Helen Normand Murphy Papers

Collection

Identifier: OGLMC-1249

Scope and Contents

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The Helen Normand Murphy Papers consist of four calendar pads (1920-1922 and 1924), thirty six diaries (1937-1973), and her activities with the Red Cross Gray Ladies in Grand Forks (1960-61). A variety of topics were covered in her diaries: the weather, her daily routine, food, and household chores. She also wrote about special events such as weddings and commencement ceremonies. Entertainment was another main topic as Murphy wrote about popular plays, books, radio and television programs, music, and movies. World events were also mentioned, including wars, John Glenn's space orbit, and Watergate. She did not write much about the Great Depression, however, she commented on World War II because her son was involved. In the later diaries, Murphy more frequently added her personal feelings about assorted happenings. Loose materials about the Murphy family within the pages of the diaries have been separated and placed in folders. These include newspaper clippings and correspondence, and are filed according to their placement in the diaries.Ten loose photographs, also from the diaries, have likewise been referenced and placed in a separate folder. Random loose materials from the diaries were discarded.

Dates

created: 1920-1973
Other: Majority of material found in 1937-1973
Other: Date acquired: 01/21/1992

Creator

Murphy, Helen (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Biographical or Historical Information

Helen Normand Murphy was born April 5, 1888, at Oakwood, Dakota Territory. She attended high school in Grafton, North Dakota and studied home economics at North Dakota State University in Fargo. While there, she met her husband, Charles Murphy of Niagara, North Dakota. They were married November 27, 1912, in Fargo. They lived and farmed in the Niagara area for 47 years. During these years, Helen was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Larimore. Following her husband's death in 1958, Helen moved to Grand Forks. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and Altar Society, the Legion of Mary, and St. Michael's Hospital Auxiliary. She was also involved in the Daughters of America and the Red Cross Gray Ladies. In 1970, Helen moved to Sunshine Terrace in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Altar Guild. Helen Murphy died July 14, 1973, at the age of 85.

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