1907
Funding of Blue Ridge
In January, 1907, Reverend George P. Mayo received permission to make exploratory, data-gathering visits to several of the most successful industrial schools in the eastern mountain region. Not more than a month later, he had his report ready for the Board. He gave his report on February 26th, 1907. The Board unanimously adopted the plans as outlined, appointed Judge J.M. White, President of the Peoples National Bank of Charlottesville, and gave Reverend Mayo authority to solicit funds to finance the purchase of land and the erection of the first building.
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1908
Breaking Ground of Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Industrial School was dated from June 30th, 1908. The 148 acres of this land at the foot of Powell's Gap extended westward to Chesley's Creek and was purchased from Mrs. Frances Snow. The price for this property was $3,100 cash. Before the year was out, land was acquired from Genus Morris, Melroy Shifflet and C.R. Shifflet. In nearly every year up to 1914, more acreage was acquired from neighboring landowners. Other families had also sold the school land by 1956. They included the Douglas Family, W. A. Crawford, J. Herbert Morris, W. T. Snow, Killis Roach, Aubrey N. Roach, James and Zeb Shifflett, Dollie Shifflett, L. E. Morris, and Austin Morris.
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1909
A New School Begins
Blue Ridge School was founded in 1909 as The Blue Ridge Industrial School by the Reverend George P. Mayo of the Virginia Diocese of the Episcopal Church. As the name indicates, the School's early mission was to provide a vocational education for a coed student body which otherwise would not have had the opportunity to realize its rich potential. See Picture.
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1909
The First Headmaster
The Industrial School was founded with Reverend George Pickett Mayo as Superintendent. Reverend Mayo led Blue Ridge until 1944.
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1910
A Campus is Built
After Neve Hall was built in 1909, Blue Ridge added several more buildings the following year. The Old Farm House, Office, Commissary, Laundry, Clothing Bureau, Machine House, Poultry House, Blacksmith's Shop, and Mill were all built in 1910.
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1910
Enrollment Count
The School opened to approximately 35 students in January, 1910.
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1911
On Campus Fire
The Old Farm House was destroyed by a fire.
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1912
Two New Buildings Come to Campus
Richards Hall was constructed in honor of Martha Richards. It housed 5 classrooms and a 200-seat auditorium. Richards Hall was destroyed by a fire six years later in 1918. Also built in 1912 was the Boys Building. It was used as a building until 1930.
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1913
The Old Rectory
The Old Rectory was built in 1913. It was renovated in 1947.
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1914
Dining Hall Built
The Refectory was built in 1914. It was used as a main dining hall for the School.
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1915
Mr. O.N. Davis 1915-1948 Mr. O.N. Davis, the Assistant Superintendent and Farm Manager, was another of the “old guard” who helped develop the School in its first decade. From 1915 until he retired in 1948, Mr. Davis was one of those versatile men who could do anything. A graduate of the Georgia Architectural and Mechanical School, he made Greene County his home during his Blue Ridge years. He owned a farm where many school outings were held and which helped supplement the Blue Ridge dairy herd when necessary. He owned the only private automobile in the area other than Reverend Mayo, and he chauffeured groups to picnic grounds or other off-campus entertainments.
See Picture.
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1916
Medical Services
A hospital was built on campus. It serves as the Blue Ridge hospital/infirmary until 1962 when it burned down.
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1917
Boys Workshop
The Boys of the Blue Ridge School received a work shop. In 1999 the building was renovated to house the outdoor programs climbing gear and mountain bikes.
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1918
The First Graduates
Blue Ridge held its first commencement in 1918, when two graduates were awarded diplomas. The first graduates were Eveline and Bannie Morris; shown with son Rob in 1939.
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1920
Mayo Hall
On August 20, 1920 the new Mayo Hall is dedicated to Reverend Mayo. This building was a central part in life at Blue Ridge until it was torn down.
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1922
Enrollment Count
In 1922 the enrollment of Blue Ridge Industrial School was 112 students.
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1928
Anna Boykin Memorial Building
The "little girls" of the Blue Ridge mission school received a gift in 1928 as the Anna Boykin Memorial building was created. The "little girls" of Blue Ridge lived in this building. Boykin was later turned into faculty housing, it has been split into four separate apartments.
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1928
Enrollment Count
The enrollment for 1928 was 165 students. Blue Ridge had 53 more students than they did in 1922.
