Year: 1864




the City.


The announcement of the laying of the
corner stone Of the Chapel for the use of the
new Convent and Academy of the Sisters
of the Visitation reminds Us that we prom
sed some details of the massive structure.
The entire building, which is at present
being erected, will exceed $50 feet in
length, and consists of three prominent
transverse sections, rising to the height of
four stories above the basement, united by
connecting links from so to IS feet in
width, which will be one story less in
height.


The general direction of the building is
from N. E. to g W. The northern trans
verse section faces the National road, and
is 8s feet in length by so in width. The
basement, or ground floor, is divided into
two large play rooms: In the first story
are large study room, library and class
rooms. Over these is to be the spacious
music hall, extending the entire length
and width of the section, % feet in height,
lighted by IL large arched windows. This
hall will in time be frescoed, and must
form one of the most beautiful and well
adapted rooms, for the purposes intended,
to be found connected with any female
educational establishment of the country.
As light a ceiling, (eIliptic in shape), as
safety will permit will be thrown over the
hall, in order to insure the perfection of
sound and dormitory of the same extent as
the hall, divided into alcoves, will form
the upper story of the section.


The central tranverse section will, in the
eastern front, present the main entrance
to the approaching visitor. This section
will be I2o feet in length by so in width,
and the entrance will be sheltered and
adorned by portico of dimensions pro-
portioned to the fascade of which it forms
part. Contiguous to the entrance will
be the parIors, and in the upper stories in
the eastern part will be the infrmaries,
wardrobes and further sleeping apartments
for the pupils. The western portion OF this
section will constitute the chapel of the
Institution so feet by Sc in extent, to be
finished in the Roman style of architecture.
A row of iutad pillars will support the
grained arches of the aisles on either side.
An elliptic arch, rising to the height of
about 80 feet from the floor will cover the
nave of the chapel. A suitable portico
will embellish this part of the building,
which fronts that point where the National
road crosses the hill lying to the east of the
city. The chapel will be lighted by win
dows similar to those in the music hall
with stained glass as soon as eircumstau-
ces will permit.


The southern transverse section is 90
feet by 40, and is connected with the centre
Nv longitudinal section 81 feet in length.
This part will be appropriated to the use OF
the Sisters, and in it will be located the
kitchen, store rooms, &c, of the establish
ment.


The whole is to be heated by low pres
sure steam, with all the most recent inn
provements, including perfect system OF
ventilation. Gas, manufactured on the
place, will be used for lighting the differ
ent apartments, and hot and cold water
conveyed to every part of the house.
Ample provision has been made for bath
ing rooms, and all the conveniences found
in the most finished private residences.


Even the porter's lodge, stable, wash
house and other out buildings are to be
erected with reference to the oruameutiug
of the grounds, which are to be laid out
by the artist who superinteuded the ar
rangements of the Laurel Hill Cemetery
near Philadelphia. In order to render the
place more accessible two new roads have
been partially cut, Que running partly paral-
lei with the railroad, the other connected
with an excellent ford in the creek; these
will be in perfect order by the fall.


The view, so beautiful from any part of
the enclosure, will be surprisingly so from
the building, since the additional elevation
will extend the prospect to much greater
distance Should no unforeseen obstacle
intervene, it is presumed the entire build
ing will be rooted by the end of December


Those who may attend the laying of the
corner stone will be able to judge for them
/ selves of the fitness of the location, and
j may enjoy the admirable scenery by which
j -