Each year, a deceased former Upper Arlington resident who brought honor and recognition to our community is selected for the Wall of Honor, with a memorial plaque installed on the Plaza at the Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road. Historical Society members will receive an invitation to the event, along with guests of the families. RSVPs are required.
The City of Upper Arlington and the Upper Arlington Historical Society are pleased to announce that Link McKinley Murphy, M.D., and Reed McClelland have been selected for induction onto the Wall of Honor in 2024.
“Dr. Link” Murphy moved to Upper Arlington in 1928 and brought his medical practice to the community in 1961. In his early years as a physician, he could be found most mornings at one of several hospitals practicing his specialty in anesthesia. His afternoons – and often his evenings – were spent as a caring family physician, who routinely made house calls to tend to his patients, exuding a bedside manner that made everyone under his care feel like they were the most important person in the world. He was a founding member of the Upper Arlington Civic Association, formed in 1933, serving as Parade Chairman from 1933-35. He led the creation of and was the Flag Bearer for the Spirit of ’76 Revolutionary Soldiers Parade Troupe with his family members – launching a now fourth-generation tradition that still leads the start of the Fourth of July Parade. Many people referred to Dr. Murphy as Mr. Upper Arlington. When the High School built a new football stadium on Zollinger, he served as fundraising Chair, raising the equivalent of $500,000 to help fund the project. Dr. Link helped conceive of First Community Village and served as its first medical director. He also traveled to Africa and India with friends on several occasions, spending his time visiting with and treating the medically neglected members of local villages.
Reed McClelland believed the sun rose and set in Upper Arlington and dedicated much of his life in support of the community he loved. Encouraged by his friends to run for public office after retiring from his fulltime career at Cottingham Paper, Reed was elected to serve on City Council in 1985 at a time when the City needed experienced, level-headed leadership to restore community confidence, build trust and make good decisions on many critical issues. His calm manner, respect for others, and his business-like approach to solving issues helped him earn the trust of his fellow Council members, the City Administration, and the residents of Upper Arlington at an important time in the community’s history. He ultimately served two terms on Council, with his peers selecting him to serve as both Vice President and President of Council. His service to others began early. As a young man, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, becoming a Lieutenant and serving in the Pacific Arena. In retirement, he not only donated blood to the American Red Cross he delivered blood all over the state and served as President of the Godman Guild, and as a volunteer for the Columbus Literary Council.
To be considered for the Wall of Honor, a person must meet three criteria: He or she must be deceased; must have lived in Upper Arlington for part of his/her life; and must have made a significant contribution to the city, the state and/or the nation. Honorees are recognized via permanent bronze plaques on the “Wall of Honor” located on the plaza in front of the Municipal Services Center.
