Thos. D. Murphy Co. Factory and Power Plant
The Thos. D. Murphy Co. Factory and Power Plant is a three-story brick building in Red Oak with a central courtyard and a one-story power plant beside it. The structure features clinker brick walls with limestone trim, rounded archways, and heavy timber framing with sprinkler systems for fire safety.
The building was originally constructed in 1905 and expanded in 1907 and again in 1920, with the power plant added during the final expansion. It became one of the world's largest producers of printed art calendars and shaped the lithography industry in the early 20th century.
The factory was designed with Arts and Crafts elements that reflected the owner's appreciation for quality and skilled work. Inside, wood paneling and stained glass decorations showed how art and industry were meant to work together in this space.
The site is easily walkable and the exterior brick walls with original windows are visible from the street. The buildings need repairs and are currently closed to visitors inside, but walking around the outside provides a good view of the architecture and the scale of the complex.
The power plant houses a rare steam engine built by Murray Iron Works with about 120 horsepower, likely one of the last surviving engines of this type in Iowa. This original equipment shows how factories operated before modern electrification became standard.
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