schools – Jacksonville Blogger

Lackawana Elementary School # 10

3108 Lenox Avenue

School number 10 is listed on the “List of Schools and Year Built” sheet as being there in 1890. The Seaboard coastline train business had rails that ran along Mcduff Avenue in the 1890’s. This rail brought many south and west from up north .

The term Lackawanna was often used up north with rail yards dating to the mid 1800’s. Names such as “Lackawanna Railroad”, “Lackawanna West and Bloomberg Railroad” and the “Delaware, Lackawanna Railroad” of 1853 were a few of the Lackawanna names. It is not known exactly where the name Lackawanna came from in terms of naming the school, however it is quite possible from the rail business being brought down from the north that the area of Lackawanna was named in keeping with its important use of trains, rails and the like.

In the 1940’s the Lackawanna area began to grow with not only train travel but also bus lines and new home construction. Additions were made to the building and a new school was constructed in 1911. Lackawanna was a school for White children.

In 1962, Judge Bryan Simpson ruled that segregation was outlawed and ordered that the county provide a plan for system-wide integration of schools. Lackawanna was part of that plan and in 1963 Lackawanna integrated with Donal Godfrey being the first student at Lackawanna along with 12 other Black students to attend the school.

In 2010 it served as the Lackawanna Alternative Education Center for about 103 students grades 9-12. The school is currently closed and used as storage.

It is important to note that the 1911 school was designed by the Black architect of Jacksonville, R. L. Brown.

R. L. Brown, architect

See you tomorrow,

Sources: Jaxpychogeo . Com, UNF digitalcommons, Florida Memory, Denver Public library, Personal visit.

If you believe you are a copyright owner or can help with information regarding this article, including to clarify rights or information issues, please contact me. We are willing to remove any item from public view if there is any concern regarding ownership.

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March 31

Ortega Elementary School # 16 – 100 Years

4010 Baltic Street

1923

Josef de Ortega, the Judge Advocate for East Florida when John Houston McIntosh purchased Don Juan McQueen’s plantation would be proud. His namesake celebrated, with great fanfare, a huge 100 year birthday in 2023.

Ortega Elementary School, located on Baltic Street, began as a simple white frame building along the northwest corner of Longfellow and Arapahoe Streets in the fall of 1923. That building, with area street names such as Harvard, Baltic, Princeton and various Indian names like Mohegan, Appalachee, Pawnee and more, would serve the school for many years. The Works Progress Administration offered assistance for schools and in 1935 a new auditorium was built.

The junior high school grew rapidly and in 1950, two wings were added with classrooms and bathrooms. In the fall of 1987 portable classrooms expanded the campus. It was used for elementary school children. In 1995, the enrolment was at 350 K-5. Enrollment remains steady for the K-5 school is at and is called a “Museum Magnet”.

Dale Chambliss, 1964-1970 student talks with Martha King, class of 1942.

Kathy Dagenais Hanberry (2nd left) spent spent 14 years working at Ortega School . Cindy Thompson, (center-blue top) former principal 1995-2005. Jennifer Brawn (3rd left-tan dress), former principal at the school.

Former students of Ortega…

Former students of Ortega…

Melody Brunson, Debbie Atlee, Sharon Caruso share time together as their children attended the school.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Duval Public Schools, Florida Memory, Personal visit to school.

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March 28

Forest Park Elementary School # 104

Now a charter school called “Jacksonville Classical Academy”.

2043 Forest Street

Old schools demolished and rebuilt on the same property

The original Forest Park Elementary School # 104 was built at the corner of Forest and Goodwin in 1954 in what is called Mixon Town. The building was one of the schools listed in the Negro Schools of Duval County booklet of 1955 and erected as one of the “separate but equal” schools. In 1954 the Supreme Court deemed segregated schools unconstitutional which called for the desegregation of children including transferring and bussing. Forest Park was built to house some 1,000 school children.Sylvia wrote on a Facebook link, “We were the last class at Forest Park. We were separated by our last names to attend (the other schools.). We were put on a yellow bus.”

