411-413 N Main

411 - 413 N Main

One of three large hotels built in in Newton was constructed in the 400 Block on the west side. Originally known as Enterprise, the building was purchase by Joseph W. Murphy in approximately 1896. He opened Murphy's Hotel shortly after. Joseph W. Murphy knew how to run hotels.By 1911, he owned four hotels in neighboring towns and employed fifty-two "skilled assistants." The rooms were "first class with steam heat, electric lights and hot and cold water."

According to newspaper reporting, Murphy planned to build a five story, 100 room fire proof hotel to replace the one at 411-413 N Main. It is unknown what happened to those plans.

In 1919, after 23 years in the hotel business, Murphy sold the business to Fred Fuge.

The facades have been altered, likely in the 1920s and 30s. 411 N Main is also the site of Newton's first Pizza Hut.