Update March 2010: Scroll down to read more personal memories of St. Louis architect Joseph Murphy from his son, John B. Unger Murphy. Thank you for telling us about growing up with your wonderful father.

Original Post September 2009: Reader Irv Funk is a former undergraduate of architecture at Washington University and is now a construction lawyer in Chicago. Irv grew up near architect Joseph Murphy in University City and shared these recollections of his former neighbor. Thanks to Irv for his sharing his fond memories of Joseph Murphy with us.

I grew up a few houses away from Dean Murphy in U City.  Murphy had been Dean of the Washington University School of Architecture before Joseph Passonneau (another marvelous man). 

Dean Murphy's house was the pride of the neighborhood, but so was the genuineness and hospitality that he and Mrs. Murphy exemplified. All of us neighborhood kids used to play ball on the vacant lot adjacent to their wonderful house, with nothing but welcomes (and sometimes cookies or other refreshments) from the Murphys. And on the one or two occasions when I overcame my timidity to ask if I could see the inside of their house, Dean Murphy was gracious and welcoming. 

Across their lot, another neighbor a few years older than I attended that same School of Architecture in the early 60's, as did I in the mid-60's. And a few blocks away, a third young man also attended. I believe that Dean Murphy's down-to-earth demeanor as well as his exemplary design talent (displayed most strikingly in The Climatron and in Washington University's Olin Library, a magnificent example of beautifully-proportioned architecture, sensitive use of materials, and modern design lovingly embellishing and blending with its surroundings [Note: The present Olin Library has been substantially altered from the original building]), as well as his own house, influenced us all. 

I wish I had overcome my timidity and tried to learn more from this marvelous architect when I had the chance. He was the best St. Louis architect of his day, and no one has exceeded him since.

Joseph Murphy (1902-1995) was Dean of Architecture at Wash U from 1948-1952. He and his partner Eugene Mackey, Jr. greatly shaped local architecture and influenced the architecture of the St. Louis Catholic Diocese.

See these related articles in The Mod Blog:

Eugene Mackey House for Sale

Stroll Through Washington University

Update 9/14/09: One of Joseph Murphy’s daughters lives in the Murphy home now. St. Louis County Preservation Historian Esley Hamilton reports that she and her husband are seeking to place it on the National Register.