Bungalow - Mother Praxedes

Where Mother Praxedes lived - she was founder of the Loretto Academy in El Paso, Texas. When she moved to El Paso in 1922, at the age of 68, Mother Praxedes faced another financial challenge. Although the property had been purchased and the new school had been planned, funds for construction were not available. She single handedly succeeded in raising the money to build Loretto Academy. It took fourteen years to complete the three main units of the complex. Mother Praxedes was tireless in her efforts to obtain money for construction. She traveled back to St. Louis against doctor's orders to secure a loan of $80,000.00 for completion of the project. During that time she slipped and broke her hip, an injury from which she never fully recovered. She directed the remainder of the project from her bed until she died in 1933. While construction continued, Loretto Academy held its first registration on September 10, 1923, and held its first class on September 11, 1923.

Area: Central / Austin Terrace

Source: Loretto Academy

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History