A Way With Words

Ellsworth Storey—the tower architect—grew up with parents who exhibited a unique dichotomy when it came to conversation. His father was very quiet and reserved, while his mother “filled the airwaves unassisted.”

The result for Ellsworth was an ethic of speech that was, well, distinct—if not virtuous in its own right. That ethic colorfully became etched into the tower’s legacy.

Because of the paradoxical nature of his examples growing up, Storey failed to learn or practice the art of conversation—the ‘give and take’ of discussion. When others spoke he fumbled to insert remarks of his own. His comments were usually pointed, invariably terse, and seldom anecdotal.

Because of his inarticulateness, however, Storey did learn and practice the art of listening—a virtue celebrated by his favorite quatrain:

“A wise old owl sat on an oak.

The more he learned, the less he spoke.

The less he spoke, the more he heard:

Why can’t we be like this old bird?”

But he always maintained a way with words that was fiercely principled, bordering (depending on who you ask) on harshly antagonistic. This was particularly true when it came to creations of his own hand. At one time, the following was forged on a plaque at the Mount Constitution tower:

“TO HIM WHO RESTORES, MY SINCERE COMMENDATION. TO HIM WHO WOULD ALTER, ETERNAL DAMNATION!”

Ellsworth Storey - AIA - Architect 1936