Living History Day in Eugene this Saturday

EUGENE, Ore. - Living History Day will feature traditional craft demonstrators, costumed historical interpreters and crafts at the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House on Saturday, Aug. 4.

Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for kids, or $15 for families.

The Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House has been a landmark in Eugene for more than a century. Although many changes have been made over the years, the house – with its carved and turned exterior woodwork, polygonal tower, ornate open porches, and large bay windows – remains Eugene’s most elaborate example of late-Victorian Queen Anne Revival style architecture.

The house was built in 1888 for Dr. T.W. Shelton. Salem architect W.D. Pugh designed the house, and Nels Roney, a prominent local builder, constructed the house for approximately $7,000.

After Dr. Shelton died in 1893, his widow deeded the house to her daughter and son-in-law, Alberta and Robert McMurphey, who raised a family and lived in the house for many years. In 1950, Eva and Curtis Johnson purchased the house, and Eva Johnson lived and worked there until her death in 1986.

In addition to special events, the hous is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and weekends 1 to 4 p.m.