Susan Murphy visited the University Library, her former workplace, in late February.
It marked her first visit to the campus in 63 years.
“I was a secretary at the library,” said Murphy. “I made $40 every two weeks.”
Murphy began working at the library in 1954. At the time, she lived in Syberton, just outside of Loretto.
Murphy relied on her father’s vehicle for transportation, but his car was not always available. Many of her workdays began with a walk to campus.
“I walked four miles to get to the interview (for the job),” said Murphy. “I asked my friend, Lucy, to go with me and she got a job at Saint Francis the same day.”
Murphy had to quit her job in 1958, shortly before getting married. At the time, it was college policy for all women who held office jobs to be single.
In 1959, however, after a fire destroyed the school’s library, the administration asked her if she would return to work. Murphy returned to her job for a year.
“I did not miss working at Saint Francis after I quit in 1960,” said Murphy. “I was ready to begin my family.”
When Murphy revisited the library in February, she realized just how much the space had changed in 63 years.
“I was looking for the card catalog that sat in the middle of the library.”
While walking through the building, she saw dedications to her former bosses, the Rev. Vincent Negherbon and Margaret Tobin.
Father Vince served as the school’s head librarian from 1947-66. He also served as Dean of Students (1949-52 and 1956-57), Academic Dean (1962-63), Executive Vice President (1962-66) and Saint Francis President (1966-72).
Tobin worked at the school for 35 years, serving as Director of the Library for 20 of those years. The fourth floor of the library was renamed the Tobin Center for Archives and Special Collections in 1990.
“I enjoyed working with them – it was the perfect atmosphere to work in,” said Murphy. “We had fun every day.”
Murphy said that revisiting the library brought back many fond memories.
“Working at the library was one of the highlights of my life.”
