Here we are in the dead of winter. And this year’s winter has not been shy. Whether in the Northeast, the Carolinas, or the Midwest, snow has been falling in copious amounts. With recent winters being fairly mild, it appears that we have stumbled upon a year of blizzards, which is surprisingly not unlike a century ago! While looking through the March 1926 issue of The Field Afar, I found an article describing the intense winter from which Maryknoll was beginning to emerge. Take a look at this tale of winter weather at the Home Knoll:
“Maryknoll-at-Home
MARCH finds the Home Knoll emerging from a winter which came rather late in the year. Not until after the beginning of the new year did we have anything that looked like a snow-storm; but, as 1926 began to grow, a few cold western breezes brought the snow of other lands and kept us well indoors.
A feature of the seminary discipline is recreation in the open when weather permits. During the snowy days, the cloister walk provided an opportunity for open-air walks, without the inconvenience of wading through drifts. The cloister has not yet been fully completed, so – as the march goes on – the march hares must ‘right-about face’ and start in the other direction.
Where the cloister ends and the great open spaces appear, the snow men were kept busy keeping the passage safe underfoot.
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The Sisters, unfortunately, have not the protection of an open-air cloister and must make a path through the snow and ice, in all kinds of weather, from one building to another. We hope – as we know they must too – that a convent will soon emerge from the nebula of which they may now only dream.
No one of us can begin to estimate what the sisters mean and have meant to the growth of Maryknoll. We are not unduly concerned in their housing problem, which means the fullness of spiritual life for them, invaluable aid in the continuance of our efforts, and a new zest to the work of the missions.
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Coasting down Sunset Hill is a sport which has all the thrills of the roller coaster and supplies all the delights for which young hearts might look. With sleds, skis, and skates, our young aspirants prepare especially, during this season, for further service in Korea or Manchuria.”
– The Field Afar, March 1926 p. 74-75
This then led me into the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers Diaries and the Maryknoll Sisters Diaries to find out more about the extensive winter weather!
From the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers Seminary diary, February 1926:
Feb. 4.
Snow all night was piled high about this morning. It was almost impossible to get between the Seminary and the Convents. A blizzard continued all day, tying up all roads.
Feb. 5.
The whole supply of winter’s snow must have been dumped on us in the last 48 hours. When a path was shoveled through the main roads, Fathers O’Shea and Murrett made their way to New York to get Bp. Gauthier who arrives tonight from France.
Feb. 6.
The snow was so great that the Bishop could not come to Maryknoll until today. He and Fr. O’Shea stayed with the Blessed Sacrament Frs. Last night. Fr. Murrett spoke at a card party in New York, and stayed with the pastor there for the night. […]
Feb. 8, 1926
Warmer this afternoon. The Dominicans came to stay overnight, as it has been impossible for them to get through the drifts.
Feb. 9.
Colder today and more snow.
Feb. 10.
If possible, a bigger storm today. The Sisters were unable to reach the office. The Chief is making the mail trips by horseback.
Feb. 11.
Great drifts prevent outside communication; but it is so cold that no one minds. Fr. Murrett spoke on Fr. Price at Spritual Reading tonight, feast of O. L. of Lourdes.
Feb. 12.
Holiday, but not at the seminary. Bp. Gauthier and Fr. Winslow went to New York, but found everything closed.
Feb. 13.
Colder and more snow. […]
Feb. 22.
Holiday. Snow too deep for an all day walk, so students enjoy all day sledding and ski-ing. […]
Feb. 28.
The snow is letting up, but still it is quite deep. We have had a full month of it.”
From the Maryknoll Sisters Motherhouse diary, February 1926:
“4 – We awakened to find our world cuddled snug under a quilting of snow. We plowed and slid to breakfast, we battled our way to dinner, and for supper as well – following the adage of the wise old Greek, we took time by the bang, and went to our various houses after dinner ladened with foodstuffs sufficient to stave off starvation for 24 hours. From the storm, one agrees that the ground hog must have viewed his shadow through a projecting microscope. Like this baleful creature, we burrowed into our houses, every one, (for the Sisters had not ventured to N.Y.) under orders not to fare forth again today. Even the Seminary supper and dish squads were relieved of duty. For the novices, Benediction and visits were cancelled. At Rosary House, the Lord, through His courtesy dwells with us, so we were as usual, privileged to visit the Master of the House. Fr. Murrett, who with the changes for the new term, came back as chaplain, insisted upon breasting the storm, so we would not be deprived of Benediction.
With true Maryknoll spirit, we entered joyously into the enforced seclusion. Even the radio announcement that the storm would abate during the night, could not add to the cheer of the evening recreation.[..]
5 – The radio is a truth teller, and this first Friday dawned clear and beautiful overhead. As most Maryknollers are not attached to the air service, and, as the roads, despite trails, despite the efforts of the good brothers, the professed Sisters fasted and breakfasted at Rosary House. Mother voted another free day to the students. Later, we wended our way over freshly plowed paths that no road could ever be laid out, to our posts of duty.[..]
6 […] What looks like a relapse to the blizzard conditions started while we were in the refectory. Some more inches or feet added to the three and four feet piles we now have will keep us thawing and paddling most of the spring.[…]
10 – One would think Bishop Gauthier hailed from the frozen North. He breasted great drifts and reached the novice Chapel for Mass. A kindly providence – part played by Mother, arranged in case of necessity for breakfast at Rosary House – and the necessity exceeded expectations. Even tonight, after a day of plowing, the wind has again closed all roads. The Sisters could not get out to school. The plows brought provisions to the various houses, enough for dinner and supper. The pharmacy served as kitchen and ye olde stove of pro-seminary days showed a spark of life. Sr. Columba, with a score of assistants, played ‘Oscar’ and managed to appease the appetites of the shut-ins.
These tales of their time in the snow show us that Mother Nature, whether a century ago or today, can pack a punch, give us pause, and bring quiet beauty after the storm. So, as many of us continue to recover from recent massive winter storms, we hope that you too can find ways to have fun, get done what needs to be done, and stay safe and warm in this cold blanket of snow!
