy to be back home.
February 22 Killed in Action Mr. and Mrs.
I. T. Powell today received news of the death of their youngest son,
Private Edward J. Powell. A graduate of our school in nineteen hundred
thirty-seven and of Bend High School in nineteen hundred forty-four, he
entered the armed forces soon after graduating from High School. He had
received his training at Fort Benning, Georgia and been awarded his
pilot’s wings on August twentieth, nineteen hundred forty-four. In
September he was sent overseas to New Guinea. The message sent to his
parents stated that he had been killed in action on the island of Luzon
February sixth while serving with a paratroop unit. A Requiem High Mass
is to be sung for the repose of his soul on February twenty-seventh at
St. Francis Church.
March 17 Visitor Today both Sister Mary
Noreena and her brother Francis Carr, a member of the United States
Navy, had a surprise. After being overseas nearly a year he had just
retuned to the states several weeks ago. He had intended to go by air
plane from San Diego, California to Seattle, Washington, never intending
to stop in Bend at all. However because of bad weather his plane was
grounded last night in Chico, California and again this morning in
Redmond. He had no idea this morning that Bend and Sister Mary Noreena
were anywhere near. He said however that after hearing Bend mentioned
about twenty times he suddenly realized that his Sister lived there and
took a bus to Bend. He has had many adventures since Sister last saw
him. While out on the pacific a few months ago his ship was torpedoed
and even though many in his part of the ship had been killed he received
not too serious injuries. During the time that the doctor was attending
him the ship was again attacked. The doctor somehow dragged him to
safety but was separated from him. After some time he was able to get to
a place where someone could help him. When his ship was brought into
Pearl Harbor for repairs, his brother, James, who had just recently
arrived from the States, heard by chance of its arrival and obtained
permission to go over to see him before his own ship left. They had a
three hour visit then James left on his boat for an unknown destination
and Francis soon after was sent to the States. Francis is to leave on
the morning bus for Seattle to visit his parents.
May 14 May Procession Today the children
of our school took part in a procession in honor of our Blessed Lady. As
the procession made its way around the church the children sang hymns to
our Blessed Lady. Then on entering the church as each girl passed before
Our Lady’s statue she placed a bouquet of flowers at her feet. Hannah
O’Leary attended by Charlene Chapp and Dorothy DeRushia had the
privilege of crowing Our Lady. The ceremony was closed with Benediction
of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
1945 – 1946
August 24 Death Three years to the day after her husband’s
death, our beloved benefactress, Mrs. Maurice Cashman, died. Her sudden
death is a real shock to all, yet we are consoled in knowing that her
holy life was a fitting preparation.
September 13 Trees Felled A sadness
pervades our convent home today for three of our beloved tall pine trees
are now lowered before the merciless blow of lumberman’s axes. Because
these trees were endangering the house Father Edmund Hyland, O. F. M.
Cap., our pastor, considered it prudent to fell them. Now as we look at
them stretched upon the ground we already seem to miss their stately
figures against the blue Bend skies, and their kind shade which
protected the house from the heat of the sun. One was especially
interesting in that its center had been inhabited by bees and was filled
with perfect octagonal cones.
February 5 Ceremo ny Our beautiful little
chapel was the scene of a religious ceremony this morning when Sister
Mary Ricarda pronounced temporary vows for six months. After the reading
of the vows the community joined Sister in reciting the Magnificat.
February 14 Mission Activities St.
Valentine’s Day is the occasion of various mission activities throughout
the school. For days the four lower grades purchased little red hearts
for a penny each. Today, they proudly deposited them in a large box as a
token of their love for Christ and His missions. The fifth and sixth
graders concluded their drive for the ransoming of pagan babies. They
contributed enough money to purchase three to be named Helen, Francis
Peter and Mary Frances.
March 8 Improvements in Yard Our pastor,
Father Edmund Hyland, O. F. M. Cap., started spring gardening
improvements in our yard today. He transplanted shrubs for the hedge and
replanted four lovely trees in front of our convent home. To protect
these, some of the Sisters enclosed them with small green stakes.
Although Bend has a spring atmosphere we know from past experience that
king winter has not yet abdicated from our country.
April 18 Washing Machine Through the
thoughtfulness of one of the parishioners Sister Superior was able to
secure a long sought for washing machine. Although it is a used machine,
it is in excellent condition, and is much appreciated by all our
household.
1946 – 1947
October 25 Radio Upon returning from
Portland this afternoon our pastor, Reverend Edmund Hyland, O. F. M.
Cap., brought a wonderful surprise for our school. It is a beautiful
radio phonograph for our school. It is a beautiful radio phonograph,
table model. Since there is such a variety of uses for a machine of this
type in a school, the Sisters are delighted to receive this.
