Mildred Orphan

Interview Date: June 14, 1978
Interview Location: Narrator’s home, 8922 Mango, Morton Grove
Interviewer: Denise Rossmann Christopoulos
Duration: 44 minutes

Introduction

Mildred Orphan came to Morton Grove in 1923 to sing with Coon Sander’s Orchestra (the Kansas City Nighthawks) at the Lincoln Tavern. Shortly thereafter, Mildred met and married her husband, “Murph”. They decided to go into the restaurant business that same year and opened Murphy’s Steak House located at Dempster and Austin Avenues. Murphy’s Streak House was a prominent restaurant in Morton Grove and was in operation for 41 years. Mildred talks about many aspects of this restaurant business, including the noteworthy clientele, the décor, and the menu. The interview also includes many fine recollections of Morton Grove by Mildred since she has lived in town for 60 years.