Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1505

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

.2 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Robert Wojtowicz papers relating to Lewis and Sophia Mumford, circa 1925-1997 (bulk: 1987-1997), Ms. Coll. 1505, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1925-1997 (inclusive) and circa 1925-1997 (bulk)

Creator:

Wojtowicz, Robert, Mumford, Sophia Wittenberg, and Morss, Alison Mumford

Form:

Correspondence, Photographs, and Drawings

Abstract:

The Robert Wojtowicz papers relating to Lewis and Sophia Mumford detail a close relationship that developed after Wojtowicz approached the Mumfords to assist him in his research for his doctoral dissertation entitled, "The Lewis Mumford decades: studies in architectural history, criticism, and urbanism, 1922-1962." Sophia Mumford admired Wojtowicz's literary style and believed he would be the best custodian of Lewis Mumford's legacy upon her death.

Robert Wojtowicz received his Ph.D. in the History of Art from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990, as well as a B.A. and M.A. in American Civilization in 1983. He also received a M.A. in Art History and Archaeology from Columbia University in 1984. He currently serves as Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of Art History at Old Dominion University. He is the literary executor of the estate of Lewis and Sophia Mumford, and the author of several books and articles on Lewis Mumford (1895-1990), author, historian and scholar of architecture, urban planning, technology, and urban development.

Wojtowicz began his relationship with Sophia and Lewis Mumford, hereinafter referred to as Sophia and Lewis, in 1987 while working on his doctoral dissertation on the architectural writings of Lewis. He initially wrote hoping the Mumfords could provide assistance with his research for his dissertation. Sophia explained that at 91, Lewis was no longer able to engage in correspondence but Wojtowicz was welcome to visit. Despite Lewis's death in 1990, Wojtowicz continued to correspond with Sophia and eventually became a trusted ally. After the publication of Donald Miller's biography, Lewis Mumford: A Life in 1989, which Sophia characterized as "assault on Lewis and the misrepresentation of their marriage," she became deeply concerned that Lewis's infidelities would overshadow his professional accomplishments. Sophia believed Wojtowicz to be the best defender of her husband's reputation and legacy, and approached him in 1990 to serve as literary executor of their literary estate upon her death.

The Robert Wojtowicz papers relating to Lewis and Sophia Mumford primarily consists of correspondence between Wojtowicz and Sophia, and is arranged in reverse chronological order. There are a few pieces of correspondence between Wojtowicz and the Mumfords's daughter, Alison Morss, filed amongst Sophia's correspondence. The correspondence between Sophia and Wojtowicz centers around Wojtowicz's academic work on Lewis and his role as literary executor of their estate. This correspondence does not provide any new details on Lewis's personal life or career. Also contained in the collection, are two drawings by Lewis and an undated photograph of him.