Emily Murphy Residence

The heritage value of Emily Murphy Residence lies in its association with renowned jurist, social activist, and author Emily Murphy, who lived in this home from 1919 until her death in 1933.

Emily Murphy was a lively, robust contributor to early Alberta's public culture and achieved wide acclaim for her work as a jurist, reformer, and author. Born in Cookstown, Ontario in 1868, Murphy came west with her husband in 1887. She arrived in Edmonton in 1907 and quickly established herself as a formidable advocate for the rights of women and children. Murphy's dedication and competence were recognized in 1916 when she was appointed as a magistrate, the first woman in the British Commonwealth to attain such a post. A decade later, in 1927, Murphy instigated the work of Alberta's "Famous Five" - including Nellie McClung, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, and Irene Parlby - in their effort to have women recognized as persons eligible to hold Canadian Senate positions under the provisions of the British North America Act. The British Privy Council decided in the group's favour in 1929 - a landmark ruling in the legal rights of Canadian women. These pioneering achievements represented only a portion of Murphy's prolific participation in progressive social movements and civic organizations; she held posts as the President of the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada (1919-21), the Vice-President of the National Council of Women (1918-26), the Director of the Canadian Council of Child Welfare (1923-27), and the President of the Canadian Women's Press Club (1913-1920), to name only a few. In addition to her social and political achievements, Murphy gained renown for her considerable talents as an author, editor, and book reviewer. Her stories about western Canada, published under the pen name "Janey Canuck," were especially popular and her writing on topical issues like immigration, narcotics, and health proved influential in public discourse.

The Emily Murphy Residence was constructed around 1912 and features materials and design typical of the time. The home features several Craftsman style features, including eave brackets and exposed rafters on the exterior and panelled doors and square staircase balustrades and newel posts on the interior. It was here, in 1927, that the Famous Five met to sign their petition for women's right to be nominated to the Canadian Senate. The building served as student housing and now, appropriately, is home to the University of Alberta's student legal services.