Two early prints by western artist, Jo Mora, that hung in Hacienda del Sol when it was a boarding school for girls (pre 1940s). These were purchased by John and Helen Murphey in the 1930’s from “The Art Nook” in Tucson (143 Stone Ave, Chester Schwamb). Further information on the Murphey's can be found below:
“The story began in 1929, when John and Helen Murphey created Hacienda del Sol; a desert retreat inspired by early Moorish architecture, with many personal touches crafted by the Murphey’s themselves. The property was originally a “home away from home” ranch school for the daughters of society’s elite families. The prestigious school’s roster boasted names such as Vanderbilt, Pillsbury, Maxwell, Westinghouse, and Campbell, to name a few. In the late 1930’s, renowned architect Josias Joesler was commissioned to rebuild and redesign sections of the ranch, adding his notable signature to many architectural details. In 1944, Hacienda Del Sol was converted into a guest ranch that immediately attracted the Silver Screen’s most popular stars. Legend has it that the Hacienda’s Casita Grande was a favorite romantic hideaway of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Leading men John Wayne and Clark Gable both signed their names to the hotel’s illustrious guestbook. Howard Hughes, who owned a filming studio in Tucson at the time, found comfort and privacy within the walls of the Hacienda. The guest ranch was forgotten for some time… until 1995 when fate landed the secluded property into the loving hands of a group of Tucson investors. With the vision of returning the ranch to its original glory, the owners have continually renovated and renewed Hacienda Del Sol with special care. In 1997, The Grill restaurant was opened, and continues to be one of Arizona’s finest dining venues. In 1999, a major restoration of the hotel was completed, retaining and enhancing the original integrity of the architecture and landscape.”