Chronicles of Notre Dame du Lac
Edward Sorin, CSC -- Translated by John M. Toohey, CSC, 1895

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1861

pg 454            A plan was prepared ad hoc, and the estimated cost was 
             $20,000--136 ft. in length, 36 ft. wide, three stories high, with 
             forty eight private rooms, besides the common rooms.  The location 
             at the head of St. Joseph's lake is equally charming and suitable.
             The foundations being once blessed, the work was continued by the 
             men of St. Joseph's novitiate who took the bid in the amount of $.
                  The undertaking was announced in the Catholic papers of the 
             country, and other donations were added to those of Europe.  A 
             society of priests was organized on the plan of that already 
             established in several dioceses of France and Germany, but on more 
             advantageous conditions, since from every priests who wished to 
             come and end his days there a subscription was required in 
             proportion to his age when he subscribed.
                  The undertaking has received the highest praise, and is 
             destined to render eminent service to the American Church, as said 
             the Rev. Dr. Keogh in the Pittsburgh Catholic.  Its object is to 
             gather aged missioners together and provide a retreat to those