Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/354

 294 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY building, and serves as protection against fire. For further pro- tection from this danger there are patent extinguishers on every lioor. Artificial heat is supplied by the hot water system, and there is telephone connection. That the names of their generous benefactors may not be for- gotten, the nuns caused to be inserted into the northeast corner of the building a stone bearing the inscription, "Israel Garrard, noblis Benefaciente Gratulantes, Soc. Urs. Felice;" while over the door, in the chapel, a tablet is inscribed: "In memoriam — Hon. J. B. Bowman — nostri benefactoris mortui." In the hearts of the nuns these names are held in perpetual grateful memory. The course of study embraces all tbe branches of a thorough English education, combined with the culture of art, music and languages, and extends from lowest primary through the gram- mar and high school grades. Successful steps have been taken to have the school accredited to the University of Minnesota, so that graduates from the Villa who wish to continue their educa- tion in the University may be admitted to its courses without examinations. Lessons are also given in music, the arts and languages, as well as in the various branches of handiwork, for which the Ursuline nuns have won a high reputation. The physical development of the pupils is provided for in gymnasium and playground, and in the extraordinary opportuni- ties for the natural out-of-door exercises of walking, driving, boating and bathing, under the supervision of the ever-watchful nuns. Above all do the nuns regard the moral development of the child, and broad and deep do they lay the foundation stones of character. Religious instruction is given to the Catholic children, while all thejr pupils are trained daily and hourly in the pre- cepts and practices calculated to foster those noble qualities of head, heart and soul that go to the formation of true woman- hood. The character and accomplishments of the graduates who have gone out from Villa Maria during these past thirty years give ample testimony to the devotion of the nuns, and the thor- oughness of their training. The Gustavus Adolphus College, of St. Peter, was started in Red "Wing in 1862 by Dr. E. Norelius. The next year it was removed to East Union. Carver county, and named St. Ansgar's Academy. In 1874 a corporation was formed and in the next two years suitable buildings were erected at St. Peter's, where the institution has since been located, growing to tremendous im- portance. Julius Boraas, M. L., educator and author, now living in Red Wing, was born in the township of Belle Creek, this county, De-