Posted by Ken Whikehart (166.102.99.7) on June 07, 2002 at 08:23:22:
In Reply to: Highland Hall posted by George C. Kenny on November 12, 2001 at 22:22:08:
: Since 1978, I have been living in southern California. From the years of 1964 through 1968 I was a student at Highland Hall, when it was a preparatory seminary for the Franciscan Fathers of the Third Order Regular. Before it was a radio school for the army air corps during World War II, it was a preparatory school for young ladies in the late 1800's. A famous Hollywood columnist, who came from a well to do Altoona family, went to school there, by the name of Hedda Hopper (born: 1890, died: 1966). She is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Altoona. At the time of her passing, her body was flown over the school by private plane and then buried at Rose Hill. I was there when the plane flew over. It was very touching.
: Some years pasted that the school was closed between the time that it was a young women's preparatory school and when it was a military academy (radio school) for the old army air corps. The at the end of the war Highland Hall was closed again until the Franciscan Fathers took it over and made it into a seminary. It was a beautiful building inside. At the time of being a Franciscan Seminary the entire upstairs was all the quarters for the young men, studying for the priesthood. The second floor were the sleeping quarters for the priests and the lay-brothers and visiting priests or bishops. First floor were the classrooms, study halls, two libraries. Also were the offices for the rector and the administrative staff. Our chapel was also there on the first floor. The basement floor were more classrooms and labs. We were a PA accredited private high school as well as a junior college.
: While I was there, we had over 75 student brothers there in training as well as a staff of 12 priests and lay-brothers. Also there was a "handy" man and his family who also lived in the rear of the building. Facing the front of the building to the left hand side of it was a smaller building that was attached to the school that was an area that we had an indoor swimming pool that we used all year round. Matter a fact, that is where I learned how to swim.
: I have many other interesting stories, that you might enjoy. If you would like, you can write me back, and tell me to go on with them. I just hope I am not boring you with such a lengthy e-mail. Many happy days were spent within the walls of Highland Hall.
: Please tell me, how does the building look today? It is up for lease? Is anyone interested in it presently? I would so much like to come back and visit there. Many times I have thought about it. By any chance, could you do me a favor. Is there any way that you could take some pictures of "THE HALL" from its different sides and could you scan them and send me them. I would so much be indebted to you. Like I said, I spent many happy days there. Let me know, if you would like to hear more stories. I would be happy to tell you everything I can remember.