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

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1862

pg 466            However, with the protection of its heavenly patroness, it 
             maintained its credit and position, and this critical year, which 
             might have entirely ruined it, left it more solidly established 
             than ever in public confidence.
                  This same year the increasing number of boarders made it more 
             than necessary to have a recreation hall for the Junior 
             Department.  There were now seventy juniors, who in winter and in 
             bad weather had to take their recreation in the study hall.  Mrs. 
             Phelan generously offered $1000 for this purpose.  With this 
             amount not only was a recreation hall built, but a hall in the 
             upper story for the distribution of premiums, thus saving the 
             institution an annual expenditures of from eighty to one hundred 
             dollars for the erection of a proper theatre.
                  The work on the house of ecclesiastical retreat was continued 
             according as means were forthcoming.  The Rev. Father Dillon spent 
             some weeks int he city of Pittsburgh, where he collected nearly 
             four hundred dollars for this object.