Chicago Holy Family Academy

Holy Family Academy

Courtesy of "A History of Offices, Agencies, & Institutions in the Archdiocese of Chicago"

The History of Chicago Holy Family Academy

Chicago (population: 2.8 million) is located along the shores of Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois. From its early days as a Potawatomie settlement, then as the site of Fort Dearborn in 1803, which led up to the formation of the city and its incorporation in 1833 and 1837, respectively, the "City of Big Shoulders" became a major location in the US for various reasons. Railroads and water transportation were two reasons why Chicago was one of the fastest growing cities in the country during the 19th Century.

Today, numerous railroads and highways of interstate, US, state, and local designations bring people together in the city on a daily basis, as does air traffic at O'Hare and Midway Airports. Chicago is a melting pot of people from many nationalities, making it ethnically diverse, and thus is referred to as "the financial, economic, and cultural capital of the Midwest (according to Wikipedia)."

Holy Family Academy was founded by Mother Mary Frances Siedliska of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth order in 1887, as two buildings were purchased for a school and convent. The school served not only high school-aged girls, but grade schoolers as well.

Evening classes were also held during the early years, with sewing, embroidering, and music were some of the courses offered for those attending. The school also accepted day and boarding students, with a new building erected in 1892.

The high school section became a four-year institution in 1902, which saw an increase in enrollment. By 1908, Holy Family Academy had to be remodeled on account of those additional students. Later in 1927, a newer building was built to add classrooms.

Even as World War II was coming to a close in 1945, there was still a need for more classroom space that led to the ending of accepting boarding students at Holy Family. Grade school students were no longer accepted after 1964 to accomodate the "baby boomers" at the high school level.

The school remained open until it closed its doors in the spring of 1988. Mark Figueroa tells is that the Holy Family High School building is still standing and is used by the Near North Montessori School (http://www.nnms.org/).

FACTS ABOUT CHICAGO HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY

Year opened: 1887

Year 4-yr high school opened: 1902

New building opened: 1927

Boarding stopped: 1945

End of grade school students: 1964

Closed for good: 1988

School colors: Blue & Gold

School nickname: the "Angels"

School song: "We're Loyal to You HFA"

Courtesy of Loretta Josefowski

ATHLETICS AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

It is possible that Holy Family could have offered interscholastic activities to its young ladies, especially when the IHSA began offering state tournaments in a number of sports during the early and mid-1970's. We would like to find out more about the athletic and extra-curricular activities that the school could have offered while its' doors were open. Please contact us at the addresses below.

**From Kathleen:

"I graduated from HFA in 1961. There was an intra-mural basketball competiton with an academy in Momence, Illinois during the 4 years I attended."

MEMORIES

**From Soltrini Ramirez:

"The school mascot was the Angel. I also know the words to the school song. I have fondest memory of my high school. Holy Family Academy years were the best years of my life!"

**From an Anonymous Alum:

"I will always remember Sr. Gamma, my Geometry teacher at Holy Family Academy 1960-1964. She was my inspiration for majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science and making my science-based career choices in my later years. Thank you, Sr. Gamma!"

From Madelyn Malinowski (1949-1957)

"I attended HFA Grade School from first-eighth grade. It was a wonderful experience. I remember so many wonderful events.

"In first grade I recall being honored to be a leader for the First Communicants and later receiving my First Communion in that wonderful chapel. I also remember making visits in the Little Chapel where there was a small statue of Jesus with resplendent clothes.

"I studied dance with Miss Layla in addition to learning how to do the Krakowiak for the Christmas program. The sisters who taught me were wonderful people. They encouraged us to stretch and be creative. The students made substantial accomplishments for their age groups.

"My favorite remembrance is when the weather would get nicer that we would have gym class in the swimming pool. What a treat! I still remember the sign on the door to the pool --Natatorium.

"What a great school that grounded me in my life. Thank you for keeping the memeories of HFA alive."

IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY...

then now is your chance to share the information that we need. Items such as words to the school song, any proof of athletic teams, and even a photo of the school buildings is greatly appreciated. Please email us with your information at dr.veeman@gmail.com or by clicking on this Guest Commentary link. You can also send items thru the mail at the following address:

Illinois High School Glory Days

6439 North Neva

Chicago, IL 60631

Holy Family Academy

Credit: Lake County Discovery Museum/Curt Teich Postcard Archives