School Play, St. James Academy, Brooklyn, 1856

St. James Academy, downtown Brooklyn, as seen in the late 1800’s. This school for boys was established by the DeLaSalle Christian Brothers in 1851. In 1933, it was moved to Brooklyn’s Fort Greene section and renamed Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, which is still in existence.

SCHOOL EXHIBITION.
The Brooklyn Eagle, June 24, 1856


The fourth annual exhibition and distribution of premiums to the pupils of St. James’ School, under the direction of the Christian Brothers, took place at the Museum last night. The house was crowded with the parents and friends of the pupils, and all present seemed gratified at the proficiency exhibited by the scholars. The “Star Spangled Banner,” “Columbia, thou land Great and Glorious,” and “God Save the Union,” were sung by the boys in a manner which showed that they fully endorsed the patriotic sentiments contained in them. A number of dialogues were recited in a very creditable manner by Masters J. Shaw, C. Doody, J. Brannigan, T. Gleavy, J. Murray, B. McCormick, T. Hogan, A. Kennedy, J. McAvoy, J. Cunningham, W. Ostermayer and J. Ferdinand. The “Murmuring Sea,” a duet, was sung by Masters Holding and Ostermayer. About a dozen of the pupils with violins performed the overture from “Norma,” as also an “Oratori,” from Lambillotte. Two dramas were performed by the boys in a manner that would do credit to older heads. The following is the cast of

THE WHITE HORSE OF THE PEPPERS
Colonel Chesham……………… J. McAvoy.
Major Hans Mansfeld…………. John Green.
Darby Donahue………………… A. Conway.
Phelim………………………….. J. Wickem.
Portreeve……………………….. T. Hogan.
Gerald Pepper…………………… F. Kerrigan.
Rafferty…………………………. T. Doody
Peasants, &c.;

“The Model School,” a humorous dialogue, was very well given, the boys being perfectly “at home,” in their annoyances to their teacher, and in their internal dissensions among themselves. The exhibition, which was a complete success, and which reflects great credit on the Christian Brothers, and also on Professor CHARLES EBERTS, Music Teacher of St. James’ School, closed with the sacred drama in three acts of

BALTASSAR
DRAMATIS PERSONAE.
Baltassar, king of Babylon………… J. Ferdinand.
Soramus, Prime Counsellor………… T. Gleavy.
Daniel, the Jewish Prophet…………. J. Nevin.
First Courtier……………………….. J. Donlon.
Second and Third Courtiers…………B. Kelly and P. Shield
Fourth and Fifth Courtiers………….. J. Green and B. Campbell
First & Second Astrologers………….B. McCormick, J. McAvoy

A fine band was in attendance, and performed some excellent music during the evening.