Stolen items from People’s Art Collection displayed

 RED OAK – Two pieces from the original Murphy Calendar Company collection, once believed lost forever, will be displayed as part of the People’s Art Collection this weekend at Junction Days. 

Thirty-three pieces of artwork used at the Thomas D. Murphy calendar company will be displayed at the Red Oak Railroad Depot from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. 

But the prize jewels will be two pieces from the original 1905 collection, which were stolen from the building’s vault years ago. 

Jacky Adams, who now owns the vacant building and depot, said she recently found the 1905 pieces for sale on eBay. She contacted the seller and told them the items had been stolen several years earlier, and the artwork was returned. 

Adams said it’s been a while since the People’s Art Collection has been displayed in Red Oak and in order to broaden its reach, she said it will remain on display at the depot for two weeks after Junction Days. The display opened June 23 and will be available the days preceeding Junciton Days. 

The depot, which traditionally serves as a military museum, will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Adams said she would also be willing to open the depot by appointment if needed. She can be reached at 623-6048 or 623-9281. There is no charge to view the collection, but donations will be accepted to help offset the costs of maintenance on the depot.