Schools in south-central Minnesota (1876-1909). St. Bernard's Grade School had many activities, such as a Drama Club, much like a high school would have. For a period of time the curriculum also included a 2-year commercial school program (Saint Benedict's Monastery Archives).
Drama held a significant role in the curriculum of the academy. Performances drew large audiences, not only from the surrounding areas, but from as far as Milwaukee, WI. The Delsarle Tableaux performance, honoring Bishop Otto Zardetti, was presented at the Village Hall in St. Joseph on February 10, 1893 (Saint Benedict's Monastery Archives).
First 50 years of the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) The performances Sister Dominica Borgerding directed would cram this hall and the two adjoining classrooms with seculars paying for tickets three Sundays in a row - from as far as the Twin Cities, Duluth and Milwaukee. She did not offer "milk for babes." Instead she challenged the Dramatics Club and the audiences with the "Merchant of Venice" (with a brilliant Shylock and a magnificent Portia) and with biblical plays of a Queen Esther and a Judith of Bethulia. Women took men's parts and managed very convincingly. If Shakespeare could make-do with men to take women's parts, Sister Dominica turned her women into men for their parts. The costumes were magnificent. They are still among the richest and most beautiful now in that amazing collection in the Benedicts Arts Center.
St. Benedict's Academy (1883-1909); St. Benedict's Monastery (convent), St. Joseph, Minnesota. While the sisters stressed simplicity in the matter of dress for St. Benedict's Academy students, school dresses could be of any style or color, but black sateen aprons were worn over them during school hours. On Sunday a plain black uniform (with a brooch for the collar) and earrings were to be worn. These regulations made occasions for dressing up something special (Saint Benedict's Monastery Archives; McDonald, page 105)