Northeast Route 2001

        When we drove up to St. Mary’s Mission we first went into the old chapel that was built by a Jesuit Priest, known to the Indians as a “Black Robe,” named Father Ravalli.  Father Ravalli made almost everything in the church including a statue of the mother Mary, a statue of St. Ignatius made of cloth and tar, and also the altar.  After the lady was finished talking we split up into four groups and went to different places of the mission.  We visited the cemetery, gallery, Father Ravalli’s house, his office, pharmacy, and the only surviving tree that the Indians planted. 

          Father Ravalli’s house had many of the original furnishings.  It had original books, chairs, and bed stands.  His pharmacy was hooked on to his house.  It contained his old bottles, and he even had the first “drive up" window.  His quarters had two floors, but after his stroke he only stayed in the lower level.  Overall the mission was interesting, but we wish we had more time there to explore on our own. 

Photos are here!