Title: Helen Normand Murphy Papers, 1920-1973

Predominant Dates:1937-1973

ID: OGLMC1249

Primary Creator: Murphy, Helen (1888-1973)

Extent: 2.0 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 01/21/1992

Subjects: Niagara, North Dakota, Women's History, Women's History - Women's Organizations

Languages: English

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.

Niagara, North Dakota
Women's History
Women's History - Women's Organizations

Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections

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

Acquisition Source: Charles "Tim" Murphy (son of Helen Murphy)

Acquisition Method: Donation; 92-1805

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Helen Normand Murphy Papers. OGLMC 1249, Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid added to Archon in February 2014.