Irene Ellis Murphy papers, 1917-1984

Summary

Creator:

Murphy, Irene Ellis, 1900-

Abstract:

Birmingham, Michigan, businesswoman, Democratic Regent of the University of Michigan; contain materials relating to her life and interest in the Philippines, especially during the administration of Frank Murphy, during World War II, and during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos; papers relating to her interest in University of Michigan history; and photographs.

Extent:

3.2 linear feet
502 MB

Language:

English

Call Number:

851917 Aa 2

Authors:

Finding aid created by Michigan Historical Collections staff

Background

Scope and Content:

The Irene Murphy collections has been arranged into the following series: Correspondence; Murphy family; University of Michigan Board of Regents; Philippines interests and activities; Other topics; Scrapbooks and clippings; Sound recording; and Photographs.

Biographical / Historical:

Irene Ellis Murphy was born in Connersville, Indiana in the years 1900. She received her M.A. from the University of Michigan in 1928 and began a career as a social worker with the Detroit Department of Public Welfare and the Council of Social Agencies. She worked here until 1945.

In 1929, she had married J. Harold Murphy, the brother of then Detroit Mayor Frank Murphy. When Murphy left to become Governor General of the Philippine Islands (1933-1935), he took many members of his family with him. From her stay in the Philippines in the mid-1930s, Irene Murphy would develop a life-long interest in the people and politics of the Islands.

Upon encouragement of Frank Murphy who headed the Philippine War Relief organization, Irene Murphy in 1945 accepted the position of field representative and assistant to the executive director. From 1946 to 1950, she worked with the Secretariat of the United Nations, and from 1951 to 1954, she was an advisor on Philippine cottage industries with the United States Foreign Operations Administration. Her work in this capacity led Irene Murphy to establish her own business back in Michigan in which she imported and merchandised Asian village products.

Irene Murphy was also a loyal Democrat, who served her party and her alma mater, the University of Michigan, with election to the Board of Regents, serving from 1957 to 1966.

Irene Murphy died July 25, 1989.

Acquisition Information:

The collection was donated by Irene Murphy (donor no. 4132 ) in multiple accessions beginning in 1964.

Processing information:

In preparing digital material for long-term preservation and access, the Bentley Historical Library adheres to professional best practices and standards to ensure that content will retain its authenticity and integrity. For more information on procedures for the ingest and processing of digital materials, please see Bentley Historical Library Digital Processing Note. Access to digital material may be provided either as a direct link to an individual file or as a downloadable package of files bundled in a zip file.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Related

Alternative Form Available:

Digitization: The Library has undertaken the digitization of a number of sound recordings within this collection. The resulting audio files are available for playback only in the Bentley Library Reading Room. Links to item images and additional information are available within this finding aid. Original sound recordings are only available for staff use.

Subjects

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Subjects:

Businesswomen -- Michigan.
Automobiles -- 1941-1950.
Children.
Children playing.
Children's parties.
Dwellings.
Dwellings -- Michigan -- Harbor Beach.
Families.
Funeral rites and ceremonies.
Horseback riding.
Interiors.
Recreation.
Soldiers -- American -- Philippines.
Travel.
Weaving.
Women.

Formats:

Photographs.
Sound recordings.

Names:

Democratic Party (Mich.)
University of Michigan. Board of Regents.
University of Michigan. President.
University of Michigan -- Songs and music.
Philippine War Relief of the United States.
United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration.
Murphy, Frank, 1890-1949.
Murphy, Irene Ellis, 1900-
Murphy, George, 1897-1961.
Murphy, Marguerite.
Murphy, Sharon Ann.

Places:

Birmingham (Mich.)
Philippines -- History -- 1898-1946.
Philippines -- History -- 1946-1986.
Harbor Beach (Mich.) -- Dwellings.
Japan.
Philippines -- History -- 1898-1946.
Philippines -- History -- 1946-1986.
Philippines -- Economic conditions -- 1946-1986.