The Murphy Papers consist of a scrapbook, photographs, ephemera, and publications assembled by Daniel P. Murphy and Doris A. Dow during their student years at Oregon State College. The scrapbook was assembled by Doris A. Dow and includes clippings, ephemera, programs and notices, dance cards, and grade reports and other student records for Dow. It covers the period 1939-1942.

The photographs consist of 66 mounted prints taken and assembled by Doris and 38 photograph prints taken by Dan. The mounted prints include images of Doris with friends and other residents of Jameson House; campus buildings; the commencement procession of students through campus; and students on a Newman Center field trip to Silver Falls, at a beach on the Oregon coast, and at a swimming pool in Benton Lane Park, on Highway 99W at the Benton-Lane County border. The mounted prints include descriptions and dates on the back of the prints.

The photographs taken by Dan depict students on campus; athletic events, including football and baseball; homecoming weekend activities such as the bonfire and house signs; the marching band, rally squad and beaver mascot being pulled on a cart; a tug-of-war, picnic and other student activities; and a crew boat on the Willamette River.

The ephemera and publications include the 1939 homecoming booklet; the 1946 ; a 1966 football game program (Oregon State vs Northwestern); music programs, ticket stubs, and a broadside; an issue of the newsletter of Sigma Phi Sigma fraternity; and Dan's Associated Students membership card for 1938-1939. The ticket stubs include two stubs for the 1957 Rose Bowl game.