(Updated - January, 2010)

                                                                                           Belleville, Illinois

                               News:  The Read-A-Wee Revisited Vol. 1, No. 2

                                                          Click here for an extensive: History of the Academy (1859-1972)

                             Click on Illinois High School Glory Days to see another website with info about "Alma"

Welcome to the hallowed halls of the Academy. Each room is filled the memories of the sights, the sounds, the smells...that were uniquely those of the Academy. Whether it was the stained glass windows of the alabaster chapel or the swell of  voices at the change of classes or the smell of candle wax and furniture polish, it all comes together to paint a picture of what was...the Academy of Notre Dame.

For many years the School Sisters of Notre Dame provided the nuns that ran the school. Their black and while figures stood at the end of the halls beckoning the students to come inside. They not only taught academics but a way of life. As much as their charges tried to rebel, the nuns remained steadfast to their cause - to shape each girl into a caring, well-educated, young lady.

But, just as the pointed collar and cuffs and student council beanies disappeared, so has the Academy. In the early 1970's, the coal mines underneath it's foundations were beginning to crumble, especially under Visitation Hall, so the older buildings were torn down. Only Regina Hall, the new gym, still stands as a medical center. The Academy is no longer. All the former students have are impressions.

Besides these pages, AND also has a group presence on Facebook. Just go to the people icon at the bottom of your home page and type in "Academy of Notre Dame." Grads from all years are signing on. Hope to see you there.

It's my hope that these web pages will be used to gather those impressions; to provide a place where former students can keep in touch; to honor those who provided us with these memories. I've asked for memories of the various graduating classes below. Here are some of the classes and their treasured memories.

                   To add your memories -  Memory starters - please share

Read-A-Wee - Read-all-about-it. Excerpts and pages from our own AND newspaper! Unedited...uncut...the real thing!!            \                                                                                                

                                    For AND Trivia click here - AND Trivia

       Click on your class to rediscover your Glory Days at the Academy

Class of 1933

Class of 1943

Class of 1949     New! 2009 Reunion pic

Class of 1953

Class of 1954    

Class of 1958

Class of 1960      Lots of memorabilia pics...be sure to look even if you aren't from this year

Class of 1961

Class of 1965

Class of 1967     

Class of 1968

Class of 1970

                                                       To leave a comment, please contact Marilyn Kinsella

My name is Jeanne Cordie Edgar, class of "61.  I have all the info from my class.  Our last class reunion was  last fall. I will send you a photo from that reunion when I have time.

A couple notes.  The Academy song changed over the years.  I know this because I have written a play that we put on for classes for their reunions over the past 5 years.  Some of them sing their Academy song and it is different than the one that we sing. 

Anyone interested in having us perform at their reunion can contact me at 618 236 0661 or hondojean@charter.net. We have 3 original school uniforms and one gym uniform.  I have my original prom dress which I wear in the play.

                                                                         

                                                                                      I'd love to hear from you!

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