Into the Past: Celebrating History, Fellowship and Faith at St. Therese School By: Jennifer Much Inside a well-known brick building nestled on Wisconsin Avenue, are 36,000 square feet of history and memories. While it is now set to be demolished, St. Therese School will always be an iconic treasure to the community and its 3,600 alumni. In August, alumni were invited to once again walk the halls, explore the classrooms and reminisce with former classmates. Stories were exchanged and boisterous laughs filled the rooms as individuals gathered to pay tribute to their school. Following self-guided tours, the group came together in fellowship and faith for a Mass in the school's honor. A Humbling History From 1928-1984, St. Therese School warmly welcomed thousands of children, teachers, parents, clergy and volunteers. The land on which it rests was purchased in the summer of 1923 for $15,000, a considerable amount for the time, and ground was broken for the building in April of 1927. The two-story building, constructed of limestone walls and red bricks, was crafted in a Neogothic Revival-style architecture. The church was located on the first floor, and on the second was a collection of six classrooms. Originally, a new rectory was built and in 1953 the building layout expanded, providing eight additional classrooms. While a majority of the founding families stemmed from German heritage, the school welcomed parishioners of all backgrounds during its fifty-six year run, an encouraging practice that continues now with the church. The school once went up to eighth grade, employing teachers from the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc, of whom alumni express fond memories. In 1984, the school closed following an unfortunate decline in enrollment and a continual spike in operating costs.
Cherishing Unforgettable Memories For former students, there is no shortage of happy memories. Alumna Jill Nagel recalled a favorite of her own: recess. “I remember playing Red Rover,” said Nagel, “but mostly when we were allowed on the boys' side, we played marbles," she said, adding that they used beautiful cat eye marbles and silver colored steelies. At the time, the playground designated separate areas for boys and girls. “Depending on who was the nun or teacher out there, sometimes they let us mingle,” said Nagel. In addition to getting to know her peers, Nagel also appreciated her educators. “Sister Karen and Mrs. Rossmeissl were so kind to me when my dad was sick, '' Nagel said. Through her years at the school, Nagel also developed many close friendships. “Although we don’t see each other much, many of us are still friends today,” she said. Alumna Mary Dexheimer Ellenbecker also found companionship amongst her classmates. “Friends that I met at St. Therese are still friends 50+ years later, “ said Ellenbecker. In addition to friendship, Ellenbecker found a solid foundation for her faith. “For many years we attended Mass every day” she said, “our priests and nuns were our guidance to be Christ-like.” Ellenbecker remembers the endless encouragement to respect her elders, follow instructions, and learn self-discipline. “We looked forward to receiving all the sacraments available to us,” said Ellenbecker, “I believe I am a better Christian because of my eight years at St. Therese.” Looking back, Ellenbecker talked about donning a dress each day, noting that St. Therese was the only Catholic school without uniforms. There were also recollections of special field trips, and receiving tuberculosis tests and shots in school - a true mark of a different time. Even more, she reflected on singing in choir. "In 8th grade, we finally were in the choir loft in church and got to sing for midnight Mass on Christmas Eve" said Ellenbecker, "what an honor 14-years-old and so grown up."