Florida School Bus, 1950’s-60’s…(Photo-Florida Memory)

That comment and others are on “Forest Park Elementary School Alumni” Facebook page with over 500 members. The love for their former school and teachers is obvious even though there were concerns regarding the property.

The positive comments reflect their love for their teachers and staff members. One who turned 100 years old in 2020 was Catherine Whitehead Terry. Greg wrote of her: “ ‘Loved Ms. Whitehead, she was a very special, caring teacher and made us feel so special”. Patricia wrote of her, “She was one of my favorite teachers at Forest Park”. Harriet wrote, “She was a very good teacher”. Greg wrote: “ Not only a very special teacher, she was a very special person who cared about people period”.

Forest Park Facebook Grab from Alumni Page

Other comments include a great many about the “garbage landfill” nearby and the stench from it. For example, Henry wrote. “ I remember the garbage dump next to the school, the door and smoke when they burned trash or the smell from Jones Chambliss , or the smell from the 3 chicken houses or the smell from the McCoys creek, we would have to close the windows when the smell got too bad”.

Houses across the street from the current school in 2023. (Ramey Collection).

According to an “Abandoned Florida” website writing, the city dumped combustion ash which was spread around the area including in the nearby McCoy’s Creek. The writer wrote: “The EPA’s investigation found ash deposits in the ground soil typically less than 2 feet thick but was as thick as 10 feet deep in some areas. The deepest ash deposits were located adjacent to McCoy Creek. While the Forest Street Incinerator Site covered approximately 10.5 acres, the total area impacted by the ash was approximately 27 to 29 acres.” As a result, Forest Park and Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary with a similar concern were permanently closed. Following closure, cleanup groups began digging up soil and later demolishing Forest Park school.

The new school-Jacksonville Classical Academy (Ramey Collection 2023)

Today, Google indicates that Mixon Town has a population of some 1,205 residents. In riding through the neighborhood, it remains predominately Black. On Sunday the parking lot of the area church was full with congregants going in and out. Many homes in the area have been recently purchased and new construction is going up in pockets of the area. Behind the school there remains a lot of large equipment including dump trucks, excavators, backhoes and more so work is still being done.

Macedonia Church diagonal to the school property. (Ramey Collection)

The new Forest Park school which opened in 2020 under the name “Jacksonville Classical Academy” has begun serving K-6 with approximately 500 students attending selected by random lottery. Grades are being added and over time is expected to house K-12th grades.

According to the charter school website: The Jacksonville Classical Academy is a “charter school and accredited by the NCA, Cognia organization and promoted by Hillsdale College with this comment on their website: Jacksonville Classical Academy (JXC) has been supported from the start up until now by the Barney Charter School Initiative (BCSI) of Hillsdale College and have met their benchmarks along the way. JXC receives training and support from BCSI each year. Jacksonville Classical Academy is a Licensed User of the Hillsdale College K-12 Curriculum.”

Oh, the powers that be kept the old Community Center and are at this time having it painted and referbing the inside.

The Community Center sits in front of the school. (Ramey Collection)

Refurbishing the Community Center (Ramey Collection)

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Abandoned Florida, David Bullit, EPA, Facebook Alumni page for Forest Park, Google Search, Personal visit. Negro Schools of Duval County, 1955, University of Florida, George A. Smathers Library.

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March 27

Mattie Estella Rutherford Elementary School # 6

1514 Hubbard Street- “Corner of 5th n’ Hubbard”

Springfield Elementary School, “Mattie V.”, as it has often been called, was one of the first schools of Duval County, Florida. According to the 1987 school listing, the original school building was built in 1898. The current facility has been in operation since it was built in 1912. According to Beth Learn, whose Mother worked with Mrs. Rutherford, she was a strict disciplinarian but a kind soul.

