The Murphy's Mother Store began business, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in 1906.

Photo from www.gcmurphy.org / John Barna

G.C. Murphy (1868-1909) died only 3 years after founding the Murphy's variety store chain. The fledgling company was acquired by two former McCrory Stores executives, one of which is seen above. John Sephus Mack (1880-1940) was installed as president and eventually reversed the fortunes of the company.

Photo from https://hgsic.wordpress.com / Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County, Pennsylvania

"Ocean City's Favorite Store" is seen in this 1930s postcard.
Graphic from the Boston Public Library

The Murphy's in the Central Business District of Middletown, Ohio. The store was a junior anchor in a downtown shopping mall completed in the mid-1970s (and knocked down in the early 2000s).

Photo from the George C. Crout Collection, Courtesy of Middletown Public Library

The very same store, after the completion of MIDDLETOWN MALL, in 1975. 

Photo from http://www.midpointedigitalarchives.org / MidPoint Digital Archives

A map of the SEMINARY SOUTH Murphy's, in Forth Worth, Texas. Some may liken a 5 & 10 to today's dollar stores. Such a comparison doesn't jive, though. In addition to its -clerked- candy counter, a dime store would feature a luncheonette, coffee shop or cafeteria. Moreover, there would always be a pets section. In pre-PETA days, these carried live animals and reptiles, such as monkeys, white mice, baby chicks, turtles and alligators!

Graphic from the G.C. Murphy Company