Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1882-07-13
Commencement at SinsInawa.


ment of ST. Clara Academy, at Sinsina-
wa Mound, took place on Thursday of
last week. These commandments never
fail to draw a large crowd, and this
year the number present was as large
as ever. Sinsinawa Mound, as is well
known, forms the higest point, with the
exception of Platte Mounds, in Grant
county, and is surrounded on all sides
by high rolling prairie, while away a
few miles, beyond the fields of waving
grain, can be seen the long and dark
lines of high bluffs which marks the
course of the Father of waters. Dubuque
que can be seen from the observatory,
and the eye can reach beyond the state
line between Illinois and Wisconsin.
TO this beautiful spot, which is indeed
situated in a yeritable garden of Eden;
a HERALD representative, HE'D himself
away, for the purpose of attending the
commencementeXer The day was
cloudy and the sky threatened rain,
which did not come, however. Having
arrived before time for the exercises
to commence, the time was profitably
spent looking around the establish
ment, and in noting the many interest
ing things to be seen at such a place.
The first thing to be noticed is the large
re-addition to the already commodious
quarters of the institution. This addi-
ton is built of red brick, and is larger
than the present building, and on
largerand more convenient plan. Work
men were busily employed putting every
thing in good order Most of the plas-
tering is done, and the addition, which
it would take too long to describe, is
fast nearing completion. A new church
is also building on the ground, but is
disconnected from the main structure.
The grounds sloping down toward the
south are shaded with large, well trimm-
ed evergreens, with gravelled walks and
intricate footpaths interspersed through
out a large natural grove is on the
west, and the mound slopes up toward
the north. TO the east of the academy
are the barns, stable yards and other
Between the barns and
the academy building proper lies the
residence of the priest residing at the
convent, and exhibition hall, large
frame structure in which the exercises
were held. This room will seat about |
600 persons, and as soon as the doors
were opened surging mass of waiting
visitors rushed in, in a manner which
was not gentle to say the least, and in a
few minutes the hall was filled to over
flowing. On the stage, at the west end,
were six pianos, on which several soul
pieces were played with two
performers to each instrument The
exercises were composed mostly of vocal
and instrumental musical selections of
different kinds. Besides the pianos,
there was harps, zithcrs and guitars,
and all were played in Il manner which
showed great skill and practice. Lam
iasI ll was represented in very credit
able manner by Misses Mamie Hyde and
Maud Carney, who took part in a num-
Der Of vocal and instrumental selections
There were three graduates, who deliv-
cred essays. The graduates were pre-
sentcd with diplomas and gold medals,
and this, with the comforting of many
different prizes, was done in an impress
sive manner by Father Donnelly, the
priest, stationed at Snsinawa. The ex-
ercises this year are said to be below the
average ut St. Clara commandments,
but all seemed pleased, listening with
close attention and applauding enthu-
sastically.
While there Lancaster friends had the
pleasure of meeting Mr.. Fred. A. Hess,
who is now at present travelling cores
pendent for the Galena Gazette, and who
was known to all Lancaster people a few
years ago as A. Reifsteck, editor of the
Grant county Advocate. His years seem
to rest lightly on his elevated shoulders,
and he looks as if time had dealt gently
with him.