History
History of the Mothers’ Club of St. Louis University High School
Compiled by:
Marie Naes (Mrs. Richard A.)
Publicity Chairman
1949-1950 Club Season
The present location of St. Louis University High School owes its existence to the kindness and generosity of the late Mrs. Anna F. Backer who, in 1924, endowed and founded this institution as a memorial to her late husband, George H. Backer.
In September of 1927, a tornado swept the city, wrecking the chapel and doing extensive damage to other parts of the building. Father William F. Parry, S.J., then Principal of the school, called a meeting of all the mothers of the students to gain assistance in raising funds to defray the cost of repairs. A card party was suggested and well-accepted by the enthusiastic group. Plans were immediately formulated, and Mrs. Victoria Cervantes was asked to accept the general chairmanship. Under her leadership and with the wholehearted cooperation of all the mothers and many friends of the high school, the first benefit card party was held in November of 1927. In connection with this, the mothers prepared and served a supper in the school cafeteria.
In December, shortly after the party, Father William F. Parry, S.J., called another meeting of the mothers to express his gratitude for their splendid work. At that time, one of the ladies suggested the formation of a mothers’ club with the idea of rendering financial assistance for the future as well as the present. This met with the hearty approval of all, and Mrs. Victoria Cervantes was unanimously elected the Club’s first President. Other officers were elected, and several committees appointed, among them one to draw up a constitution and by-laws.
In 1928, when the Club was in its infancy, monthly card parties were held in the old Nugent’s Department Store Auditorium. The Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior class mothers alternated in sponsoring these parties, the purpose of which was to establish a scholarship fund.
Much credit is due this little group who, in the first flush of enthusiasm, did the pioneer work in laying the foundation of what is today one of the finest and most outstanding Mothers’ Clubs in existence. Credit is also due those who continued in the footsteps of the pioneers, for had they not been capable leaders, the labors of their predecessors would have been in vain.
Among the social activities of the Club was a Fathers’ Night. Periodically, all of the fathers were invited to a meeting sponsored by the Mothers' Club at which one of the Jesuit teachers was the guest speaker. It was through these parent-faculty meetings that the seed was planted for the formation of the Fathers’ Club of St. Louis University High School.
Funds earned by Mothers’ Club events have been used to sponsor many projects, among them the following:
For Students: The establishment of an annual scholarship, a permanent scholarship, athletic equipment for the boys, band instruments and uniforms, travel expenses for students entering National Speech Finals
For the School: Typewriter, envelope sealer, wire recorder, visual aide slide projector, amphro projector, radio, encyclopedia
For the Kitchen/Cafeteria: Chairs for cafeteria, stove, refrigerator, stainless steel, sink, installation and renovation of food counter, electric dishwasher, deep fryer, French-fry potato cutter, Hobart mixer, coffee urn, dishes, silverware, steel storage locker
For the Chapel: Altar, organ, decorating the sanctuary, flowers, vestments
Student Activities: Dauphin yearbook, Prep News school newspaper, Senior Play costumes, Parent/Graduate breakfast, Freshman Sodality party
Donations to outside organizations and charities include the American Red Cross, the Tuberculosis Society and the Sacred Heart Program.
It is estimated by school authorities that in its first 25 years, the Mothers’ Club contributed in excess of $50,000 to the school.
The First Twenty-Five Years
Compiled By:
Mrs. Loretto Gunn
This is our school. Here have labored Catholic priests and laymen dedicated to the cause of Catholic education. Here have they taught the truths of Holy Mother Church to our husbands, brothers and sons. This is our school. Here have the twin torches of freedom of religion and freedom of thought been held high by unselfish and untiring hands. Here has the strength of the warrior for Christ been instilled into the hearts of young Americans. Here, on any day in any year, we can see the flower of American youth strong and brave, fearing nothing but the God who created them. This is our school. Here may be found determined men who have turned away from wealth and prestige to take up the cross and follow Christ. Here has every need of a young and growing man been found in abundance. Here have members of the Great Society of Jesus worked and prayed with and for our sons.
