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Murphy family urges HRB to correct Harrison Memorial Library attribution
Summary
At a Carmel-by-the-Sea Historic Resources Board meeting, Cindy Lloyd read a letter arguing archival evidence shows Michael J. Murphy was the principal designer of the Ralph Chandler Harrison Memorial Library and asked the board to consider correcting the public record and installing a plaque acknowledging Murphy.
Cindy Lloyd, speaking during public appearances at the Historic Resources Board meeting in Carmel-by-the-Sea, read a letter from Douglas J. Smith arguing that architect Michael J. Murphy, not Bernard Maybeck, was the principal designer of the Ralph Chandler Harrison Memorial Library.
The letter presented by Lloyd said archival records and contemporaneous correspondence show Murphy prepared the plans and that Maybeck served only as an adviser who reviewed elements such as a fireplace and garden wall. "Michael J. Murphy was the principal designer of the Harrison Memorial Library," the letter states.
Why it matters: Attribution affects how the city interprets and presents its built history and how future restoration work is framed. Lloyd said the Murphy family would like a plaque installed in the library to reflect Murphy’s role; she also brought copies of the letter and a presentation given by Robin Eshelman, identified in the meeting as Michael Murphy's great-niece.
Board response and next steps: A staff member told the board the materials have not yet been reviewed. Chair Grama asked for copies of the letter and related materials; Lloyd said she would provide the letter and the presentation. Staff noted that the library’s restoration project will include a more thorough historic analysis, and Lloyd and others said they expect the archival materials to be reviewed during that work.
What was presented: Lloyd read excerpts that reference the library procurement in 1926, trustees' meetings with Maybeck in San Francisco, and later public commentary in 1927 questioning Maybeck's role. The letter cites a November 1926 trustees' minute that refers to "the plans of Mr. Murphy" and records authorizing Murphy to develop cost estimates. Lloyd also recounted a 1927 open letter in the Carmel Pine Cone (reported in her presentation) in which a local editor asked who drew the plans; the letter and the archival material, she said, support the Murphy attribution.
No formal board action was taken at the meeting. Staff said the city's upcoming phase of the Harrison Memorial Library restoration will include a detailed historical analysis that could review and report on the materials Lloyd presented.
Ending: Lloyd offered to provide copies of the letter and the presentation and said Robin Eshelman would be available to speak to the board about the family’s research if the board requests it. Chair Grama thanked Lloyd for bringing the materials to the board’s attention.