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1929
The Gibson Memorial Chapel is Built The cornerstone of Gibson Memorial Chapel at Blue Ridge was laid on August 14, 1929. Built of native stone the chapel was completed in 1932 special guests were the representatives of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Diocese whose extra efforts had been significant in raising money to build the Chapel. All the work on the building was done by local craftsman, many of them students of the school, trained in shop work by Clinton Marbut, one of the stalwart’s of the school staff from 1926 to 1942. See Slideshow.
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1929
World Famous Architect
The architect of the Chapel was Ralph Adam Cram a noted architect whose work could be seen all throughout the northeast region of the country. Cram was a Consulting Architect for Princeton University from 1907 to 1929, he was responsible for the first real master plan that the University followed for future development. He oversaw the erection of some 25 buildings. Perhaps Mr. Cram's most famous work is the Cathedral of St, John the Divine in New York City.
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1932
Lady Astor The visit of Viscount and Lady Astor in November 1932 was one of the red-letter days in the early history of the school. Lady Astor was a long time devoted friend of Dr. Mayo. She also supported the school. In the library at Blue Ridge is a large collection plate in memory of Dr. Frederick W. Neve archdeacon of the Blue Ridge, given by Nancy Viscountess Astor. Some years earlier the new infirmary was given and named by Mrs. Reginald Brooks, Lady Astor’s sister. See Picture.
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1935
Battle House is Created
The New Rectory was constructed in 1935. It became the Martha Bagby Battle House 28 years later. It was used as a girl’s dormitory for a brief time. Was originally known as Memorial hall and is now used as the Headmasters residence.
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1936
Bakery & Smoke House
In 1936 Blue Ridge received some culinary help in the creation of a bakery and a smoke house. This building was a great help to Blue Ridge eventually it would become the development office and in 2007 it became the College Counseling Office and Outdoor Program Classroom.
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1936
FDR Visits Bacon Hollow
In August 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his official party were on their way to a big celebration at Big Meadows where he made a speech praising the accomplishment of Skyline Drive. The White House called Blue Ridge earlier to let them know they would make a brief stop at Blue Ridge on their way to Skyline Drive. The students were very excited about this visit.
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1939
John Morris In 1939, John Morris was the first alumnus to be elected to the Board of Trustees. He became a prime factor in the progress of the school by virtue of his capable and loyal service as a member of the executive committee and as secretary. To the general Board, he was a trial justice in Greene County and also served as the Schools Counsel. He seemed to know every foot of the land and all the details and history of the School- legal and otherwise. Before his untimely death, it was customary when any question came up for everyone to say, “Ask John Morris.”
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1940
The Blue Ridge Gateway
Since August 1940 the frist thing to be seen on the Blue Ridge campus has been the stone gates.
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1942
Mrs. Will Reeves Gregg
Mrs. Will Reeves Gregg spearheaded the formation of the New York Auxiliary along with her sister, Mrs. Winston Fowlkes out of Mrs. Battle’s teas. She was one of the first two women board members of Blue Ridge School. She was appointed to the board in 1942, and serving as an active member until April 1984, she was named Emeritus. Mrs. Reeves Gregg helped greatly with the Hurricane relief of Blue Ridge in 1959 by organizing the support team. Mrs. Gregg was the most continually supportive individual that Blue Ridge School had from the Old School to the New School, both emotionally and psychologically and financially.
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1946
The Second Headmaster.
Reverend Dewey Loving took the reins of Blue Ridge in 1946. He led Blue Ridge through the thick and thin until 1959. Dewey Loving also graduated from Blue Ridge in 1923, making him the only Headmaster to also be an alum of the school.
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1947
A Place to Learn
Blue Ridge received a beautiful new academic building in 1947. This building is still used as the academic building today.
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1951
A Busy Year
Miss Ethel Baker, a talented and devoted faculty member for a decade decided to retire. A final blow to the functioning of the administration was the withdrawal of Mr. and Mrs. Browne. Mr. Brown felt that he should return to England to resume his work there. The resident faculty helped Dr. Loving to carry on. Great help came from Mr. Ansel and Mr. Way. Who were briefly assisted by Mr. Ted Theobald as principal until personal family matters forced his withdrawal. His replacement was Mr. Robert S. Brown. He was there for one year, February 1958 to 1959.
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1952
Blue Ridge Receives gift from the Daughters of the American Revolution
On the 29th of October 1952, the Daughters of the American Revolution presented to the school a beautiful new building, a boy’s dormitory, which was called the DAR building. It was the outstanding gift among scores, which the society had made during its forty-year sponsorship of the school. The DAR building was later renovated into faculty housing.
