The Murphy sundial
Generations of Eagles have likely noticed the pedestal sundial that stands waist-high on the grassy lawn outside Bapst Library. What they may not know is the story behind it. Now a newly installed plaque explains how the sundial ended up at Boston College.
The limestone pedestal was sculpted and presented to the University as a gift in 1933 by the Boston-area stonemason David J. Murphy, in gratitude for the education received by his son, John “Jack” Murphy ’35, who would go on to become an army captain during World War II, and then to own a prominent Sacramento insurance firm.
On June 24, the Murphy family visited the sundial carved and donated in 1933 by David J. Murphy in gratitude for the education his son, John “Jack” Murphy ’35, received at BC. At center, David Murphy, son of John J. Murphy, and his wife, Susan Murphy, stand with the sundial, which is now located in front of Bapst Library. They are flanked by two of their grandsons: Joseph Sarabian, at left, and Joseph Ryan.
“My grandfather was poor, and thankful for the education his son was receiving,” said Jack’s son, also named David Murphy, who visited the BC campus from California in late June with his wife, Susan, and two of their grandsons.
On the bright, clear morning, they laid a cheerful arrangement of maroon, gold, and green flowers at the foot of the sundial, where the plaque acknowledges their family. Murphy said the sundial continues to be something of a tradition in their clan.
“Whenever anyone in the family is in Boston, they visit the sundial,” he said.
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