Records Relating to Rev. Victor Nicolle, Superi... | Saint Michael's College Archives & Special Collections

The 1936 Chapter elected Victor Nicolle to a second term as Superior General. His second term, which lasted 10 years due to World War II, was an expansive time for the Society. This term marks the transformation of the Society from a primarily French society to one centered in America. For the first time, correspondence is primarily in English rather than French. Fr Nicolle planted new North American apostolates , most of which were maintained for much of the twentieth century. New missions began in Selma, Alabama in 1937, and later in other spots in Alabama and North Carolina. The Society also took on an English speaking apostolate in Quebec. Expansion within Vermont occurred as well, with the Society acquiring more land and expanding works to other parts of the state, including Southern Vermont. It also added a formal seminary program to its Formation program in Vermont. The Society still managed to maintain a presence in France, including a novitiate at Pontigny, despite World War II. In 1946 the Society held its first General Chapter in 10 years, the 1942 chapter having been postponed because of the War. This Chapter elected Fr. Jeremiah Purtill Superior General, and Fr. Nicolle stepped down. Nicolle returned to France and spent his remaining years there. This subgroup consists almost entirely of correspondence. This correspondence is particularly important in understanding the growth and breadth of the Society during its formative years. The series is most likely incomplete, since Nicolle reportedly asked that recipients destroy all his correspondence. It is clear many did not follow this directive. Most correspondence is arranged chronologically and a calendar is available, but material from the South is arranged into a separate sub-series and does not have a calendar. Correspondence with other local administrations is located with the Local Administration record group. The South files provide great insight into the development of the Selma Mission. Correspondence included in this sub-series is that which accumulated in the Superior General’s office. Most originated in the South, although copies of outgoing mail are sometimes included.