Committee for the Simon Rodia Towers in Watts records, 1953-1989

Collection Information

Size: 0.2 linear feet

Summary: The Committee for the Simon Rodia Towers in Watts records measure 0.2 linear feet and date from 1953-1989. The records include clippings, a transcript of the film "The Towers," interview transcripts with the towers' creator Simon Rodia, materials related to the Watts Towers' false restoration, photographic material, and unpublished articles by Jeanne Morgan. The records were compiled by Jeanne S. Morgan, founding member, executive director, and chair (1978-1980) of the Committee for the Simon Rodia Towers in Watts.

Biographical/Historical Note

The Committee for the Simon Rodia Towers in Watts was founded circa 1954 to preserve the unique sculpture by Simon Rodia at Watts Tower, Los Angeles, California, in response to plans by the City of Los Angeles to have the towers destroyed. For sixteen years the committee raised money, designed an engineering test to disprove the city of Los Angeles' contention that the towers were unsafe. The members also ran an art center that offered free classes to the community. In 1975, the committee assigned the towers and art center to the city.

Provenance

The Committee for the Simon Rodia Towers in Watts records were donated to the Archives of American Art by Jeanne S. Morgan in 1997.

Location of Originals

• This collection contains photocopies of photographs and artwork. The location of originals is unknown.