Regional Oral History Office University of California The Bancroft Library Berkeley, California Evelyn Danzig Haas FINE ARTS AND FAMILY: THE SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, PHILANTHROPY, WRITING, AND HAAS FAMILY MEMORIES With Introductions by Eugene E. Trefethen and Elizabeth Haas Eisenhardt Interviews Conducted by Suzanne B. Riess in 1995 Copyright 1997 by The Regents of the University of California Since 1954 the Regional Oral History Office has been interviewing leading participants in or well-placed witnesses to major events in the development of Northern California, the West, and the Nation. Oral history is a method of collecting historical information through tape-recorded interviews between a narrator with firsthand knowledge of historically significant events and a well- informed interviewer, with the goal of preserving substantive additions to the historical record. The tape recording is transcribed, lightly edited for continuity and clarity, and reviewed by the interviewee. The corrected manuscript is indexed, bound with photographs and illustrative materials, and placed in The Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley, and in other research collections for scholarly use. Because it is primary material, oral history is not intended to present the final, verified, or complete narrative of events. It is a spoken account, offered by the interviewee in response to questioning, and as such it is reflective, partisan, deeply involved, and irreplaceable. All uses of this manuscript are covered by a legal agreement between The Regents of the University of California and Evelyn Danzig Haas dated March 6, 1995. The manuscript is thereby made available for research purposes. All literary rights in the manuscript, including the right to publish, are reserved to The Bancroft Library of the University of California, Berkeley. No part of the manuscript may be quoted for publication without the written permission of the Director of The Bancroft Library of the University of California, Berkeley. Requests for permission to quote for publication should be addressed to the Regional Oral History Office, 486 Library, University of California, Berkeley 94720, and should include identification of the specific passages to be quoted, anticipated use of the passages, and identification of the user. The legal agreement with Evelyn Danzig Haas requires that he be notified of the request and allowed thirty days in which to respond.. It is recommended that this oral history be cited as follows: Evelyn Danzig Haas, "Fine Arts and Family: The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Philanthropy, Writing, and Haas Family Memories," an interview conducted in 1995 by Suzanne B. Riess, Regional Oral History Office, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 1997. Copy no. Cataloging information HAAS, Evelyn Danzig (b. 1917) Museum trustee Fine Arts and Family: The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Philanthropy, Writing, and Haas Family Memories, 1997, x, 284 pp. Family background, Danzigs and Wolfs, New York City; horseback riding, urban life, summer abroad; Wheaton College art studies, public speaking, and American Film Institute job; meeting Walter Haas, Jr. and Haas family; marriage, San Francisco home, children and . schools; fishing, vacations in Atherton, Oregon, Montana, travel; volunteer work with Children's Theater Assn., San Francisco Symphony, hospitals, other institutions; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art [SFMOMA]: Haas family affiliation, Grace McCann Morley, Activities Board, Women's Board, trustee since 1972, directors, staff, fund raising, accessions; SFMOMA President, 1985-1988, CEO 1983-1984: decision to build a new museum, board-building, choice of architect, donors; War Memorial Board; personal art collection. Appended narratives by Evelyn Haas about earthquakes, the Oakland A's, the United Nations, and visiting royalty; and the 1996 Annual Report of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. Introductions by Eugene E. Trefethen, President (retired), Kaiser Industries Corp.; and Elizabeth Haas Eisenhardt. Interviewed 1995 by Suzanne B. Riess. Regional Oral History Office, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley. TABLE OF CONTENTS--Evelyn Danzig Haas INTRODUCTION--by Eugene E. Trefethen INTRODUCTION--by Elizabeth Haas Eisenhardt iii INTERVIEW HISTORY--by Suzanne Riess TO MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN--by Evelyn Danzig Haas viii FAMILY BACKGROUND Early Memories Parents Father's Death, and Mother's Death Thoughts on Mother's Career Grandparents, Abraham and Sophie Wolf Cousins, and Distances Religion Summer Camps Horseback Riding COLLEGE YEARS, AND COURTSHIP Choosing Wheaton, Then and Now Evie ' s College Activities Meeting Walter Haas, the Courtship Art, and the Art of Public Speaking Meeting the Senior Haases The Summer After Graduation, and the Film Institute Job Macy's Training Squad The College Trip to Europe In Danzig with Jerome Danzig Engaged New Families 111 MORE ON FAMILY Frank Danzig Jerry Danzig