Students spent one half of the day learning vocational activities, the other half on school subjects. Those completing the sixth grade often stayed in school to help teach or work at various jobs on campus. Others went to work in Phoenix homes; this was known as the “outing system.” Isabel Mathilda Kisto, shown here in May 1919, conducted the first day school at Santan, and then moved on to AkChin, where she taught for 26 years.

LAB MSS-153/8:24
Two of St. John's babies

LAB MSS-153/8:23

Isabel Kisto is also shown here with her 1916-1917 class of “the babies.” The second girl from her right is her sister, Listiana.

The mission was expected to be self-sufficient so there was heavy emphasis on teaching the fundamentals of farming, dairying, plastering, painting, sewing and weaving, nursing, cooking, and music. Fr. Augustine photographed some of the activities.

LAB MSS-153/8:28 Fr. Augustine’s trusty Dodge and his interpreter, Clement

LAB MSS-153/9:46 Fr. Augustine and Br. Frietag “On the Arizona ‘Beer’ Wagon. The contents are straight from the well. It is a blessing we have that much here in the desert”

LAB MSS-153/9:49 Cattle and a day-old cow, n.d.

LAB MSS-153/9:50 The mission menagerie; the “x” marks Fr.Augustine’s cat

LAB MSS-153/10:51 “New electric plant, 3 kw, air cooled kerosene engine, Fine!”

LAB MSS-153/8:32 Shoemakers, 1915-1917

St. John's Continued