This is our school. Here in the time of disaster in the year of our Lord 1927 did we first gather to assist in this great work in the vineyard of Christ. In the wake of a tornado we were formed. In a building wrecked and swept by the elements we answered the call of our school. Two hundred strong were we as we came together from all parts of this great area to lend a hand in the time of tragedy. It was a quarter century ago that we came into this building and whispered an opening prayer for success in our venture. On that day, the Mother of Jesus smiled on our school. Her women had gone to work on her behalf. Here had she kindled in the hearts of the women of this school a flame which will never die. This is our school. This is our Mothers’ Club.
From among us at that first meeting a quarter century ago there came a leader who was the first to lift high the banner of service to the school. Victoria Cervantes sought no personal glory in the triumph which was to be hers. She may not have even realized what she had done. She accepted a call to duty, as calls have been accepted by our membership ever since. But it is now crystal clear that when Victoria Cervantes picked up the gavel in 1927, an historic event had taken place. An organization as strong and as untiring as the cause which motivated it had been formed. There was much work to be done, and in woman-like fashion, that first group set about doing it.
This is our Club. Throughout these years, the mark of a woman’s hand has been upon this school. No suggestion was too difficult, no undertaking too great, no work too tiring, no sacrifice too much. Our work has been for Christ and His Church. Our work has been for our dear sons and theirs and theirs.
The archives of these early days recount the untiring efforts of good women who sought no praise, no compliments, no glory — nothing but the chance to serve unceasingly and well. As now, the events they sponsored were varied and complete. There were card parties, suppers and bake sales. There were book reviews, luncheons and socials. Success piled upon success, and the school was better for it. The good fathers found friends to help carry forward the great work to which they had been dedicated. Startling as it may be, the fact is that in this past quarter century, our Club has turned over to our school over $50,000 for use in the cause of Catholic education.
Many and varied are the names which are sprinkled in the annals of our Club. They are neither rich nor poor, old nor young. They have no nationality, save as Americans. They are not Catholics alone. Here are numbered great and good women, women who sought a common goal. Listed in these annals are many names, too many, indeed to recount them all, or in any substantial part. Some we shall always remember and recognize. Here will we find such names as Cervantes, Murphy, McGrath, Crowley, Faherty, Cramer, Luecke, Mathiew, Flynn, Lancaster, Maginnis, Ziegenfuss, Burke, Naes, Much, McCarthy, Bardgett, George, Wehking, O’Sullivan, Babka, O’Toole, Otten and Klosterman.
This is our Club. The labors have been of love. Success has been our joy. But we have not been without companionship and pleasantries throughout these many years. There have been occasions for play and laughter as well as for work and sadness. There was the left-handed mother who set the table backwards. There was the teller who on election day fell from the rostrum in her excitement. There was the woman who spent an entire day at the bake shop over turkeys to be sold at one of our suppers. Here have trudged feet once adept at the Bunny Hug or a Charleston to the tune of Sweet Georgia Brown; or a fox trot to the strains of a number from “Good News” or a waltz to the "Sweetheart of Sigma Chi." Yes, we were collegiate even though we are no longer "Five Foot Two," except perhaps in diameter. It is no idle claim that we have peeled more potatoes, cut up more cabbage and washed more dishes than any single organization in the history of St. Louis.
This is OUR School. Here, in this very building, did our members serve in time of war as the nurturers of body as well as soul, those brave boys, sons of other mothers separated and parted from family and friends who were in our midst. An indivisible love was bestowed upon these boys in the service of our country who sought a friendly smile in a familiar atmosphere — that of women, like their own mothers, at work for their comfort and to ease the pangs of loneliness and fear. This job was done so well that the story of our Canteen spread and grew in proportion as our good members who served so untiringly brought fresh flows of peace and contentment to weary and lonesome boys like our own. Nor did our members forget the mothers of these boys, but instead sent them that short message every mother longs for: "We have seen your son, he is all right; he misses you, but says not to worry, he is all right."
