Loretto in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Old Main / The Bell

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 10, 2024

1. Old Main / The Bell Marker

Inscription.
Old Main
"Old Main" was once located here, on what is today's campus mall. With limited financial resources in the mid-19th century, initial construction of Old Main was carried out by the Franciscan friars themselves, using materials sourced from the surrounding landscape.

For almost one hundred years, Old Main served as the home to Saint Francis College, Seminary and Academy. This massive complex housed classrooms, faculty offices, recreation rooms, cafeterias, dormitories and the Immaculate Conception Chapel.

On October 30, 1942, a devastating fire ravaged Old Main, turning to ashes the material work of generations. Old Main was a complete loss — damages were estimated to be more than $200,000. Classes resumed after two weeks at the then-recently acquired Charles M. Schwab Estate (now the Mount Assisi Friary), allowing the Franciscan friars to continue in their mission as they sought to rebuild.

The Bell
Cast in the City of Pittsburgh in 1859, the Bell was originally hung in a tower on the porch of Old Main near the Immaculate Conception Chapel. Nicknamed "The Angelus," the Bell was rung daily, calling the campus community to prayer and Mass, and became a staple of the Saint Francis student experience. The Bell was moved to a new tower not

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long before the fire that destroyed Old Main, and afterwards stood as a link between the past and as a hopeful reminder of better days to come. This sentiment is captured in the centennial plaque affixed to the tower in 1947 which reads, "Swells ever and rings with the promise of a future more glorious still, when the crown of a newer St. Francis shall shine from the crest of the hill."

The Bell is now rung twice a year during the Bell Tower Ceremony to welcome new students and on graduation to welcome new alumni.

Erected by the Saint Francis University Class of 2018.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Communications • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is October 30, 1942.

Location. 40° 30.191′ N, 78° 38.259′ W. Marker is in Loretto, Pennsylvania, in Cambria County. Marker is on the Saint Francis University campus mall, about 100 feet east of Scotus Hall. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Loretto PA 15940, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "The Angelus" (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles M. Schwab Hall (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Charles M. Schwab Hall (about 700 feet away); Loretto Area Veterans Memorial

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 10, 2024

2. Old Main / The Bell Marker

Looking toward where Old Main stood

(approx. 0.3 miles away); Loretto (approx. 0.3 miles away); Rev Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Loretto (approx. 0.3 miles away); Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Loretto.

Also see . . . Saint Francis University Mission and Character. (Submitted on February 21, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By Saint Francis University, pre/1943

3. Old Main / The Bell Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.