Los Angeles herald., 1890-10-19
A Pleasant Drive and an Interesting
Visit.

A Pleasant Drive and An Interesting
Visit.
From The Catholic Cause
Some time since the editor of The
Cause received an invitation to accom-
pany the Very Rev. Vicar-General Adam
and Rev. Fathers Allen and Mccarthy
on drive through the San Gabriel val
ley to Ramona. Rev. Father Allen
acted as master of ceremonies and had
everything in readiness by two O'Clock
when the start was made. In few
! minutes the busy streets of Los Angeles
were passed and the beautiful valley of
San Gabriel entered. 1t is not our in
tention to describe the beauties and
pleasures derived from drive through
the far-famed valley, whose natural
scenery has been hundred times de-
scribed by tourists and visitors to South
ern California. In little more than half
an hour stately and massive structure
appeared to our view. Standing upon
fine elevation, and surrounded by beau
tifully designed gardens overlooking the
immense vineyards of the Hon. j. De
Barth Shorb and the comfortable little
village of Ramona, we beheld the con-
vent Of the holy names of Jesus and
names, and used as seminary for the
education of young ladies. Looking
around the picturesque valley surround
ed by the mountains and enjoying the
healthful breeze from the ocean, one
could not help thinking that at last had
been found place where, sufficiently
removed from the noise and turmoil of
city life, there existed an institution to
which the careful and thoughtful parent
could send his daughter with the salts
faction of knowing that everything con-
ducive to health, comfort and training
was provided. After alighting, the
party entered the convent and were
courteously received by the mother
superior and other members of the
teaching staff. On entering, the first
impressions were most favorable; large
and well ventilated class rooms, divided
by spacious corridors, gave the interior
of the building cheerfulness and bright
ness which relieved it from the general
appearance of a schools and made
it resemble more closely some we'll ap-
pointed and thoroughly furnished home.
After looking through the parlors the
chapel was visited and greatly admired.
The statues of the Blessed Virgin with
the Infant Jesus and that of St. Joseph,
WulCu WcIc llupOItcu lTOul MUulCu, dTc
beautiful works OF art and called forth
our admiration. The Stations OF the
Cross, very handsome and unique, were
imported from France; after leaving the
chapel, the studio was visited and the
many works in oil and crayon were ad-
mired. The pupils were engaged at
their work, and it was surprising to see
the work done by some of the youngest
amongst them. The class-rooms next
claimed our attention; here was found
all the most recent appliances and aids
to learning that human ingenuity
has called into assistance. Leay-
ing the class-rooms and being
conducted to the dormitory, the good
impressions first formed were confirmed.
A fine hnll with lofty ceiling and no
less ths Twelve spacious windows look
ing into Vhe valley below, gave health
fulness much to be desired in a napart-
ment in which the pupils retired to rest.
The last visited was the infirmary, and
here the general neatness and comfort
! which pervadee the entire building, ex-
listed with the addition of the comforts
requisite to the proper care and recovery
otthose confined by illness.
After congratulating the Sisters upon
their institution, we left the building
and walked through the grounds, OBJ
serving the tennis court ahd croquet
lawn where some of the scholars were
enjoying their recreation.
When returning, the beautiful fitness
Of things as they exist at the present
and their contrast with the past caused
the writer considerable reflection. Here
in this same valley where stands the
4 grand old San Gabriel mission, monu-
ment to the zeal and devotion of the
early Catholic missionaries and their
work Of education amongst the savages,
telling more eloquently than either