This is our school. Here we have shared the sorrow of mothers who have seen their boys laid to rest, both in peace and in war. Here we have comforted each other as the sons we love so well took up arms to defend our great country. Here we have cried together and shared the joy of a letter from overseas, or an honor given and deserved. Here we have shared the victories and the defeats of our sons and the sons of our friends. Here we have, as mothers, understood a mother’s aching heart or the her joy of soul. Here we have understood each other — as we alone are capable of understanding.
This is OUR school. Here were these historic walls, erected to the honor and glory of God, built by a woman. Here throughout the years we have assisted this kind and gentle woman who, like ourselves, was dedicated to the cause of Catholic education. Here we have never forgotten in our prayers and in our works and in our sufferings Anna Backer, the mention of whose name brings feelings of great pride and joy to us all. Anna Backer was no ordinary woman, and this is no ordinary school. To it we have entrusted our most prized possessions. To it we promise our loyalty and devotion. To it we promise service and work in the years ahead. To it we say, in the words of Father Stauder:
All those who built this school have gone their way,
But the spirit that they left is ours today.
A school is more than just four covered walls;
It has a soul that animates its halls.
A gracious woman built her monument,
Not ours of sculptured stone to ornament
A barren grave, but out of living souls
Whom she would help to their immortal goals.
And well she planned with men who gave their lives
To mold the minds and hearts of youth that strives
For high ideals, but must still be led
And steeled against the years that lie ahead.
Now she and they are gone, and we are heirs
To the success and labors that were theirs;
We have the trophies of success that came
From valiant effort and enhanced our name.
And there are richer laurels bravely won,
In secret hearts where noblest deeds are done.
This is our heritage, and now we ask
With grateful hearts to carry on the task.
We’ve watched a quarter century unfold,
And we must turn the silver years to gold.
To our own St. Louis University High School, we say: "This is OUR school. This is OUR Mothers' Club!"
The Second Twenty-Five Years
Compiled By:
Mrs. Loretto Gunn
This is OUR school. Here, for half a century, young men of varied backgrounds, talents and ambitions have been taught and encouraged to compete on the rousing playing fields and in academic quietude for excellence in their own areas of endeavor. Here characters have been permanently shaped and lasting moral values instilled in the minds and hearts of America’s finest youth. The first twenty-five years of service to our Mothers’ Club have long since been recorded. It is a record of which to be justly proud. It is an account of outstanding accomplishments in many and varied ways. It is a record of love and loyalty to OUR school. It is a saga of great women pioneering in a field of endeavor now more popular than then. It is a story of success and enriching rewards. It is the first book of our Mothers’ Club.
Of no less greatness have been the second twenty-five years. Another quarter century of work, sacrifice, love, joy, companionship, dedication and success. The names are different, the activities have varied and the interests are somewhat divergent. But the ultimate goals remained the same. And success was equally attained.
This is OUR Mothers’ Club. Its history is to be found in the minutes of its meetings as well as those of its Executive Board. Its history has been splendidly recorded year by year through the tireless efforts of good women devoted to OUR club. These minutes and the annual histories are replete with evidence of hard work, detailed planning, loving dedication and successful completion.
The second quarter century began in the Fall of 1953. In that year, as in the years to follow, the parents of students and members of the faculty were graciously entertained at the school as guests of our club. This opportunity for parents of new students to meet and to mingle, to explore, to learn and to gain new acquaintances while renewing old ones, was, as always, a highlight of the scholastic year. It was the platform on which the activities of the months ahead were to stand. It was the introduction of new members with new ideas and fresh enthusiasm and energy. It was also the day for recognizing the experience and loyalty of members who suddenly found themselves starting their final year as active members.
This is OUR Mothers’ Club. To review the minutes is to see recorded at the start of each school year attendance at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at which each member in her own silent and prayerful way asked God’s blessing upon the school, its faculty, its students and, in particular, her own son. Each year, too, the record shows that we were together at Christmas to enjoy each other’s company, to extend yuletide greetings and to show our affection for the good Fathers who have devoted their lives to Catholic education. In 1953, we looked back over the first twenty-five years of our existence. We again honored Mrs. Anna Backer for the generosity of her timeless gift of Catholic education in perpetuity.
