Duval Schools – Jacksonville Blogger

J. Allen Axson Public School # 8

1226 E. 16th Street/Franklin Street

Moved to: 4763 Sutton Park Court 32224

1910

To be repurposed

Originally called Graded Springfield School, and East Springfield Elementary school, its name was changed in honor of J. Allen Axson, the former principal of the school. The school is number 8 in the public school listing and sits on 2.7 acres of land in east Springfield. The school was built in 1912 In his younger years, Axson became a farmer, worked as a carpenter. Later, he worked as an educator.

J. Allen Axson # 8. (Ramey Collection).

The school was designed by Richard Lewis Brown, Jacksonville’s first Black architect. It was built in 1910 following the out-growth after the Great Jacksonville Fire of 1901. Several students who attended this school were Frank R. Williams, Eric Leonard Jenkins and Clayton Emory Smith. Employees at the school were many including Mrs. Edie Garrett and Maury O’Cane. The area itself was known as the “Phoenix Avenue”, had begun n 1904 and with the growing area was in need of a school for children thus the Phoenix was rising, symbolic of “growing out and above a catastrophe”.

Things in that area grew steadily until the Haines Street Expressway was built east of the school. Traffic, transportation and true crime plagued the area. The school closed in 2005. It reopened as a Montessori school in 1991. After the school closed, vandals broke windows, and painted graffiti on walls. It was boarded up but vandals found a way in and a fire damaged its interior in 2021.

In 2023, there has been hope to repurpose the building.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Duval Public Schools, Personal visit.

This information including Ramey photos may be used with credit to Ramey Collection. Photos may be 3rd party for which may be secured by copyrighted owner.

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 30

Brentwood Elementary # 15 -Performing Arts Academy

3750 Springfield Blvd 32206

1915 on 3.6 acres

Brentwood, 1941, Florida Memory

The 1901 fire of Jacksonville brought about tremendous change in this North East Florida city. After the devastating loss of at least 2,368 buildings, the city grew outward with new hope. Brentwood, Florida was soon to be a hustling, bustling growing area while pockets of the area would remain rural for many years.

The area was named Brentwood and Public School # 15 was built to meet the needs of that new community. At this time, the community was a White area as reported by The Jaxonmag. Today, the area is predominately Black.

Neighborhood homes across the street from the school 2023(Ramey Collection).

Brentwood school is located across from the Brentwood Park and would have the latest fashionable street cars in north Jacksonville. Brentwood School, also called the Performing Arts Academy closed in 2021. It had served over 330 students, grades K-5. The students were sent to North Shore Elementary School.

When built, the school was located on 3.6 acres of land. The auditorium was built on the 2nd floor with no cafeteria or library. In 1944, additions and renovations were made with cafeteria being added added in 1952 and in 1976 a classroom was used to create a faculty lounge and workroom.The auditorium was remodelled into a library. In 1969, overcrowding from the nearby Kirby-Smith and Brentwood served as School #25A annex.

Brentwood wins Paint and Clean Up award from Jax Jr. Jaycees- c1952-Probably FTU article.

To comply with desegregation court order in 1970 Brentwood became a sixth grade center and two more kindergarten classes added as it returned to Brentwood Elementary School # 15. In 992, Brentwood became a magnet school to continue efforts to desegregate school with a focus on visual and performing arts. Portable classrooms and an art lab were added to relieve overcrowding.

Principals of Brentwood have been Mrs. Iva T. Sprinkle, who later became Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. Jacqueline Jones(2021) and more. We continue to update our information as it comes available.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Jacksonville Junior Jaycees, Florida Times Union, Jaxsonmag, Duval Public Schools, personal visit to the school.

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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 26

Lake Forest Elementary School Elementary School #74

Shuttered-School of Visual Arts-K-5

901 Kennard Street

Lake Forest Elementary School was built in 1949 and served the neighborhood until its closing in 2021. Students from the closed school were transferred to North Shore Elementary School. The abandoned school still has beautiful artwork on its exterior.

Mona Lisa @ lake Forest Elem (Ramey Collection)

When visiting, the school the arts are clearly defined with the Mona Lisa prominently painted on the front of the school, a Van Gogh Starry, Starry night portrayal and all around the building pieces of yard-art including an angel can be seen. The angels that once trekked in, out and around the building have been transferred to North Shore Elementary School. Lake Forest is on the demotion list to become affordable housing. The artist of the paintings is unknown. (Such a shame).

