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.  

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.

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.  

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.