Sr. Inez paints a vivid picture of the unforgettable summer festival held in July 1951. Despite a stormy start, the community's resilience shone through:
“On the Friday before the Festival, the large 40 x 80 tent was erected in a spot east of Tormey Hall. During the course of the afternoon, there was a veritable cloud burst. The roof of the tent had been allowed to sag since a tree prevented the tent from being drawn taut. The result was most disastrous. Gallons of water lodged in the folds of the tent and began to run down into the tent making what was to be the grounds of the festival a veritable swamp.
Dismayed, but not discouraged, the men took the tent down on Saturday morning and erected it on top of the blacktop outside the garage. The garage itself, with the cars removed, made a fine place for the bar where 7 oz. bottles of beer were sold.
The refreshment booth was placed outside Tormey Hall. Plans had been to keep people from using Tormey Hall, but as this was impossible, they were permitted to use the dining room as a place for eating lunch. All who came in and sat down were very quiet and respectful; the same attitude prevailed on the grounds and in St. John cottage which was open for inspection all day Sunday.
Sunday, July 29th, was a perfect day-in fact, it was the most perfect day of the entire Summer. This was in answer to the children’s prayers.
The crowds were jovial, good spenders. The Associated Press estimated the crowd had reached its peak around 5 pm with about 5,000 people present.
All in all, the Summer festival was a success far beyond our fondest dreams. Clear proceeds were $13,227.21."