Tucked away on the lower level of Providence Hall lies a treasure chest of old artifacts with historic significance. Aisle after aisle of gray shelves yields decades of OLLU history. From the records of former presidents to the personal belongings of the founding sisters who established the university, this room contains a little bit of everything.

The woman in charge of keeping the archives in order is Sister Casilda Hyzak. After working seven years at the archives, she is still surprised at the history it yields. The former librarian at St. Martin Hall now devotes her time to organizing the archives.

“I love to research,” Hyzak said. “My main work is research, which is why I decided to work here.”

The tour of the archive begins with a look at OLLU’s participation in San Antonio’s Battle of Flowers Parade. In a delicate brown leather-bound album are pictures dating as far back as 1917. The faded photos reveal women in gowns staring back as the pages of the book are turned. Next is a large float in the shape of a boat named “The Good Ship” with a banner baring the name OLL College. Also included in the album, a Texas flag made up of OLL students wearing marching band uniforms dated 1936.

Hyzak explains that the archives feature early photographs of students as well as university yearbooks which bear the titles “Margil” and “Cornerstone.”

“They have the most beautiful pages, they are beautifully made, and it must have been very expensive to print,” Hyzak said.

The archives have issues of the university yearbook from 1914-1932 when it was called “Margil.” The thin books show the original architecture of the university before there was a UWAC and newer dormitories. The largest difference in these photos has to do with the bridge that crosses Elmendorf Lake.

“There was no 24th Street,” Hysak said. “Back then you would have to park on Commerce and then walk over the bridge.”

Other publications housed in the archives are newsletters, a publication called “The Palms” dating back to 1927, and issues of the former OLL newspaper titled “The Phoenix.”

“I think it is interesting to see how many times the titles have changed,” Haysak said while looking through the collection of old papers.

There are also various artifacts in the archives, including a 100-year-old ruby-colored paperweight belonging to Sister Angelique and delicate knitting done by Sister Philothea Thiry, of whom the art building is named after.

Other rarities include a bell used to wake up the students for Mass and original bricks from Main building and boiler rooms. There are also songbooks from OLL Academy and hymnal books as well.

The archives exist not only as a safe haven for OLLU history, but as a service for the university students. Hysak explained how she and her staff can look up information in the archives for students who are interested.

With the rise of technology, Hysak has noticed, “there just aren’t that many things on hard copy anymore,” meaning fewer items are being sent to the archives.

However, it is the goal of the archives’ staff to convert as much information as they can into digital form.
           
For now, the archives remain a trove of information and history, waiting to be read, explored, and seen once again.