This is OUR Mothers’ Club. The months and the years rolled on. The record is replete with activities and events. Each year, we heard words of guidance and advice from members of our fine faculty. We said fond farewells to our departing principals and moderators. We welcomed their successors. We sponsored card parties, Freshman Sodality receptions, commencement celebrations and days of recollection. We sat spellbound before the immortal Dr. Thomas Dooley, a graduate of our school. We mourned the passing of Father Phillip Kellett, a great friend of our club. We held the first of our annual fashion shows. We started Parent Fun Nights where we could enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed atmosphere and share the talents of fellow parents and the greatness of our club with our husbands. We gave money to numerous charitable causes. We supported Archdiocesan activities, such as the Council of Catholic Women, Catholics for Educational Freedom and anti-pornography campaigns. We were one of the first to take a public stand against the evils of abortion. We marked the passing of 50 years since our school moved to Oakland Avenue. We participated in the dedication of a new gymnasium. We spawned the idea of a Mother-Son Banquet to match that held for years by our sons and their fathers. We saw the beginning of the annual Cashbah event which has been so successful and of such great assistance to our school. We were happy to assist in its beginning. We have seen the formation of a sister organization in the form of an Alumni Mothers’ Club to which we have given our support and encouragement.
Most of all, however, we worked, like the traditional Trojans, so that our sons would know that they had our support and our encouragement. We strove to increase our membership, to improve our school and — perhaps most realistically — we worked in a myriad of ways to raise the money so badly needed if the cause of Catholic education was to survive.
It would be impossible to recount the names of all the good members of the Society of Jesus who have been such an inspiration to us and to our sons over the past twenty-five years. Men like Father Sheehy, Father Murray, Father Jacobsmeyer, Brother Thornton, Father Conroy, Father Choppesky, Father Schenck, Father Sheahan, Father Bailey, Father Durso, Father Houlihan and Father Weiss. No history could possibly set forth the contributions such men have made over the past twenty-five years to OUR school or to OUR club. And no history would be complete without recording our deep appreciation to those good and dedicated men and our abounding affection for them.rnrnIn the same way, it would be impossible to name the many good, loyal, talented and industrious women who have made our club alone in its greatness for the past quarter century. Like those of the first twenty-five years, their devotion to duty has been the hallmark of our club. The annual histories record the names of many, many such women. Names like Schranck, Beck, Moore, Daues, Roach, Cherre, Underhill, Fournie, Backer, Anstey, Guzy, Devereaux, Brother, Galli, Engbert, Golterman, Rabbitt, Doll, Grant, Mungenast, Cradock, Cline, Ruoff, Klosterman and O’Toole. Nor is there any less acclaim due the many good women who served in a myriad of ways, without recognition, without applause, without public acknowledgment — members who served only because they loved our school, its faculty, its students and what it stood for. But most of all, they served because they knew how good God had been to us to have the great Society of Jesus to train and develop our beloved sons.
This is OUR Mothers’ Club. Its history will not shake the world nor change the course of events. In the context of national events, it is of no consequence. Indeed, there is little of local news connected with a report of its fifty years of existence. But OUR club has been of monumental importance in the hearts and souls of its members, their sons and OUR St. Louis University High School. Here we have shared each other’s joys, sorrows and disappointments. We have joined together in the happiness of success and the heartbreak of failure. Like family, we have expressed condolences over the death of loved ones and delighted in the birth of a new grandchild. Nowhere has there been greater companionship or more happiness in the sharing of life’s unpredictable events.
For this is OUR school. Here are taught the subjects needed for higher education and for worldly success. Here competition is accepted, the concepts of fair play are instilled and the desire to succeed is planted. Here the boy becomes the man. Here trophies are won, scholarships earned, medals awarded and vocations in life formulated. But here — most of all — our sons have had etched deep in their hearts, to remain with them all the days of their lives, the simple but profound lesson of life: that God made all of us to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in the next.
