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The Ursulines
The Ursulines are a Roman Catholic religious order of women whose members are devoted to teaching.It was founded at Brescia, Italy, in 1535 by St. Angela Merici, who, along with 28 companions, placed themselves under the protection of St. Ursula, a legendary 4th century martyr whose cult was popular in medieval Europe.
According to the story, St Ursula was a British princess who made a pilgrimage to Rome accompanied by numerous virgins, and was killed with them by the Huns near Cologne, now in Germany.
The Ursuline Order was introduced to North America in 1639 when Marie Guyard (Marie of the Incarnation) established a congregation at Quebec.
In 1851 several Ursulines left France to educate young native girls at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The mission was not a success; the Sisters subsequently establishing themselves at Chatham in 1860.
In 1908 their responsibilities included Windsor, working as teachers in some of the area's Catholic schools. A frame house on Ouellette Avenue, near the southeast corner of Elliott, was eventually purchased for use as a convent and music academy. The site is now occupied by the main branch of the Windsor Public Library.
By 1919 convent space was at a premium. When the charming home of Tracy W. McGregor became available-offering spectacular views of the river and breath-taking sunsets-Mother Clare, superior-general of the Ursulines, could hardly contain her excitement.
A large and well-built structure, with a distinctive red-tiled roof, it had been an area landmark for years. To the rear was an attractive garage and gate-keeper's house, both harmonizing architecturally with the main house.
Surrounding the buildings were nearly 7 acres of manicured lawn, delightfully landscaped with a variety of trees, flowers, and shrubbery.
A narrow rutted road known as Ottawa Street (Wyandotte Street) lay beyond, followed by 63 acres of farm, extending all the way to Tecumseh Road.
Mother Clare eagerly contacted her widowed mother, Josephine Gaukler, of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Considered 'financially well-off', Mrs. Gaukler acquired the farm for the Ursulines.