Contributed by Lizette Royer Barton.
Every day researchers gather materials from the archives to tell all kinds of different stories. The stories don’t all make it into academic publications and in fact many are not destined for publication anyways – some research is just for funsies!
As the reference archivist here at the Cummings Center I get to hear these stories and some are so great I share them with the rest of the staff. This got us thinking that maybe all of you would like to hear some of these great stories, so we’re starting a new series to highlight the Stories from the Stacks.
Stories from the Stacks Vol. I: Searching for Molly.
Michael F. Vogel, M.S.Ed. – CAGS is a self-employed financial trader and former mentee of psychologist Molly Harrower.
CCHP: What led you to us?
MFV: Trying to locate Molly Harrower’s home/office in New York city.
CCHP: What were you looking for and why?
MFV: Molly’s street address on New York’s upper east side. I like to visit the sites where great psychology happened.
CCHP: What did you find?
MFV: I found it and discovered that Woody Allen is currently living there!
[Reference Archivist note: I located a piece of Molly Harrower’s letterhead, scanned it, and sent it to Michael as proof of her address.]
Molly Harrower papers, box M842, folder “Misc. 1”
CCHP: Were there any fun, interesting, or unexpected surprises?
MFV: Yes! Woody Allen could have known Molly and possibly was her patient!
CCHP: Any let downs?
MFV: None.
CCHP: What’s next?
MFV: A return to Orgonon – Wilhelm Reich’s home/office/observatory in Rangeley Maine. I have been there many times.
CCHP: Any other thoughts?
MFV: Pilgrimages to the locations where the master practitioners of psychology practiced keeps them alive within oneself. I was once the Director of Psychology Services in the Pediatric rehabilitation hospital where Dr. Jonas Salk developed the Polio Vaccine. Three (3) Months into this position I learned from the Hospital Administrator that my office was Dr. Salk’s Office !!! I met him several times when he would return. He lives within me (as does his original vaccine). This is probably why I enjoy my pilgrimages.
[Reference Archivist note: CCHP houses the Lee Salk papers – brother to Jonas Salk!]
Michael paying tribute to his mentor Molly Harrower and keeping her alive in his heart at 118 East 70th St.
