By ANN ST. MARTIN STOUT
Leaves Are Free
There is a crew that has been busy at the Newport Historical Museum setting up a new exhibition for an open house on Sunday, Sept. 15. As every town has its own famous people, Newport lays claim to a man who was governor of New Hampshire, was a manufacturer and benefactor, and has a TV station named for him.
Francis P. Murphy was born in Winchester, New Hampshire, in 1877 and died in Nashua at age 81 in 1958. He worked his way “up the ladder” at the W.H. McElwain Shoe company in Newport. When the company moved to Nashua, Murphy and two partners became company owners of the J.F. McElwain Shoe Company.
Murphy became interested in politics. After serving on the Governor’s staff, in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, and on the Executive Council, Murphy ran for governor. He was nominated as the1936 Republican candidate and won. It was the same year FDR was elected to his second of four terms as President. Murphy, the 64th Governor of New Hampshire, was re-elected in 1938. He supported the New Deal and worked to ease homeowner tax burden.
As governor, Murphy’s flood control efforts at the head of the Connecticut River in northern New Hampshire, created Murphy Dam, controlling the flow from Lake Francis.
As he neared retirement, Murphy entered the world of broadcasting. He first set up Radio Voice of New Hampshire, the station that now broadcasts as WGIR (AM 610). Then in 1954 he began the television station WMUR-TV. In fact, MUR is for “MURphy.”
This year, 2024, is the 70th anniversary of the station.
Murphy was the fourth of eight children born to Irish Catholic immigrant parents. During his time in Newport, he established a fine home and was a benefactor to various institutions in Newport including St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He donated land for the cemetery and is noted for the large angel statue in the center of the cemetery on Summer Street. Francis P. Murphy and other family members are buried there.
Murphy also donated extensively to the enlarging and upgrading of St. Patrick church at the corner of Beech and School Streets in Newport. A bronze plaque in the church acknowledges his contributions.
The exhibit currently being completed at the Newport Historical Museum (Nettleton House) at 20 Central Street contains artifacts, documents, and photographs highlighting Murphy’s accomplishments in the town and in the state. The remainder of the museum rooms will contain the usual variety of displays.
During the Open House, visitors can see the archival storage that holds the many donated items waiting for exhibit or research in the future. Museum volunteers will be prepared to answer questions, offer opportunities for future visits, and share information on how family items of Newport significance can be donated to the museum. A couple of quizzes, identification games and challenges have been prepared for fun. There will be giveaways and refreshments.
There will be special prices on many of items available in the Gift Shop, the chance to join the membership, and find out what type of volunteers are needed — whether once a month, or just occasionally. (Cash and checks accepted currently, while working toward set up of payment by cards.)
Until recently a museum and historical archive existed on Spring Street in Newport, in the home once owned by Murphy as his family home. Many of the items from this recently closed museum were donated to the Newport Historical Museum.
All are invited to attend the event at The Nettleton House Museum, 20 Central Street in Newport, New Hampshire on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 1 to 5 p.m.
