The Minim Department

What do you know about the ‘minim department’? I had never heard of the ‘minims’ until Amy Minnick shared a link!

“For nearly ninety years, Notre Dame consisted of three departments:  Senior (collegiate, ages 17+), Junior (preparatory, ages 12-17), and Minim (grammar school, under the age of 12).  It was possible to arrive at Notre Dame at the age of six and not leave until after graduating from the Senior Department at the age of twenty-two.  Or, as in the case of Jimmy Edwards, some never left.  For some years, the University Bulletins listed the ages of students enrolled at Notre Dame [see the Student Index].  The earliest age listed is Roscoe Clarke of Denver, Colorado, at 3 ½ years old in 1893.

Lay women were in charge of the education and care of the Minims until the Sisters of the Holy Cross took over in 1863.  During the 1860s-1870s, the number of students in the Minim Department generally hovered around thirty to forty students. With growing numbers, St. Edward’s Hall became their home in 1882.

In 1883, the number of the Minim Department finally reached an enrollment of one hundred students and was the cause of much celebration at Notre Dame.  With no coincidence, the celebration was planned for November 24, the forty-first anniversary of the arrival of Rev. Edward Sorin, CSC, at Notre Dame.  Fr. Sorin looked fondly upon the boys and their accomplishments and enthusiasm.  He often spoiled them with special treats such as oranges and candy and they heartily honored Fr. Sorin on Founder’s Day.” Go to the source to learn more: The Minim Department – University of Notre Dame Archives