Murrell Home News
Lewis Ross Portrait and Murrell Family Items
The Murrell Home was incredibly fortunate this summer to receive several wonderful donations from a great-granddaughter of George and Amanda Murrell. She graciously donated to our institution an 1880s Holy Bible analysis that belonged to Amanda, as well as two family photos. She also gave us a portrait of Lewis Ross (father of Minerva & Amanda Murrell and brother to Chief John Ross). The painting is believed to have been done in the 1830s by Ralph Earle II (1788-1837). The portrait of Lewis now hangs in the sitting room as a fitting accompaniment to the portrait of his wife, Fanny Holt Ross.
15 more Murrell family items arrived soon after. The collection included a miniature portrait locket with a never-before-seen painting of George Murrell, as well as a watch fob, a marble statue, an oversized floor candlestick, and two ornate mahogany dressing screens that all belonged to George Murrell. We also received a portrait of George’s sister, Rosanna (Murrell) Claytor, and a broach that we believe may have belonged to Amanda Murrell or Mary Jane Ross. The donor also gave several items belonging to George and Amanda’s daughter, Fannie (Murrell) Alexander, including 2 chairs, a ladle and cake server, and 2 portraits of Fannie as a toddler. Some of the items are already on display at the home, and others will be in the near future. Be sure to make plans to visit our Christmas Open House on December 13th, as some of the items will be featured at that event. The museum will cherish these artifacts for generations to come.
New "Ghost Stories from the Murrell Home" Book Now Available
At long last, the compilation of ghost stories about the Murrell Home has arrived! The 90-page book features tales collected by the Murrell Home staff over decades, as well as stories solicited from visitors to the museum. The book documents over sixty stories about paranormal activity around the Murrell Home and Park Hill, dated as far back as the 1800s. The book, published by the Friends of the Murrell Home, is now on sale in our gift shop for $10.00. Shipping is also available for an extra $3.00. Call 918-456-2751 for more information.
Ice Storm
The end of January gave us quite a surprise as we were hit with a severe ice storm. Luckily, none of the historic buildings on the site were damaged. However, countless limbs and trees came down with the weight of the ice, causing our park to be closed through the end of March. The nature trails are still closed from the damage, but we hope they will be open by the middle of June. Please call (918) 456-2751 to verify that the trails are open before making plans to walk the ¾-mile circle.
Trees down on Murrell Home grounds
Tree across Park Hill Creek
The aftermath in the park
Roof Restoration
In November of 2007, the Murrell Home began an extensive exterior restoration of the home. The project was completed in the summer of 2008 and gave the home a new roof and gutter system. The front porch was replaced in the style of the 1870s, as shown in the earliest known photographs of the home.
March 2008 - Roof Restoration in Progress
In November of 2007, the Murrell Home began an extensive exterior restoration of the home. The project, slated for completion around May 2008, will give the home a new roof and gutter system. The front porch will also be replaced in the style of the 1870s, as shown in the earliest known photographs of the home. The home will be open during the restoration, but we ask our visitors to pardon the mess outside, as we currently have scaffolding and equipment on the grounds. Stop by and see our progress!
New view of the front of the house, minus the porch and balcony.
Our favorite roofer, Shelby. (She helps her owner, our head roofer.)
Dismantling the front porch.
Working on the west side of the house