Marymount Military Academy, new east wing extension to grounds. Marymount, the only military school in the state of Washington, was located south of Tacoma and conducted by the Dominican Sisters. The Dominican Sisters, a teaching order, purchased "Shangarry," the 97 acre country estate of the late J. Shields, in 1920. Ground was broken on 7/1/1922 for a modern $200,000 Catholic school for boys. Architects Lundberg & Mahon of Tacoma contributed the plans. The school was dedicated in May of 1923 and the central building officially named St. Edwards Hall, Marymount. It replaced the Dominican St. Edwards Hall for Boys in Tacoma, which opened in 1907.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Marymount Military Academy, new east wing extension on grounds. Marymount was the only military school for boys in the state of Washington. The school was also a charter member of the National Rifle Association. The five building structure in the Lombardine Mission style was nestled in the trees on the original J. Shields estate "Shangarry," purchased by the Dominican Sisters in 1920. The Sisters ran the academic side of the school with a teacher-pupil ratio of 1-6. The academic standards were very high, while the military regimen and physical requirements were intended to mold the boys' characters.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Marymount Military Academy, new east wing extension on grounds. Marymount was dedicated to the development of its young male student's characters, using the military training to develop habits of obedience, neatness, promptness and self-reliance. Marymount was named for "Mary," the mother of Jesus, and the inspiring view of "Mount" Tacoma seen from campus. The school existed as an academic entity for 54 years, originally as a military academy for boys preschool - 9th grade. In 1974, the Dominican Sisters decided that the military, warlike aspect of the school was not the correct image for a Catholic school and the Academy became primarily a boarding school catering to the wealthy. It no longer took younger students, only those in the 6th - 9th grade and eventually took day students also. The school closed in 1976, but the Sisters retained the property for some time after that. TPL-9702

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Marymount Military Academy. The $200,000 modern Catholic Boys School was dedicated in May of 1923. The original school was a spacious two story structure of five buildings in Lombardine Mission style. It had a modern gym, pool and infirmary, as well as horse trails and stables, shooting ranges and playing fields. In addition, almost all food consumed here was raised at the school. Enrollment fluctuated over the years, but the school was designed to accomodate 150 boarding students from age 6-16. TPL-9103

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Group of men and boys at rifle range. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the military academy where men and boys joined together to show their skills at shooting, riding and swimming. The Academy existed for 54 years. In was dedicated in May of 1923 as St. Edward's Hall, Marymount. In 1974, the school dropped its military aspect and became a boarding school catering primarily to the wealthy. The school closed in 1976.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Two small boys dressed in military outfits stood bearing arms under the watchful eye of two men, one in uniform, on Big Buddy Day, Feb.22,1940, at Marymount Military Academy. Marymount, a Catholic boys' school near Spanaway, was the only military school in the state of Washington and a charter member of the National Rifle Association. Big Buddy Day was an annual event where boys and men could participate in shooting, riding, swimming, basketball and exhibitions such as this one. Students ranged from preschool (age 6) to 9th grade. The school, which was run by the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, was small, with an total enrollment that was usually under 100. The man in uniform at the far left is Jim Cashion, a Marine Reserve commanding officer employed by Marymount. The little soldier to the right is Robert H. Gilroy, Jr., with his father, Robert, Sr., behind him.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway; Gilroy, Robert H.; Cashion, James;

Two small boys dressed in military outfits stood bearing arms on Big Buddy Day, Feb.22,1940, at Marymount Military Academy. Marymount, a Catholic boys' school near Spanaway, was the only military school in the state of Washington and a charter member of the National Rifle Association. Big Buddy Day was an annual event where boys and men could participate in shooting, riding, swimming, basketball and exhibitions such as this one. Students ranged from preschool (age 6) to 9th grade. The school, which was run by the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, was small, with an total enrollment that was usually under 100. The little soldier to the left is Robert H. Gilroy, Jr., with his father, Robert, Sr., seated beside him.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway; Gilroy, Robert H.;

Big Buddy Day Marymount Military Academy. Norton Clapp, left, with tennis racket shakes hands with a young tennis player over the net on the academy's tennis courts. Building in background. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the Academy where men and boys could participate in sports and programs together. The school had rigid standards in academics and athletics. The teacher-student ratio was 1-6. By 1974, the military designation and uniforms were dropped and the school became primarily a boarding school catering to the wealthy.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway; Clapp, Norton, 1906-1995;

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Two young men shooting rifles from ground position at rifle range. Group of men and boys crowd under wooden shelter to observe activity. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the school. As military school students, the boys were expected to develop as marksmen and athletes. School enrollment fluctuated over the years, but the school was designed to accomodate no more than 150 students from ages 6-16. The school closed in 1976, a victim of declining enrollment and increased costs.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Guitarist surrounded by large group of singing men and boys. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the Academy, where men and boys joined together to ride, shoot, swim, play basketball and participate in group activities. Marymount was a military boarding school for boys ages 6-16. The school had high academic standards and was dedicated to developing the character of students. Many former students went on to hold high offices in government, business and education.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Two men with three boys on horseback near grove of fir trees. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the military school where men and boys participated together in shooting, riding, swimming, basketball and other events. Marymount was the only military school in the state of Washington and was run by the Dominican Sisters, a teaching order.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;