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1956
A Gymnasium for Blue Ridge
In 1956 the old gymnasium was built. It was used as the schools gym for 16 years until it was renovated into the New York Auxiliary Student Center. Eventually the additions of the Tuck Shop and conference room would be added. Today it is split into faculty housing, game room, conference room, Tuck Shop, and Center Court.
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1959
The Tornado
In September of 1959 a storm for the ages hit Blue Ridge. In the five minutes it was on campus it damaged Boykin, the infirmary, Mayo Hall, the school house, the post office and the old rectory suffered heavily, with roofs and porches torn off, windows and doors shattered. Robert Morris was found pinned between a sidewalk and roof, he rushed to the hospital but died of injuries. Over 150 trees were damaged or uprooted. The buildings Mayo Hall and the school house were gone.
See Slideshow.
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1960
Mr. A. Preston Moore
Mr. A. Preston Moore was a friend of Blue Ridge School for many years. He joined the Blue Ridge School Board of Trustees in 1960 and was an important helper during the crucial interim year of 1961-62. This was the time that the Board of Trustees was deciding the future of the School. He brought independent school experience to the Board, as he was the Business Manager of Woodberry Forest School.
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1961
Planning a Change During the summer of 1961, for the first time since 1909, there was no school program in Bacon Hollow. Instead, there was an extensive planning program underway. Committee meetings, private consultations and thoughtful study were proceeding along the lines suggested by the 1961 report to convert the old Blue Ridge School into the new Blue Ridge School. A full board meeting in April 1961, accepted the challenge of starting a new educational venture that was wholly different from anything they cold use as a model.
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1961
Mr. Wilson starts a new enterprise
The announcement that Robert A. Wilson had been appointed as the new head of Blue Ridge School was made on September 14, 1961. Mr. Wilson would lead the new school through the time that it was shut down until he left to lead Keswick School. Mr. Wilson had a great impact on the school as he helped implement the creation of a Lake.
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1962
First Football Season
For the first time since the school’s opening the varsity football team encountered its first full varsity schedule. The members of the team now look back and call it a success. The experienced coaching of three very devoted men, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Parrott, and Mr. Lowry proved to be invaluable. These men worked hard with all of the players, helping them with their physical growth as well as their mental attitude.
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1962
A Lake is Born
While the school was shut down in 1962 a couple of wonderful new things were present on Blue Ridge's campus. A dam had been created and the new school Lake had formed. The lake is still the main focal point for Blue Ridge's campus. Also the William Allan Perkins Hall was built, this housed the dining hall and kitchen, also provided some study hall rooms.
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1963
The Hatcher Era.
Hatcher C. Williams was the Headmaster after Blue Ridge Industrial School closed to reopen as Blue Ridge School. Hatcher was Headmaster from 1963 until he retired in 1984.
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1963
John Trimmer John Trimmer served Blue Ridge School as both a classroom teacher and Business Manager beginning in 1963. He was an integral part of the School’s growth and development. John Trimmer’s greatest contribution was found in the quality of the life he led and the example he set for us. He served the school for twenty-seven years. John Trimmer taught us all what it is to be decent, kind and to conduct one’s affairs with integrity and what it means always to be a gentleman.
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1964
Mr. Joseph M. Mercer
The third year of the Blue Ridge School opened in September 1964 with full enrollment with the experienced faculty. Of particular promise among those men was Joseph M. Mercer, formerly headmaster of Woodberry Forest School, who desired to return to teaching. He taught Spanish and became head of the modern languages department until his retirement in 1971.
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1964
Campus Name Changes
The name for Blue Ridge School's campus is changed from St. George to Dyke.
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1965
A New Palace for Students
The Homan H. Walsh Dormitory was dedicated in October of 1965. Today Walsh Dorm houses 70% of the Blue Ridge population.
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1965
Jordan C. Churchill In 1965 Jordan C. Churchill became a member of the faculty of the Blue Ridge School, holding the positions of Chairman of the history department and Dean of Students during his tenure. He retired in 1987 after teaching a total of 57 years. 
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1967
A New Infirmary
In 1967 Blue Ridge built the Bessie Thornton Turner Infirmary, Bessie Turner was a beloved teacher of the old School.
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1968
An Auditorium for Blue Ridge
The George P. Mayo Hall was constructed in 1968. The new Mayo Hall is home to the auditorium, which was dedicated to Jay Jessup from the Class of 1969. Mayo Hall also holds the Dining Hall and Administrative Offices. 