Mattie Estella Van Sickle Rutherford was born October 12, 1872 in Clinton City, Indiana. She met and married Robert Burns Rutherford on June 30, 1897 in St. Johns, Florida. She taught in school # 1 in St. Augustine for a short while. Her husband, Mr. Rutherford was principal in that “Old Orange Street” school for at least 3 years in the early 1900’s.

Mattie V. was principal of the Springfield school, later called Mattie V. Rutherford for 34 years with Katharine Bagaley her aide in the mid 1930’s. About 1936, Joan Thomas would hold that position. Over the years there have been other principals: Nellie Elizabeth Cooke(1890-1959). Juanita Kerce Wilson(1918-2002) who held the position for 17 years, J. S. Wheatley, Maurice Nesmith, Sadie Milliner-Smith and others.

Mattie V. Rutherford School, 1930’s-Beth Learn Photo

It is said that Mrs. Rutherford served 34 years as school principal and often visited the school after retirement calling it “My School”. When she died on March 16, 1931, she “lay in state” in the auditorium and was later buried at Evergreen Cemetery.

At present, Mattie V. Rutherford is an “Alternative Education Center”.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Beth Learn, Find a Grave, St. Augustine Schools System, Joel Mceachin; Planning and Development Dept. Duval County, “List of Schools and Year Built”, Florida Memory.

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March 20

The Murray Hill School # 19 and Ruth N. Upson

The Murray Hill neighborhood began its roots in 1906 as an outgrowth of the 1901 Great Jacksonville Fire. After the fire, the city began rebuilding and Murray Hill was one of those areas near to the downtown that was platted to welcome new homes, businesses and people. When the area had some growth about it, a new school was built in 1916 at 1090 Dancy Street. It would be called the Murray Hill School. Ruth Upson taught school in Duval County and became principal at this school. This westside neighborhood was about to boom and Ruth N. Upson was a part of that growth.

First Named Murray Hill School(Ramey Collection)

This school has served the Murray Hill area for over 100 years. The school opened in 1916 and in December of 2016 had a 100 year party to celebrate. People came from all around to be a a part of this event including former attendees. There were scrapbooks, newspaper articles and more shared on this exciting day. Resident News posted photographs of the event on their site which included many of the artefacts brought and former students.

Former students of Ruth N. Upson School. Class photos.

There were items that had the Murray Hill School name on it dating back to its founding. After Ms. Upson served as principal, a petition was sent around to rename the school in her honor. Ruth Newell Upson retired in 1949 after 32 years as the principal.

Ruth Newell Upson (Duval Public Schools)

Ms. Upson was born in Syracuse, New York on June 10, 1879. According to Evergreenjax, she moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1885, attended St. Johns Church school and graduated from the University of Florida in 1903. She died on April 15 at the age of 88. On the school website, it says, she passed away” in 1968 but will forever be remembered as a heroine of our school.”

Ruth Newell Upson is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Duval County Schools, Wikipedia, Evergreenjax, Facebook, personal visit.

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March 15

Annie R. Morgan Elementary School #21

The Woodstock Park area where Annie R. Morgan School sits is bounded by McDuff Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, Edgewood Avenue and West Beaver Street. Because of the outgrowth of the resurgence after the 1901 Great Fire of Jacksonville, neighborhoods around the city began popping up and the Woodstock area was one of them . It was located west of the city and platted in 1917.

According to “thejaxsonmag”, there were “three major rail yards and shops operated by the Seaboard Air Line, Atlantic Coast Line, and Southern Railroads”. It was beginning to be a busy neighborhood with a need for homes and schools.

Annie R. Morgan Class Ms. Padgett, teacher (Paxon Facebook)

In 1915 Duval County voters approved a $1 million bond issue to build a dozen elementary schools. In 1919, School # 21 was built at 964 St. Claire Street. It was known as the Seaboard Shop School. According to the obituary of longtime principal Ruby Johnson, “there were four rooms, which now house the principal’s office, media center, teacher’s lounge, and the classroom adjacent to the principal’s office and auditorium”.

