Shelton-McMurphy House
From Lane Co Oregon
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 Shelton McMurphy House in Eugene of 1900 |
|
| Shelton-McMurphy-Johnson House | |
|---|---|
| Building Description | |
| Style | Queen Anne Revival |
| Construction | 1888 |
| Destruction | |
| Architect | Pugh,Walter D., 'Roney & Adams,' Nelson Roney |
| Original Owner | Thomas W. Shelton |
| Initial Use | Residential |
| Square Footage | |
| Height | |
| Location | |
| City | Eugene |
| Area | Eugene Downtown |
| Address | 303 Willamette St. |
| Zip Code | |
| Historical Importance Distinctions | |
| Historical residence | |
History
Residence of Thomas W. Shelton, and his wife Adah, and his daughter Alberta, built in 1888 on the southern slope of Skinner's Butte. This house was designed by Walter D. Pugh, Salem architect, in Queen Anne Revival style, and built by Nelson Roney. After the death of T.W. Shelton, the house became the residence of Robert, a Eugene insurance and real estate man, and Alberta Shelton McMurphy. The third owners were Drs. Eva and H. Curtis Johnson who deeded the property to Lane County. Parts of the house are open to the public. The house is known locally as the "Castle on the Hill," and is located at 303 Willamette St., Eugene.
Over the past century, the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House has been home to three families - the Shelton's, the McMurphey's, and the Johnson's. Each family has made its unique contribution to the house and grounds.
Timeline
1884 Dr. Thomas Winthrop Shelton and his wife Adah Lily Lucas Shelton move to Eugene with their daughter Alberta
1887 First house built at 303 Willamette burns to ground in November before the Shelton's move in - fire attributed to disgruntled worker
1888 house rebuilt and becomes home to Dr. & Mrs. Shelton and 16 yr. old Alberta
1892 Spring - Shelton was instrumental in roadway to top of Skinner's Butte
1893 February - Dr. Shelton dies of Leukemia and pneumonia; Alberta marries Robert McMurphey
1910 Adah Lily Lucas Shelton dies at age 58
1912 Sleeping porch addition to the house - all eight McMurphey's sleep with plenty of fresh air.
1919 Conservatory extended to accommodate Robert McMurphey's failing health; becomes a home office for this busy member of Eugene's business community
1949 Alberta Shelton McMurphey passes away
1951 Eva Frazer Johnson and Curtis Johnson purchase 303 Willamette Street - Over ensuing years attention is paid to returning the house to its former image - turret restored, again painted green
1967 Dr. Curtis Johnson dies - Eva begins to have tenants to keep the house vibrant and full of life
1976 The "Castle on the Hill" is deeded to Lane County by Eva Johnson
1986 Dr. Eva Johnson passes away.
