THE TOWER

In the 1930’s, Morgan purchased land in Massachusetts along the Parker River, where she began designing and building what would become the Tower on the Marsh. Inspired by Jung’s Bollingen Tower in Switzerland, it became a retreat and artistic testament to her visions and philosophy. It was also where she nurtured her 40 year love affair with Henry Murray and where they were committed to creating an example of a supreme romantic love. The Tower built with hand tools by local craftsman, remains as an important example of architectural Gesamthunstwerk (total work of art) in America, and possibly the only one designed and executed by a woman. The Tower incorporates architecture, sculpture, carving, landscape design, and literature into a unified, symbolic representation of how a psychologically aware individual could navigate through the world. While intensely personal, the Tower has also become — as great art does — universal. As Alfred North Whitehead said after visiting the Tower, “This place is more than you. It must go on.”

After her death, the house, the grounds, and an endowment by Henry Murray were bequeathed to a nearby academic institution. Unfortunately, the years since have not been kind to the Tower or true to Morgan’s wishes — that it continue to inspire as a sacred place, one that was dedicated to the synergy of love, knowledge, and spirituality. It is in need of substantial rehabilitation and, even more importantly, it needs a renewed commitment to Morgan’s vision and purpose.