St. Mary's Academy was a home to many girls who lived in the country. There were many strict rules but it was a safe place to live. Two large dormitories housed most of the girls. Each girl had a private alcove, with sheets as dividers. Some of the girls stayed in private rooms. All girls went to mass every morning. After mass, we ate breakfast in a large dining room.

Everyone then attended classes until 3:15 or 3:30 in the afternoon. After the last class the girls raced down the back stairs, but the principal was always standing at the bottom of the south stairs. We wondered how she got there so quickly. Later, we learned there was a "dumb waiter" close to the front stairs.

We then had study time followed by supper. We went to the dorms about eight in the evening, and then to bed. Most everyone remembers "The Golden Stairs". They went from the gym to the top floor on the south side of the Academy. The students didn't use the stairs. They were always polished and dust free.

The girls who lived in St. Patrick's parish, went home on weekends, and the rest of us went home one weekend a month.