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1970
Diversity Comes to Blue Ridge- Mrs. Ivory
In 1970-1971 Blue Ridge School hired its fist African-American teacher. Mrs. Alice Wesley Ivory, teacher of art and Head of the Art Department for a number of years before leaving the School, is one of the outstanding artists in Virginia. Her work is represented in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She has been represented in a number of shows, public and private. A woman of dignity & culture, she is a graduate of Virginia State College and has her M.A. degree in fine arts from the University of Wisconsin.
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1971
The Bubble
The swimming pool at Blue Ridge took on a new look in 1971, the school purchased a bubble to give the pool an indoor atmosphere and make it a year-round pool. The attempt at an indoor pool was ended by a few storms. To this day the pool is only for outdoor enjoyment.
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1972
Barons Steal from The Steelers
Coming out of college Bill Davis had a few diferent directions he could go. The All-Acc player from Virginia had two job offers, a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers or Head Football Coach at Blue Ridge. Bill Davis chose to be a Baron and was the head coach for eighteen years. A few years later he became Athletic Director. Bill left Blue Ridge in 1989 but is still loved by everyone at Blue Ridge.
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1972
Tenth Anniversary Celebration On November 11th of 1972 the Blue Ridge School held its tenth anniversary Celebration. Dedication services were held in the Gibson Memorial Chapel at noon and the students gave tours around campus to the newly dedicated buildings.
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1973
St. George Gets a Fire Department
Blue Ridge School received its very own fire truck in 1973. It was a small fire department comprised of a few teachers and students. It served the Bacon Hollow community for five good years until the water tank was punctured and the fire truck was consequently put out of commision. 
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1973
The First Art Show
This spring became memorable for the first annual art exhibition in April 1973. Mrs. Ivory’s art classes, fired up by one of her students Geoffrey Caswell, started a custom that has continued ever since in the second floor area of the newly created New York Auxiliary Center. A tea for the community, outside friends and patrons opened the invitational exhibit of the work of 160 professional and twenty-nine students. Mrs. Dickey has been Co-sponsor of the show ever since.
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1976
Wrestling: Third in the Nation
The 1975-1976 wrestling team had a phenomenal year as they finished with a 13-0-1 record and finished third in National Prep Tournament.
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1978
Soccer Season White Out
In 1978 the Barons were eager for soccer season because they had a pretty good team returning. The blizzard of 1978 covered the field from January 10th till the end of March, effectively the entire season. The Barons attempted to play a game with charcoal lines but the boys could not keep their footing and the season was virtually cancelled. Shortly after that the Prep League made Soccer a fall Sport.
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1979
A Second Dorm for Dudley A. Boogher Dorm was dedicated in November of 1979 and holds approximately 30% of the students. In 2008 a second faculty apartment was added to the main floor, the first apartment is on the top floor.
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1981
Barons Garner First Win Over Woodberry
The Barons defeated Woodberry for the first time in there seven year rivalry. It was a game for the ages as it went down to the wire. "With a first and goal at the three the Barons pushed the ball over the goalline, the extra point gave Blue Ridge a one point lead. Blue Ridge Coach Bill Davis called for an on-sides kick, the first time his team had tried the trick all year and it worked. The Barons turned the ball back over to Woodberry with 40 seconds left. The game ended with a Baron interception and the entire student body rushing the field." See Picture.
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1984
The Massey Athletic Complex is Dedicated When Bill Massey took a look at the metal building, which served as a huge field house, he wanted to do some thing immediately to build a better sports complex. He said Blue Ridge needs and deserves good facilities. He wanted Blue Ridge to have a gym that compares favorably with the other schools against which we compete. Due to the $500,000 donation by the Massey's the Board of Trustees set a goal of $1,500,000 for the next three years. Because of Bill Massey's support the new addition and newly renovated gym was named the Massey Athletic Complex. See Picture.
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1984
The Ruoss Era
Mr. Eric G. Ruoss came to Blue Ridge in 1984; during his tenure he did many great things for Blue Ridge. He was Headmaster for eight years, he left in 1992.
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1986
State Champions: BasketballThe 1986 Basketball team was a true underdog success story. After a slow start the team won eleven of their next thirteen games to earn a bid to the State Tournament. The Barons had many key wins during the 1986 campaign including a tough win over Woodberry Forest, 57-51. After getting the eigth and final bid into the tournament the Barons cruised to the title game beating Norfolk Collegiate, Benedictine, Kenston Forest and Christ Church. 
