Easter in Nutter Fort, West Virginia

The photos I am sharing today are part of the Ralph Murphy photo archive, which my husband received from his Aunt Jean in 2012, and I digitized in 2015. This extensive collection includes 21 boxes of slides, totaling thousands, all captured by Uncle Ralph. The images span the years from 1947 to 1984 and feature scenic shots from their travels across the United States, glimpses of family members, and candid moments with friends and co-workers.

Ralph and Jean Murphy, my husband’s uncle and aunt, shared a life filled with quiet charm and dedication to each other. Early in their marriage, they purchased a house in Nutter Fort, West Virginia—a place that was likely their first home. While I do not know the exact date of the purchase, they married in March 1942 and lived in this home until the early 1960s. Ralph and Jean poured their heart and soul into caring for this house, with Ralph often taking photos of it.

Ralph and Jean Murphy’s home in Nutter Fort, West Virginia (ca. late 1950s)

The Murphys never had children, and Jean, being an only child, cherished close family ties. Holidays were usually spent with extended family. Sometimes they hosted family at their Nutter Fort home, but they often traveled locally or out of state. When they remained in Nutter Fort, Jean’s parents were always part of the holiday celebrations.

I am confident that the first set of photos you see were taken at Ralph and Jean’s home, as the living room furniture shown in one photo matches what appears in many others taken at their residence. Additionally, the china you see in the photos is the same set Jean used when I visited their home.

Several clues helped me date these photos. The first clue is that Ralph and Jean stored them in a box labeled “October 1960 to April 1961.” Since Easter Sunday in 1961 fell on April 2, that identified the date right off the bat. That year, it was an intimate gathering of three—Ralph, Jean, and Jean’s mother, Mae (Randall) Dudley. The second clue is the festive table setting, complete with a big foil-wrapped chocolate bunny rabbit sitting in a basket filled with Easter grass.

At the center of the table was a ham, the classic Easter main dish, flanked by what I have learned is likely an Easter wreath bread. This braided, circular loaf carries deep symbolism, representing eternity and the cycle of life. Traditionally associated with Easter, it is often adorned with dyed eggs and serves as a centerpiece, reflecting themes of rebirth, unity, and celebration. As there were no children to dye eggs for, Jean simply placed two boiled eggs in the center of the bread.

The rest of the meal was a blend of festive and everyday dishes, reminiscent of a typical Sunday dinner. Side dishes included a baked sweet potato, a serving of what appeared to be lima beans, and a pear salad topped with a cherry. A small portion of what looked like applesauce was also on the table, alongside another bowl that might have held a classic Jello salad. For dessert, they enjoyed a small sheet cake that resembled a German chocolate cake.

Jean’s attention to detail shone through in her choice of tableware. Her elegant china, adorned with pink and green floral patterns, brought a touch of spring to the table. Each place was set with a cup of tea, golden cloth napkins, and elegant settings placed on white placemats with cut-out edges, all on a decorative golden kitchen tablecloth. A dish of butter sat on a glass plate, while matching china creamer and sugar bowls, along with salt and pepper shakers, added a cohesive touch to the table.

Behind Jean’s mother stood a china hutch, showcasing more of the floral china and crystal glasses. Two shelves were decorated with embroidered doilies. The hutch itself reminded me of one my parents had when I was growing up, bringing back fond memories.

The next group of photos features a couple and their three children. While I am unable to identify this family, I suspect the man may have been a co-worker of Ralph’s at the Addressograph Multigraph Corporation.

Several clues confirm that these photos were taken during Easter in 1961. First, they were stored in the same box as the photos above, indicating they were captured in the spring of that year. Second, three brightly colored eggs can be spotted on top of the television in the first photo—a small detail that signals the Easter season. These photos appear to have been taken at the couple’s home, as none of the images from Ralph and Jean’s Nutter Fort house feature a television like the one shown here. It is fascinating to reflect on how much television technology has evolved since the 1960s, transforming from models like this to the flat screens we have now.

The details in these photos also provide charming glimpses into family life at the time. One picture shows a framed photo of one of the boys proudly displayed on a bookcase, while another features a wooden playpen—a staple in many homes of that era. Two of the boys appear in a photo holding Easter eggs; one clutches an Easter bunny alongside a small basket. In another image, they are enjoying chocolate marshmallow Easter eggs. In all of the photos, the boys are dressed in their pajamas, adding a cozy, intimate feel to the scene.

The mother is pictured feeding her youngest son in another photo. Dressed in pin curls and a decorative scarf, her outfit reflects a style more suited to home life than going out. Given the lively household, it is safe to say she likely had her hands full!

 

I hope you enjoyed this group of photos from Ralph’s archives. To see others from his collection, click here.