[1] In 1881, plans for a free school were developed and an initial donation of $2,000 was provided by Michael Reap.

[1][3][2] The fire raged until approximately 3:00 P.M.[2] None were harmed except for two firefighters with foot injuries and five that suffered from smoke inhalation.

A malfunctioning city alarm system delayed arrival of some of the firefighters and water pressure hindered volunteers from fighting the fire.

[3][4] During the fire, some of the boys went back into the building to save records and a statue of the Virgin Mary.

On September 1, 1976, management of the operations of the school became shared across 24 parishes in the general area of Pittston.