According to Ms. Johnson, Maida Lipscomb was the first principal assuming the position on May 8, 1917. On May 10 that same month, Miss Annie R. Morgan “was appointed to fill Miss Lipscomb’s place.” The details of this are unknown.

Records indicate that October 8, 1926, the Woodstock Parent-Teacher Association began. The name was changed in 1959 to Parent Teacher Organization with Mrs.Frances Austin serving as the first president.

Mrs Ruby S. Johnson came to the Woodstock school in 1935 and became principal upon the retirement of Miss Morgan in 1945. Ms. Johnson served Annie R. Morgan from 1945-1971.

Mrs. Johnson, Principal`1945-1971 (Obituary photo).

She was followed by Mrs. Mildred Marshall. Other principals serving at Annie R. Morgan school were: Jon Thompson (1974), John Grieder (1976), Christine Solomon (1987-1991, Doris Deprell, Skip Hatcher and others.

Senior Picture…Quicy, Fl( Florida Memory-Ramey Collection)

It is believed that Annie R. Morgan was born in 1880. She graduated from Quincy Academy Teacher’s Institute as discovered by Richard Gainey the admin for the Annie R. Morgan Alumni Facebook page. Her relatives were as found by Mary Browning, an Alumni member, were Robert Marcellus Morgan who is buried at Evergreen cem, F. F. Morgan of Quincy, Fl. , George M. Morgan of Mobile, Al, Sister- Eva M. Blalock, Tallahassee, Fl.

Annie R. Morgan-2nd left (Florida Memory), (Richard Gainey Collection).

She lived at 305 East Duval Street when she was teaching and later lived on Wolfe Street in the Murray Hill area when she served as principal.

The homes at 305 East Duval are gone. The YMCA is being remodelled.( Ramey Collection).

Homes just down from 305 Duval are still standing. (Ramey Collection).

Homes in the Murray Hill area on Wolfe Street. ( Ramey Collection).

Ms. Morgan retired in 1945 at the age of 65. Her date of death and burial is unknown.

Tiffany Green began her teaching at Annie R. Morgan, taught at Woodland Acres Elementary School became an Assistant Principal and Principal. She is the current principal of School number 21, Annie R. Morgan.

If you have any details to add to this school history, please contact me.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Paxon Facebook page, Sources: Ruby S. Johnson obituary, Ennis Davis of The Jaxson Magazine, United States Census, Richard Gainey, Mary Browning, Christine Solomon, Personal visit.

Please contact me if you have any additional information to add to this history. TY.

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August 25

Jacksonville Votes To Give the Government Even More Money?

“What?” Again, shaking my head, there is great amazement that people vote for the government who already basically owns them, to get an even stronger hold on their money by voting yes for a tax. My Father was a wise man. He said, “NEVER” vote for a tax. If the government really needs money they will take it from you anyhow and then you’ve given them more by voting yes on a tax. Never vote for a tax increase. Never.” So, I was one of the 81,602 or so who voted “NO” for the government to raise my taxes.

Yes, Teacher’s should be paid better. Being an educator for over thirty-five years, this is something I know first hand. Giving the government another penny though…. NO! Better use of the money they have could make this happen without raising property taxes.

The only thing I can think is that Jacksonville people have a heart for teachers which of course is a good thing but it appears they are going about their care for educators without thinking the DCPS already has an almost $3 billion, with a “b” budget!

According to local news reports, voters in Duval County voted to give the government even more of their money by passing the 1 mil property tax increase. This would be in an effort to help Duval County Public Schools pay better money which could attract better qualified teachers. Duval County Public Schools could better spend the $2.6 billion they voted for in August of 2022 to get and keep better teachers. From now on… always vote NO on a tax increase. (Ask me how I really feel about this.) 8-25-2022

See you tomorrow,

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