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1987
The End of the Churchill Era
The 1987 Commencement Exercises marked the successful conclusion of the teaching career of Jordan C. Churchill. His career spanned fifty-seven years and thousands of students. His teaching has had a more profound influence on more Blue Ridge students than perhaps anyone else. Mr. Churchill will be remembered for his United States History classes, demanding yet enlivened by his personal reminiscences, for his sense of justice and fairness as Dean of Students, and for his deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ as witnessed by his weekly chapel talks. We will miss his gentile wit, his brilliant scholarship, and his inexhaustible patience. (From the 1987 Yearbook)
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1989
Farewell Bill Davis We bid farewell to Coach Bill Davis, one of the great instructors of University of Virginia, Bill Davis came to Blue Ridge in 1972. He served masterfully in a number of capacities. Over seventeen years he grew to be one of the most popular and respected, even beloved members of the school community.
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1992
Ruoss says goodbye In the spring of 1992, we bid farewell to the Headmaster of Blue Ridge School, Mr. Eric G. Ruoss. He came to Blue Ridge in 1984. During the Ruoss tenure, the School saw many changes. The chapel services became a community-wide program, he developed a summer school program, he initiated an effective residential life program, and he developed an alumni council. Most importantly, Mr. Ruoss implemented the successful campaign for the new library and administrative building.
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1992
The McFarlane Era
In 1992 Mr. Edward McFarlane began his tenure at Blue Ridge as Head of School. He guided the School with a steady hand until 2000.
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1993
Hatcher C. Williams Library
On May 9, 1992, Blue Ridge School broke ground for the Hatcher C. Williams Library and the Administration Center. The facility opened in September of 1993. The library has over 20,700 volumes; 7,500 square feet of library space and 68 work stations. Today the Library is a strong focal point for the entire Blue Ridge community. See Slideshow.
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1994
State Champions: Football
The Blue Ridge football team of 1994 accomplished something no other Baron team had ever accomplished- a State Championship. A major highlight for the Barons came in the fourth quarter of the championship game when Curt Weaver made an "over the shoulder" catch from Senior John Carter Hennessy with 1:52 left in the game this started the combeack drive for Blue Ridge and ended with a memorable "dump pass" to Robert Ross with 19 seconds left to win the State Championship.
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1993
Blue Ridge has a Virginia Historic Landmark
Gibson Memorial Chapel is named as a Virginia historic landmark on April 17th, 1993.
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1998
Name Changes Back
In 1998 Blue Ridge’s campus name is switched back to St. George. 
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1999
A Gift for the Outdoorsmen
In May of 1999 Blue Ridge had an exciting new structure -- the Climbing Tower to the right of the front gate. The 30-foot Climbing Tower is an amazing asset to the School and greatly helps the outdoor program.
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2000
The Bouton Era
In the fall of 2000 David A. Bouton became the Headmaster of the Blue Ridge School. He directed Blue Ridge forward until his retirement in 2009.
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2001
State Champions: Basketball
The 2001 Blue Ridge Basketball team was incredible to watch. They defended their 2000 state title and brought the championship home for a second straight year. They also won the Virginia Prep League Basketball tournament, which had never been done before. Also, in front of 4,000 people they took the #1 team in the nation, Oak Hill, to double overtime. 
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2002
School Finishes Rennovations
Throughout the school year the students and faculty had to make adjustments to the ongoing renovations of Walsh Dorm, Boogher Dorm, and the academic building. The Bathrooms were finished air conditioning was installed in every dorm room in Walsh. A layer of bedrock required several weeks of continuous drilling for the placement of new pipes. The former post office was gutted and renovated for the Alley Family to move in. The dining hall received a face-lift and the Tuck Shop found a new home in the Student Center recreation area and a boardroom. The Auditorium was painted, the stage was extended and new blue theater seats were installed.
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2005
The Lake Underwent Extensive Repairs
In 2005 the centerpiece of the campus was fully drained to repair a cracked overflow pipe. The lake was drained down to an extremely small pond. After they created a new overflow pipe they damned up Chesley Creek to flow into the lake. With the help of natural springs and Chesley Creek the lake was filled by graduation for the annual senior swim. 
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2009
The O'Reilly Era Begins
Dr. John O'Reilly takes over as Headmaster at the conclusion of the 2008-2009 school year. The Blue Ridge community looks forward to his leadership. 
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