Traditions...Memories
Fall 2000-Memories of Father Costa….from Ruth Kelly Mitchell
I am a former student of St. Mary's school, which I attended from 1912-1914.
Father Costa was a regular visitor at the school. Sister Rose Teresa often had me meet him in the vestibule and take his high black stiff top hat, and escort him to our room. He visited our school often and looked very aristocratic in his long black coat and high hat. He also carried his fancy cane, I don't believe he was lame, but the can certainly added to his appearance.
Often times when he was at St. Mary's school he would stop at our house. My sister was doing very well at her piano lessons, and played for him. He was an accomplished musician, and would play for us after he heard her play. He was a classical pianist, and would use the loud pedal when he played. It was the custom then to have photographs on top of the piano. As he played, one by one the photographs would fall and my giggling sisters would whisper “Thre goes grandpa, there goes Aunt Mary.” As he played most of the photos fell.
We enjoyed his visits and the beautiful music he played for us. I will never forget Father Costa. I am now 94 years old, and fondly remember St. Mary's and those early days.
Note: St. Mary's School was built in 1891, and is still standing on the corner of Seminary and Third Street.
Class of 1914
