The world is a very different place than it was in 1945.

These photos tell a little of the story of where we came from and the way we were. The rest of the site will tell you where we are today.

The year is 1945. World War II is in its final stages. In Greensboro, North Carolina, two men, Dr. Richard Stelling and Kermit Murphy, install a mixer in the back room of a drug store and begin making food flavorings on nights and weekends.

In 1947, they form the Southern Laboratories Company.

In time, Southern outgrows its little backroom operation, and in 1948, a plant is built on Arnold Street, in Greensboro.

The new plant opens with two full-time employees: Kermit Murphy and a secretary.


In 1955, the Southern Laboratories name is abandoned. Mother Murphy’s Laboratories, Inc., is officially born.




The year 1958 sees L.M. “Pete” Murphy join his brother Kermit in efforts to further grow the company.

Seven years later, Mother Murphy’s moves into the building on South Elm Street, in Greensboro, which still serves as corporate headquarters.


Today, the idea started with hope, hard work, and enthusiasm in 1945 continues to grow and thrive. As you take a look around the Mother Murphy Internet site, you’ll see that what started out in the small backroom of a drug store has expanded into an entire world of exciting possibilities for customers throughout the U.S and around the world.