HUCKLEBERRIES: The tale of Fred Murphy
Fred Murphy stands in front of his plane in 1953.
Photo courtesy of Museum of North Idaho
Tom Emerson published a biography in 1988: “Fred Murphy: A Legend of Coeur d’Alene Lake.” It’s a must-read for those interested in local history.
Photo courtesy of the Coeur d'Alene Press archives
Fred Murphy operates one of his many crafts in this undated photo.
Photo courtesy of the Coeur d'Alene Press archives
Wanda Brust walks around the Silver Lake Mall in 2011.
Photo courtesy of the Coeur d'Alene Press archives
Sally Pierce is among the hordes of stamp buyers in 1976.
Photo courtesy of the Coeur d'Alene Press archives
Legislator Art Manley, left, and North Idaho College President Barry Schuler discuss college funding in 1976 while skating on Fernan Lake.
Photo courtesy of the Coeur d'Alene Press archives
Barber Francis “Bud” Perry offers razor shaves in 1981.
Ruth Thomas, front left, and well-wishers celebrate Ruth’s 90th birthday by hiking around Tubbs Hill in 2016.
Courtesy photo
Mary Lou Reed, left, and son Bruce greet friends on a bench dedicated to Mary Lou and husband Scott in 2025. During the mid-1980s, Mary Lou received more flowers at her desk than any other state senator.
Photo courtesy of the Coeur d'Alene Press archives
Surveyors Ed Rintamaki, right, and Dwight Greenfield of Meckel Engineering explain how they measured a large Christmas tree on Duane Hagadone’s property in 2011.
Photo courtesy of the Coeur d'Alene Press archives
Fred Murphy and his snowmobile crashed through the ice 40 years ago, ending a storied career devoted to Lake Coeur d’Alene and his neighbors.
On Jan. 12, 1986, his 52nd wedding anniversary, the 77-year-old tugboat captain was enjoying an afternoon ride on the frozen lake when the accident occurred.
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