November 22 Parties This afternoon the
pupils of our music department wholeheartedly enjoyed themselves at a
party in their honor. Games, prizes and delicious refreshments made the
occasion a particularly happy one for these young musicians. Our altar
boys, the Knights of the Altar, also made merry this afternoon. They
crossed the street to the Roller Rink and enjoyed themselves while
skating to music. By the time their skating period was over they were
very willing to partake of the refreshments proffered them.
1947 – 1948
September 15 Registration For a number of
weeks we have been petitioned by many non-Catholics parents to admit
their children into our school. We registered only Catholic children
first today and the number of these being so great we could only accept
a few non-Catholic children. At the close of the day, we had registered
one hundred seventy-seven pupils. The primary grades were well filled
with the fifty-eight pupils enrolled for that room.
December 9 Death This evening we lost to
this earth a very dear friend and benefactress. Mrs. Rowena Hogan, a
long time resident of Bend died about seven o’clock at the St. Charles
Hospital. Her many countless kindnesses for people and her zealous work
for the parish will merit her a place close to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
whom she loved so dearly.
December 13 Death Upon returning from
church where we had just sung two funeral Masses, we learned of the
death of the father of one of our pupils, Barbara Helfrich. Two weeks
ago Mr. Helfrich was severely burned in a gas explosion. By various
medical devices and treatments it was hoped he would sustain such severe
damage to himself. However, after many days of intense suffering he died
yesterday afternoon and will be buried Saturday. We deeply sympathize
with Barbara and the other members of the family.
January 26 Treats As a reward for their
fidelity and excellence at the Christmas services our pastor, Reverend
William Coughlin O. F. M. Cap., gave a sum of money to the Choir and
Altar Boys to be used for a treat. Last Friday the Altar Boys gleefully
used theirs in a skating party at the newly renovated Civic Roller Rink.
They enjoyed themselves so much at this that the Choir members decided
upon this as the best means of enjoying their treat money. They held
their party this afternoon. Mr. Carl Rose, the proprietor, was very good
to everyone and remarked to the Sisters about the mannerly comportment
of our pupils.
March 30 Trip As a reward for winning the
county basketball tournament our pastor, Father William, and Mr. M. Cady
took the members of the team to Eugene today in order that they may be
able to visit the Freedom Train which is due in that city tomorrow. This
is the first trip of this type for almost all the boys and their
pleasure and delight are very evident.
April 1 New Stove Because there has been
danger of asphyxiation from our gas stove our pastor, Father William,
bought a new Crosley electric range for our convent. It is a joy to
behold and even more of a joy to use. Our greatest pleasure is the
relief in not having to worry about our good cook, Mrs. Frederick, being
injured.
1948 – 1949
October 2 Trip Today we enjoyed a beautiful trip to
the Capuchin Fathers’ Residence and chapel at McKenzie Bridge. In order
to secure autumn leaves with which to decorate the altar for Forty Hours
Devotion we journeyed through the McKenzie Pass and saw breathtaking
scenes of autumnal beauty. Entire hillsides were aflame with the leaves
of red, gold and brown. God is so wonderful in His creation.
October 11 Night Game In order to raise
money for the city grade schools’ athletic equipment funds a city
organization sponsored a night football game rally, having the grade
school teams play their regular games under the lights at Bruin Field.
This was the first time our teams have played a game of this type. Our
St. Francis team was to defend its undefeated record by playing the also
undefeated Eighth Grade of the High School. To the astonishment of many
and to our great joy our “Saints” team won the game. It delights us
especially because the boys feel that it was prayer which helped them in
a situation which, naturally speaking, they did not have a chance since
their opponents were older, larger, and more experienced.
December 9 Red Cross Boxes Today we had
the happiness of sending to the Red Cross headquarters here in Bend
thirty boxes, bounteously and beautifully packed, to be sent to children
in the poverty stricken areas of the world. The officials of this
organization have commended our school on the generosity shown by the
full boxes and the care with which they were fixed. To date we have
received letters from children in Denmark and Italy who were the
recipients of our boxes last year. We also received a letter from a Mrs.
George Hansen who brought our last year’s boxes to Denmark during the
past summer. In it she tells of the joy of the children upon getting the
boxes and how some of them had to be taught how to use the toys since
they were such a novelty to them. She says, “One little girl who got a
pair of pink beads hugging them to her, squealed with joy, and jumped up
and down.” Upon hearing such things as this one is spurred on to greater
generosity. A check for eight dollars and fifteen cents was also give to
the Red Cross fund from our pupils.
December 14 New Stove Last year we got a
new stove since our old one was in bad condition. However this new one
has been very unsatisfactory ever since its arrival. Therefore Father
William had the firm take it back and give us a better one. We now have
a new Monarch electric range which seems to be an excellent stove.
January 11 Ice Rink The weather in Bend has
been below freezing for many nights now, and in order that our pupils
might enjoy the benefits of such weather we flooded the back part of our
playground and made an ice skating rink for them. They spend all their
free time skating and many of them are excellent skaters. They have been
enjoying it to such an extent that they are the envy of many other
school children here in Bend.
