Adding to Tributes to the Late Dorothea von Moltke of Labyrinth
To the Editor:
To the many tributes to Dorothea [“Colleagues Offer Tributes to Labyrinth’s Dorothea von Moltke,” April 2, page 7], I would like to add one more.
In the course of an illustrative presidency of Princeton University, molecular biologist Shirley Tilghman advanced the mission of a great research university on several fronts. She also invited Dorothea to create a bookstore for the University and town. The University submitted a plan for the Lewis Arts Complex to the town for approval.
Four years passed, but there was no action. At a meeting in town, a sizeable crowd turned out, and 35 persons spoke. The clearest voice was that of Dorothea, who said that not only would this be a formidable addition to the University’s offerings in the arts, it would lift all boats for gown and town.
The Lewis Arts Complex opened in October 2017, and it has delivered on dance, music, visual arts, theater, and poetry beyond high hopes. I immediately invited Dorothea to speak to the Old Guard of Princeton, which she did with grace and panache coming out of her love of books and creating the finest bookstore on the East Coast.