Blue Ridge School for Boys
Blue Ridge School for Boys stood where the Blue Ridge Mall now stands. Founded in 1914 by Mr. J. R. Sandifer, who was its Headmaster until his death in 1957, the school closed in 1968. With a low student to teacher ratio, it was an excellent college preparatory academy. It drew students from local families, 43 different states, and 14 other countries.
This book depicts life inside the school from a student’s point of view. From arrival to graduation, you will be privy to what teenage boys were like at the beginning of what soon became “the age of rock and roll.” Studying and playing sports, going to town and church, behaving and misbehaving, how fights were settled, first kisses and girlfriends, Spring Break and sex, the long thoughts of youth, and Mr. Sandifer’s wisdom—it is all told as it happened.
The author, known as Pepe at Blue Ridge, was at 15 the youngest senior in the school's history. He graduated as Valedictorian of the 1955 class.
“Thanks for your book, I greatly appreciate it, savoring its every word!” “BRS was long ago & far away, nevertheless your writing brings our school back into sharp focus.” “I devoured your book in a couple of days. Thanks for writing it.” Comments from James Huddleston, BRS Class 1960.