January 14 Altar Boy Party Taking advantage of
the ice rink here on the playgrounds we entertained the altar boys with
an ice skating party this afternoon. The boys enjoyed the session
greatly and no less greatly enjoyed the “hot dogs” that were passed out
to them during their skating. Their fidelity to their serving
appointments merited for them this treat.
February 5 Unusual Weather This evening’s
edition of the Bend Bulletin notes that the past month marked one of the
coldest winters in the history of the city, with the mercury going below
zero on eight different nights, and freezing weather recorded on every
night of the month. This was also the second driest month in the records
of the city. We who have lived here during the recent cold spell know
how such climatic conditions feel.
March 17 St. Patrick’s Program Everyone
seems to be Irish on this great day and likewise we of St. Francis
School caught and spread the spirit in a combination recital and Irish
program given in our newly decorated parish hall this evening. The
chorus sang such well-loved Irish tunes as “Kerry Dance,” “Galway Bay,”
Killarney,” and “Hibernia’s Champion Saint.” A clever arrangement of
“the top of the morning” was done by four goys and four girls dressed in
appropriate costumes. A boys’ choral group sang “Michael’s Flute” and
“Paddy Leary.” Piano solos by our advanced pupils added to the occasion.
Featured in the program was a play by Padriac Pearse entitled “Irsagan.”
Characters in this were well portrayed by Michael Feser, Patrick
O’Doherty, Paul Ellison, William Hatch, Bernard Stenkamp, Thomas
Uppendahl, Patrick Kelly and James Crowell. Father William had a stage
built in the hall for this occasion; this added greatly to the general
success.
April 23 Trip Although this is Saturday
and we Sisters ordinarily got a little longer sleep on this day we were
up at the usual time this morning in order to go with Father Ahearn to
one of his missions, the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. The chapel
there was built in great part by the aid of the Extension Society; and
it is truly a lovely one although very simple. After Mass Father took us
to the home of Doctor and Mrs. Denman who live on the reservation. These
good people treated us with great hospitality. We were much surprised by
the marvelous work Mrs. Denman has done with the Indian children in her
religion classes. She has taught them to follow the prayers of the Mass,
along with the Catechism lessons and Catholic practices. Such zeal is
inspiring. We are most grateful to Father Ahearn for this trip and for
his thoughtfulness in making such a pleasant day for us.
June 1 Trophy Our boy athletes again won
the Shrop and Schultz trophy for excellence in sports during the past
scholastic year. Father William arranged to have their picture taken
this afternoon with Mr. Claude Cook, city Superintendent of Athletics,
presenting the trophy to Miles Boardman, our outstanding athlete. The
boys were so happy to have won this award that there was no necessity
for the photographer to encourage them to smile.
1949 – 1950
August 21 Opening of House Sister Marita,
Sister Mildred Marie, and Sister Mary Frances Joan arrived by bus in
Bend this evening. Since the house had been used during the summer
months by the Capuchin Fathers, the usual collection of Bend dust did
not greet the Sisters on their arrival home. The Capuchin Fathers who
are awaiting the completion of their new rectory are residing
temporarily at the City Center Auto Court.
Improvements It was a most pleasant surprise on arriving home to find
that the Fathers had not just lived in our convent. They had also seen
to the repapering of the parlor, community room, dining room and
kitchen, and had had new light fixtures installed in the parlor,
community room, and dining room. We are grateful for these welcome and
needed changes.
December 23 Bendix Santa Claus arrived
two days early this year in the form of a Bendix Automatic Washing
Machine. This generous and needed gift is made possible by the Altar
Society Circles of St. Francis Parish. Mrs. Hillis, a member of the
Altar Society, and agent for the Bendix Company gave the Sisters a
demonstration today in the proper use of this valuable article. We
sincerely thank the ladies of the parish for their generosity.
January 18 Blizzard An unusually sever
snowstorm, driven by increasingly strong winds, made it imperative to
close the Bend schools during the morning sessions today. Parents of the
children call in cars to conduct them to their homes. No one was allowed
to walk as the wind velocity made walking dangerous. Schools will remain
closed in this area for several days until the county road equipment is
able to clear the bus routes from the results of this storm.
May 28 May Procession and Graduation The annual
May procession and graduation as inaugurated several years ago took
place in St. Francis of Assisi Church this afternoon at three o’clock.
Helen Mogan, chosen by vote of the student body, acted as May Queen, and
as such, had the honor of crowning the statue of the Blessed Virgin.
After the coronation ceremonies the pupils of the eighth grade received
their graduation certificates from the Pastor, Reverend William
Coughlin, O. F. M. Cap. Those receiving their diplomas were: Richard
Allen, Shirley Anderson, Sherry Billadeau, Beverly Boardman, Pauline
Carter, Earl Clausen, Catherine Eagan, Helen Mogan, June E. Scott, and
Marjorie Werner.
Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament closed the afternoon’s
ceremonies.
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