Biographies
ST. JOSEPH'S ACADEMY
There
is assuredly no more important element in the progress of a community, in its
welfare and moral standing, than education, and in this particular there are
few if any states in the
On
October 2, 1857, Rev. Mother Mary Baptist Russell of St. Mary's hospital, in
San Francisco, was interested in founding the St. Joseph's convent and school,
located at Seventh and K streets the site now occupied by the postoffice. A few years later she was enabled to purchase
the block between F and G streets on Eighth and Ninth streets, and here was
erected a large building which served for both grammar and primary schools. The
systematic conduct of these schools early commanded recognition and the
attendance so increased that larger and more commodious
quarters were required. In 1872 the present large building was erected
and in 1875 it was incorporated under the name of
The
courses include primary, grammar, high school and academic studies, and there
are various departments which embrace business and commercial courses, music,
painting and embroidery, every opportunity being afforded to the ambitious and
clever student to develop latent talents and acquire the culture and knowledge
which go to create the charming and refined personality. There are now about
four hundred pupils in attendance, and the school is presided over by the
Sisters of Mercy, who not alone provide the intellectual training which as a
matter of course is an essential part, but also add the requisite of a quiet,
refined manner and unselfish Christian living which has proved the superior
element that has influenced their pupils. The school is beautifully situated
and every precaution is taken to insure a healthy environment for the girls,
the best-known methods being followed in every particular,
and it is needless to say that the graduates rank among the most accomplished
and intellectual women of the state.
Transcribed by
Source: Willis,
William L., History of
© 2005 Sande Beach.