Founded in 1874 by the Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Mary Convent and Academy is one of the outstanding Educational Institutions of the Middle West. The original Convent building was erected by the Mormons to serve as an arsenal, and later was used as a communal kitchen and machine shop by the Icarians. It is now part of the Academy proper. Villa Marie, a beautiful 24 room structure was built to be a rectory and retreat house for priests. This property was acquired by the Academy in 1938, and now serves as a dormitory for Senior and Junior high school girls.