Friends of Modern Architecture/FoMA invites you to join us for an afternoon to remember Harry Hoover and view the 20-minute film about his father Breaking Ground: The Architecture of Henry B. Hoover
The Tarbell Room at the Lincoln Public Library
Dear Neighbors and Friends of Modern Architecture,
It is with great sadness that I write to you about Harry Hoover’s recent passing. I first met Harry in the late 1990s when I was beginning research on Modern architecture in Lincoln. By 2006, Harry, his sister Lucretia Giese, and I engaged with similarly minded “modernists” to form the Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln to celebrate and help preserve Lincoln’s rich Modern architectural heritage.
Harry grew up in Lincoln, served in the U.S. Army, and afterwards, dedicated his career to the federal civil service in Washington, D.C. Upon retirement, Harry moved back to his family home designed in 1937 by his father Henry B. Hoover, a noted pioneering Modern architect. Nothing made Harry happier than to share insights into his father’s houses, as those of us discovered who were lucky enough to have Harry guide us through one of them.
Harry had a simmering sense of humor, delighting all with his ever-clever bursts of wit. He was self-effacing, his many genuine gifts only apparent over time or by chance. He was an aesthete, a fine cook, conversationalist, musicologist, pianist, devotee of opera, writer, and a flawless host. Harry and Lucretia were devoted to raising awareness of their father’s notable architecture. They co-wrote Breaking Ground: Henry B. Hoover New England Modern Architect, a beautiful and worthy tribute to their beloved father. They also commissioned a film, Breaking Ground: The Architecture of Henry B. Hoover, by award-winning documentarian Molly Bedell. Late in life, Harry met Ara Tyler, a twilight treasure in his rich existence. A visit with Harry was always a gift, and he will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to spend time with him.
Dana Robbat
The Friends of Modern Architecture