The Filson Historical Society D. X. Murphy & Bro., Architects (Louisville
The Filson Historical Society D. X. Murphy & Bro., Architects (Louisville, Ky.) Records, 1854–1949 For information regarding literary and copyright interest for this collection, see the curator of special collections. Size of Collection: 58.5 cubic feet, 20 ovsz. folders Mss./BB/M978 D. X. Murphy & Bro., Architects (Louisville, Ky.) Records, 1854–1949 Biographical Note D. X. (Dennis Xavier) Murphy (1853–1933) was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Murphy was the son of Irish immigrants and began working as a draftsman for Irish immigrant, architect, Henry Whitestone in 1874. In 1881, upon Whitestone’s retirement, Murphy took control of the firm. Murphy changed the name of the firm to D. X. Murphy & Bro., Architects, in 1890 when his brother J. C. (James Cornelius) Murphy became a partner in the firm. Murphy’s younger brother, Peter J. Murphy worked for the firm as well. Along with Louisville-area residences and business buildings, the Murphy brothers designed many churches and schools in Kentucky. Many of their projects were Catholic churches and academies, reflecting their strong ties to the Roman Catholic Church. They also built several medical facilities including the original Jewish hospital, and the Louisville General Hospital in 1914 on Chestnut St. The later was known as the “Million Dollar Hospital,” because Jim Crow regulations required building separate facilities for use by African Americans. Murphy’s firm was responsible for one of Louisville’s internationally known architectural works, the grandstand and twin spires at Churchill Downs. Murphy’s firm is still extant as Luckett & Farley, Inc. J. C. (James Cornelius) Murphy (1864–1935) was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Irish immigrant parents, Cornelius and Honora McNamara Murphy.
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