girls, and a few boys who were under the direction of the priest. We know but little of the activities of the school but can get a faint idea of the hardships the sisters encountered from the following extracts from the letters to the Mother General.[1] "The children are very intelligent, but their ages range from fifteen to sixty years. However, we taught them to sing a hymn after Mass and the little voices are very agreeable. I believe they will become good singers. In two weeks they have learned their letters, and we hope to soon send you samples of their writing. The women know nothing of housekeeping, so we teach the children to cook, sweep, wash, milk the cows, needle work, and plain sewing. They have already made over eighty little dresses with the goods we brought along with us." In addition to the catechism, French, and the ordinary school studies were taught.
A succession of wide felt events brought to a close in 1850 the mission establishment at Saint Paul, which then consolidated with the Oregon City venture. On February 1, 1851, the Young Ladies Academy was incorporated with Loyala Duquisne, Mary Olysa Cherry and Mary Bernard Weber as incorporators.[2]
The character and plan of the school was very well expressed by their notice in the Oregon Statesman:[3]
Young Ladies Boarding and Day School conducted by the Sisters of Notre Dame, Oregon City. This establishment is under the superintendence of a society of ladies who in Europe and the United States are engaged in the instruction of young ladies. The system of instruction embraces, in addition to the ordinary course of English studies, all the branches usually taught in the best female academies; and as in all institutions of this kind, the heart must be formed as well as the mind and adorned with all the qualities which beautify the manners and render virtue attractive and amiable, the moral advancement of the pupils shall be the object of the most assiduous care.
The Academy is built on the banks of the Willamette River, remote from the business part of the city. The buildings are spacious and airy, the pleasure grounds dry and extensive. In case of sickness, they shall experience the most constant and affectionate attention and every incentive proper to inspire a laudable emulation will be employed.
