Dear Friends,

On January 8 we began the long dreamed about and discussed renovations of the "old house," which was formerly the second home of the Elmira Country Club. Looking in our files we discovered some tidbits of historical interest. The house was built in 1909 on land formerly part of the Baker farm, and purchased by George W. Hoffman on April 6, 1874. Following George's death, Harry N. Hoffman and Henry M. Clarke conveyed the property to the Elmira Country Club on December 2, 1908. Along with the newly built clubhouse, the property eventually had a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts and riding trails. On October 8, 1921, the clubhouse along with four acres of property passed to Edward K and Sarah J. Bottle for the sum of $2.00. The deed was signed by the club president, George W. Wyckoff, and the secretary Fred Jewett. The house had been left vacant and overgrown for three years before we bought it on July 1, 1944, for $9,500.
By the turn of the millennium the old house had become in dire need of new wiring, plumbing and accommodation to our present needs. Structurally it is still very sound, and architecturally interesting, not to mention all the wonderful memories it holds from our past. Planning the renovations and seeing them take shape has been very exciting. As walls and panels were dismantled it was like a trip back in time to envision the former ballroom with French doors, and find an exquisite sample of original hand-painted wallpaper. As days passed the white tongue and groove ceiling of the surrounding porch emerged, and in one place we found the February 15, 1945, signature of Fred Kohberger, who had done work for the first sisters. In opening one wall, we discovered a New York Times newspaper from 1925. Its top news included the funeral of Alexandra "the beloved," The wife of Edward VII of England, and the discovery of an ancient tomb in the pyramids. Mink coats were then selling for $950, and women's dresses for $15.

The large parlor was ready in time to hold the Alter of Repose on Holy Thursday. The remainder of the first floor will be completed by June, when we plan to hold a small Open House.

We intend to renovate one floor at a time so as to better absorb the cost, and not totally disrupt our contemplative life by having to remove the furnishings from rooms we are still using. If you are able to contribute to this long-range project we would be most grateful for your help.

February 27 was the date Bishop Clark appointed for our prioral election. The term of prioress is three years with the possibility of one reelection. Sr. Mary of the Sacred Heart had completed her six year term and the community elected Sr. David Marie to succeed her. Sister brings a warm and happy spirit to our community, which many of our friends will remember from when she held this office before.

One would expect Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart to want a little rest after six years off service, yet she continues to be busy at the sewing machine as usual. You all know that sister makes beautiful quilts, about 80 to date. But she is also talented in re-upholstering furniture. Over the years friends and relatives have given us old chairs. Recently sister cast a critical eye on all these sadly worn pieces and began to upholster them for places in our new parlors. So far she has restored 21 chairs! These included two harp-backed dining room chairs, and we are in search of another
pair. So if anyone has two stored away that match this picture design, please let us know. We would be happy to have them. All of this furniture was crafted of hard wood in a beautiful style, so it is indeed a pleasure to see them come into use again.

We are not so easily renewed in each other's eyes as a piece of furniture, yet God's grace continually is at work in us to mold us into his image. We all age in various ways, but for the Christian, the heart can be always new through the gift of the Holy Spirit. What he brings to us is life-giving: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, truthfulness, gentleness and self-control (cf. Gal. 5:22). Our novena for Pentecost will begin on May 10. Please be sure to send us your intentions.

Your Elmira Dominican Sisters