Lake Forest Artwork on the Bldg. (Ramey Collection)

The PTA website for Lake Forest Elementary School was “dreams begin here” but according to the latest information, the school will be demolished and affordable housing will take its place. The dreams of those approximately 325 children are at North Shore Elementary School, where they have been transferred.

Lake Forest has had many principals over the years such as Cassandra Thomas and others. Some teachers serving there have been S. Amoy, L. Elam, L. Miller, A. Wood and more. Margaret Sweat attended there and said she “got a great education”. Another student commenting on Facebook was Jason Boddie.

Lake Forest Elementary School (Ramey Collection).

We are looking for information about this school. If you would like to be included, please message me.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Public School Review, List of Schools and Year Built, Facebook, Duval Public School news information.

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March 22

Oakland Elementary School #102 Rocking 850

Demolished-1920- 1410 Pippin Street. Jacksonville, Florida

Mrs. Sadie T. Tillis, First Principal

Oakland Elementary School # 102 was located on an acre of land and constructed in 1920. The school was had 24 classrooms and housed approximately 850 Black children with 27 staff members. Two of the buildings were temporary frame structures. In 1953 a concrete cafeteria was built. The date of the school demolition is unknown at this time.

The first principal was Mrs. Tillis. Sadie T. Tillis was an elementary and middle school teacher with a passion for helping her students. We continue to search information about her life and service to her school, community and students.

The automobile depicted here appears to be similar those of the 1940’s Oakland School parking lot photo.

1940 Mercury created by Edsel Ford-Wikimedia Commons

If you visit the area where the school was once placed, there are only fence posts and a cement pad. The woods nearby are thick and the Haines Street expressway runs behind Pippin Street. The Haines Street expressway opened in 1962 following the opening of the Matthews Bridge in 1953.

Oakland School of 1920 area. (Ramey Collection)

Old Oakland School area looking SW towards the city of Jacksonville( Ramey Collection)

Homes in the Oakland School area.(Ramey Collection)

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Message me if you have additional information about Mrs. Sadie Tillis.

Source: Negro Schools of Duval County 1955-1956, FAMU Collections, Google Map, a personal visit to the area.

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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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March 11

Mary Mcleod Bethune School # 157

Corner of West 33rd and Pearce Street.

1955

The Duval County School Board purchased 14 acres of land in 1955. An elementary school was built and named Mary McLeod Bethune. It opened, and operated for over forty years, closing in 2001 due to concerns of contaminated property. The land had once been known as Brown’s Dump located at 4330 Pearce Street which included some 50 acres. The school had been built on a parcel of that land.

In talking with Anthony who lives behind the school on Bessie Street, the land was tilled, new dirt brought in and the area cleaned up which he said he watched over the years from his own back yard. The school remains closed and use of the property is still being discussed in 2023. There is a “for sale” sign on the corner of the land.

In happier days, the school was a welcome organisation when it was built in the mid 1950’s offering hope for the future of the children in the area. It’s name sake had a history of giving and caring which honoured the community.

Mary McLeod Bethune was born in South Carolin on July 10, 1875. She died in Daytona Beach on May 18, 1955 and is buried there in Volusia County, Fl. She is credited with having been an educator, and “most influential” woman. In 2022, a statue of her was unveiled in the National Statuary Hall inside of the United States Capitol.

NMAH Archives Center Scurlock Studio Records 0618 Series 4.5 Box 318 Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune sitting in chair, 3/4 length frontal, wearing striped suit with corsage. Scurlock # 41883

The National Women’s History Museum wrote the following about Mary Mcleod Bethune:

“In 1904, her marriage ended, and determined to support her son, Bethune opened a boarding school, the Daytona Beach Literary and Industrial School for Training Negro Girls. Eventually, Bethune’s school became a college, merging with the all-male Cookman Institute to form Bethune-Cookman College in 1929.”

The school merged with the Cookman Insitute of Jacksonville in 1923 thus known as the “Bethune-Cookman University”.

Florida Memory notes that when she began her school she had “$1.50 in her pocket.”

See you tomorrow,

Nan

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