Unbeknownst to some, Eugene is home to a castle. It is not a fortress with a king or queen present, and there is no moat or drawbridge. But this sleepy stronghold has stood on the edge of the Skinner’s Butte area for more than a hundred years, and its stewards continue to serve the community as curators, and then some.
The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House is a Victorian-style mansion and former urban farmstead complete with a tower, huge bay windows, sprawling porches, and gardens. Located on the south slope of Skinner’s Butte, the house was built in 1888, and referred to as the “Castle on the Hill.” The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House originally served as a home for Thomas Winthrop Shelton and his wife, Adah. It has changed ownership several times over the years and is now owned by the City of Eugene. The house is open to the public and maintained by the nonprofit Shelton McMurphey Johnson Associates. What once was a private residence is now part landmark and museum.
“We’ve definitely grown quite a bit,” Executive Director Leah Murray says. “We’re here to bring attention to the historic preservation of our city. We’re an asset for taxpayers and for community organizers.”
Murray has served as executive director for 12 years. Under her thoughtful guidance, the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House continues to uphold its commitment to Eugene through a host of eclectic events and community gatherings. Murray, no stranger to the hard work it takes to run a nonprofit, has a background in program coordination for adult education, public planning, and real estate. Her varied experiences and portfolio have made her a good fit to oversee a historical house that has been transformed into a museum to educate the public and bolster community.
The community events held at the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, most of them monthly, range from the Sit and Stitch fabric and knitting group to the Rainbow Game Night, where community members meet to play boardgames and cards. Also hosted at the house are a sapphic book club, Lace and Literature, and an event known as the Divination Salon, where practitioners come together to study tarot, palmistry, and mediumship.
“In addition to our events and exhibits, we want to provide space for people to be in,” Murray says. “We hope people in Eugene understand that this is all for them.”
The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House’s special exhibits and presentations, unlike the motley mix of monthly events, are seasonal. The themes vary.
One special exhibit this spring is titled “A Strand in Time.” This is a deep dive into women’s hairstyles prevalent between 1870 and the 1920s. “We’re really excited about this exhibit,” Murray says. “It is going to show examples of women’s hairstyles that span decades and it also has the live hairwork demonstration to go with it.”
“A Strand in Time” encompass a series of wigs and head busts, displayed inside the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, as well as a guest lecture from art historian Diane Irby. The demonstrative component will be facilitated by local hairdresser Tiffany Hallmark, a curator for the exhibit.
“A Strand in Time” will be featured at the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House from Feb. 16 through June 2. Diane Irby’s lecture and presentation will take place Friday, May 15, at 6 p.m. The hairwork demonstration will take place on Sunday, May 31, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Shelton McMurphey Johnson House
303 Willamette St, Eugene
541/ 484-0808
