Louis and Tina Rosenzweig
Louis and Tina Rosenzweig
RSW was an avid movie enthusiast, probably going to Greenfield for dinner and a movie about once every week. In those days, there was no such thing as multiplex theaters and the area had three single screen movie theaters- the Lawler, the Garden, and the Victoria. The Victoria was owned by Louis Rosenzweig and his wife Tina. Over the years, Woodward would become quite close with the Rosenzweigs who would frequently visit him at his studio. As a result of their friendship RSW, they would often take a newly finished oil painting home to "try" on their living room wall. Over the years the Rosenzweigs would purchase three painting - Mr. Franklin's House, Winter Orchard and Back of the Village. to hang in their "lovely" home.
Victoria Theater around 1900
Victoria Theater around 1950
Victoria Theater Sign
The Old Vic under a new name (1950s)
The Victoria Theater before demolition (1990s)
The site of the old Victoria Theater today
Greenfield Recorder article showing the site of the old Victoria Theater
Louis and his wife, Tina, became infatuated with Woodward paintings and they were frequent visitors to the studio to see his recently made paintings. Since all three of these friends are now gone I feel
free to mention their names and share their associations. Often they would take a newly finished oil painting home to "try" on their living room wall.
In the remaining Woodward papers were
discovered several letters of correspondence between Louis and Robert. The paintings which they chose for their home in Greenfield were: Mr.
Franklin's House, Winter Orchard and Back of the Village.
They chose well. All I would consider "Woodward Masterpieces."One is now is hanging in a Virginia home and two are hanging in Arizona.
All three of these paintings are now much loved by their
current owners.
Following are several of the letters between them written back in the 1940s.
Letter from Robert Strong Woodward to Mr. Rosenzweig, November 3, 1946
Dear Mr. Rosenzweig - Your recent
letter - with its enclosure of a pass to the Victoria Theatre, reached me and I heartily thank you for it. I have been quite ill since you were here a week ago today and in bed the greater share of the time. My red face
you noticed last Sunday I guess was due to the fever, for I later discovered I had one of almost 5 degrees. It still stays with me - though not quite so high this afternoon.
I enjoyed your visit at the studio
- with your very youthful grandmother! - and was delighted indeed that you and your wife decided to keep "Winter Orchard" (25 x 30) and
"Back of the Village" in your home, to live with and enjoy.
I can't write very adequately to get all my thoughts of appreciation for I am
not very well - but will try to do so later. Again thanks for the "pass" - I hope I may really use it.
Earnestly,
Robert Strong Woodward
Letter from Robert Strong Woodward to Mr. Rosenzweig, November 20, 1946
The Studio
Wednesday
Evening
November 20, 1946
Dear Mr. Rosenzweig - your good letter came this morning and the box of cigars came yesterday. The latter are a great prize and comfort to me and I thank you
personally and heartily. The letter is nice to have. Yes, in the newspaper I saw your good wife - looking rather frightened - upholding a corner of your new canvas. Sometime I hope to see it. I find myself wondering
just where in your house you are to hang it! You see I have an intimate interest in your lovely home now!
I am still very ill, awaiting further examinations from the doctors - the next time, x-rays - but the last
2 days feeling physically a trifle better and out of bed a few hours at a time. When I am straightened out and feeling better, it will be nice to smoke a cigar with you, someday.
A hundred thanks for the
welcome 7-20-4's, so thoughtfully sent.
Earnestly
Robert Strong Woodward
Letter from Robert Strong Woodward to Mr. Rosenzweig, January 25, 1948
Robert Strong Woodward
Shelbume Falls, Massachusetts
Jan. 25, 1948
Dear Mr. Rosenzweig,
It was not until Christmas time (when I heard of it from Mr. Flaum in a Greenfield barbershop) that I leamed you had
been so very ill, following directly your Sunday visit to the Studio with your wife and several friends. I was so sorry to hear of it, when I know you were trying so hard to bear up after your former troubles! I wanted to
write you my concern at once, but I myself have been having troubles since we last met, which have kept me from any writing that was not absolutely imperative. A terrible and painful scourge of neuritis settled in
my right arm and shoulder, which made me pretty helpless. It shot down into my fingers when I wrote - so, no matter how much I tried to - it was not safe or wise to use my pen, for many weeks. I am not "out of the
woods," yet.
I'll send this note to Beacon Street, trusting it will be properly redirected but I suppose - and hope - you have both left for warm Arizona by now. May the Sun and air, there, do much to bring
you back to health and strength - so that'when I see you in the Spring you will be quite yourself again. I enjoyed your visit to the Studio with your wife in Early November very much. You and your wife's enthusiasm
over my canvasses always gives me new inspiration. Tell your wife I left the painting of Mrs. Keach's Front Porch on show in the picture
comer until up to Christmas Time ~ following your visit here! I plan to send it out again on exhibitions this winter. I was sorry Mrs. Mickleman didn't eventually want a canvas; I fear she doesn't care for and appreciate
them as do the Rosenzweigs! I've made a new window picture since you were here but it does not beat your Winter Orchard canvas!
I hope you are much better by now - I hope you both are well.
Eamestly
Robert Strong Woodward
Letter from Robert Strong Woodward to Mr. Rosenzweig, June 10, 1948
Dear Mr. Rosenzweig - it was thoughtful in
you to write me your note yesterday and I appreciate it. I don't pay much attention to what goes on at the Jordan Marsh Show and it is not very important or much of a criterion of painting values. The prizes are given
according to popular vote and the larger, more dramatic and showy pictures, catch the votes. Years ago I got the first prize, but it was before they had made it a money award. Too bad however it wasn't this year
instead, for I could well use, in this very anxious time for me, the bit of cash the prize award represents.
Yes, it was very nice to have your note.
Eamestly
Robert Strong Woodward
Mr. and Mrs. Rosenzweig in their Greenfield Home in front of Mr. Franklin's House,
MLP
November 2011