Grandparents, Simon and Sarah Danzig Facts of Life, and How to Cook Wives' Lives IV EARLY MARRIED YEARS Getting a New Life Finding a House William Wurster, and Thomas Church The War Years Friends, and Parties Ice-Breaking Advice V CHILDREN, SCHOOLS, AND VACATIONS Babies Town School, Burke's, and Marin Country Day Wally's Career and Family Betsy's Career and Family Bob's Career and Family Summers in Atherton, and Family Camping Trips Zane Grey Property in Oregon Social Clubs and Drinking Wade a Little Deeper, Dear Montana Ranch Foreign Travel VI VOLUNTEER WORK Children's Theater Association Children's Hospital San Francisco Symphony, Volunteering and Attending The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund The HaasIKoshland Award VII SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART Elise Haas's Interest in Modern Art An Opportunity for Evelyn to Curate an Exhibition Grace McCann Morley The Idea of Modern Why SFMOMA Needed a New Museum The Activities Board, and Working Hard These Days of Vocal Boards Women's Board, Working with Directors, and the MAC Staff Friends George Culler Fractional Gifts Ongoing Definition of Scope, Photography Department The Nordland and Hopkins Eras The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund and the Arts Professional Guidance in Fund Raising Art Appreciation, and the Haas Legacy More on Activities Board, and the Art of Seating Differing Roles of Men and Women on Boards More on Accessions Committee The Education Aspect Biting the New Building Bullet Choosing the Architect Acknowledging the Donors Evelyn Haas1s Service on Other Art Councils Other Modern Art Collectors The War Memorial Board Brooks Walker, and Board-Building The Gamble Critics, and Discretion The Big View: Other Modern Museums Operating Costs, Marketing, and Rewarding Members Great Shows Remembered Director Selection Committee VIII THE EVELYN AND WALTER HAAS, JR. ART COLLECTION 155 APPENDICES 166 A. Biographical Data 167 B. The Wolf Gazette, February 26, 1944 169 C. An Introduction to the Stories by Evelyn Haas 17 3 1. The 1989 Earthquake 174 2. The Earthquake and Fire, from notes dictated by Rosalie Meyer Stern, ca. 1934 180 3. 1989 Baseball Playoffs 189 4. 1989 World Series, Parts I, 11, 111, and IV 197 5. Playoffs 1990 221 6. 1990 World Series 226 7. The Queen and Her Prince Visit San Francisco, 1983 232 8. United Nations 50th Anniversary, June 26, 1995, and a letter about the Opening Session, April 27, 1945 244 D. Background on the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund 249 E. Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund 1995 Annual Report 25 2 INDEX INTRODUCTION--by Eugene E. Trefethen I am delighted and flattered--not to mention privileged and honored--to have been asked to pen this introduction. Toall of you who are about to enjoy the contents of the oral history memoir that follows, may I proudly present Evelyn D. Haas--and what a great lady she is! Evie, as she is more familiarly known, is in every sense of the word an ideal: she is a devoted wife, and a loving mother and grandmother. She is a dedicated community activist with a host of friends. She is a tireless, determined leader, blessed with good judgment and total integrity. She is an accomplished speaker, acclaimed author, traveler extraordinaire, and an art connoisseur and avid collector. She is a fine example of grace, good taste, and elegance. Evie is a doer, and a giver. She embodies the Haas family-shared philosophy about the joy of giving: that it is far more important than the joy of receiving. This is so clearly evidenced in her work with the Children's Theater Association, Children's Hospital, the San Francisco Symphony--just to mention a few of her numerous involvements. Evie, by the side of her husband, Walter A. Haas, Jr., and with their children, Bob, Betsy and Wally, co-directs the invaluable efforts of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, a family foundation. Sprung out of love and care for those less fortunate, it enriches life for all of us minute by minute. Of Evie's countless interests, one is considered a particular favorite, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. It is here that I and many others have had the good fortune to work hand-in-hand with Evie in strengthening the excellence of this institution. Evie's mother-in-law, Elise Haas, was a leading force in the early development of the Museum. Evie has followed suit in her hardworking, effective leadership roles at the Museum, e.g., past chairman, and president. Evie was a vital influence in making a dream come true--a new site for the Museum, a magnificent building that is now open to the public and serves throngs of people who are attracted to it, and to its precious art collection. Sharing a challenge with Evie is always pleasant, and rewarding. Her driving dedication is contagious, and always accompanied by a wonderful sense of humor. Not only does she have unflagging energy in her altruism, but try traveling with her on a trip to Egypt, Israel or China--non-stop adventure! I can vouch for it, from personal experience.