Rev. Francis J. Hart, S.J. Papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SC077-HART

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains the personal papers of Rev. Francis Hart and includes his personal correspondence mostly with his mother, retreat notes, and copies of some of his sermons. It also holds photographs of Fr. Hart and his family. Additionally, the collection contains personal mementos such as certificates commentrating his 25 and 50 years of service to Holy Cross, his stopwatch, a cartoon dedicated to Fr. Hart by the Class of 1949, a stole, and Holy Cross Varsity Club Member paperweight. Materials date from 1917 to 1986.

Dates

Creation: 1917-1986

Creator

Hart, Francis J., S.J., Rev., 1899-1986 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions

Conditions Governing Use

Materials believed to be under copyright or other restrictions are available for limited noncommercial, educational and personal use only, or for fair use as defined by United States copyright law and with proper citation. Please note that the College of the Holy Cross may not hold the rights to all items in this collection. Users assume responsibility for identifying all copyright holders and for determining whether permission is needed to make any use of the content. For permission under rights held by the College, please contact archives@holycross.edu.

Biographical Note

Francis J. Hart was born on December 3, 1899 in Haverhill, MA and was the son of Michael J. and Catherine (Tobin) Hart. He first came to Holy Cross as a freshman in 1917 and spent two years at the college before entering the Society of Jesus on September 12, 1918. He was ordained at Weston College on June 16, 1931. Fr. Hart taught at Holy Cross as a Latin and English instructor from 1932 to 1940 and later from 1946 to 1953. He became student counselor in 1940 and held this position for 24 years. Additionally, he was an associate chaplain and was well known for leading student retreats. Hart was most well known for his involvement with the college’s intramural program, which was started in 1933. Initially, he was named the associate director but became the director in 1940 and served in that capacity until his death. In 1973, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Holy Cross Varsity Club and in the following year, the new athletic complex, The Rev. Francis J. Hart Recreational Center was named in honor of Fr. Hart. He died on February 3, 1986.

Extent

2.38 Cubic Feet (2 document boxes, 1 flat box, 1 postcard box, 1 flat folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Acquisition Note

Most of the materials in the collection were transferred to the Archives and Distinctive Collections after the death of Fr. Hart in 1986. Additional materials were transferred in 2018.