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Robert Winter (1924-2019), Culture Hero for the Bungalow Crowd
By David Swarens
March/April 2019
 Photo by Bruce Johnson, Pasadena Star-News |
Yet another of the immortals has passed.
Dr. Robert Winter, aka "Bungalow Bob," architectural historian, critic, and professor emeritus of the history of ideas, passed away on February 9 in his beloved bungalow along Pasadena's Arroyo Seco. The house had once been the home of Ernest Batchelder, tilemaker and artist.
Bob's book, The California Bungalow, was one of the first we bought after we got our own first California bungalow. Published that same year, 1980, it was apparently the first "bungalow book" since the original heyday of bungalows in the early 20th century.
Dr. Winter was the culture hero for the bungalow crowd, bringing light to the sometimes dark interiors and fire to the requisite hearths. He was one of the first to give respect and affection to the soon-to-be-once-again-popular bungalows, describing them as one of the only applications of Architecture with a capital "A" for housing folks of moderate means.
And even more than the considerable content he would bring to his discussion of the topic, it was the sense of excitement and enthusiasm regarding the material that most impressed. When he spoke, he seemed to be bubbling over with something he could barely contain, and his twinkling eyes revealed that he would be his own best audience.
I once attended one of those unforgettable Bob Winter lectures, and alas—his projector bulb burned out. But Bob's momentum continued unabated, as he proceeded to hold forth on various design expressions and influences in a sort of modern dance mime with commentary. He made quite the flying buttress! And however impressive the planned presentation would have been, the result was far more memorable and just as informative.
Bob often said, "Historic preservation starts at home." He encouraged preservationists to live in historic houses and, if they were in the position to do so, to own and cherish these homes as stewards.
Dr. Winter's published work was just as pivotal in influencing this trend. His interest and scholarship had started early enough that he could interview and visit such original architects as Arthur Heineman, grabbing his baton to pass along to us and revealing forgotten gems. The architectural guidebooks, written collaboratively with such people as David Gebhard, detailed treasures in both the northern and southern parts of our state, and they are still indispensable traveling companions. His work in California Design 1910 (1974, reprinted in 1980 and 1989), particularly his essay on the Arroyo Culture, introduced themes that remain important.
The passage of time had not diminished either his energy or his passion, as he continued publishing, with contributions featured in the pages of American Bungalow magazine, and regular renditions of "In the Land of the Bungalow."
He once (at least once) remarked that the only reason he might wish to live forever was to see just how tall the already ridiculously tall palm trees of the Southland could actually grow.
Dr. Winter was truly one of the immortals.
David Swarens is vice president of SOHO's Board of Directors and a member of the Preservation Action Committee. He lives in a 1912 Arts and Crafts bungalow in the South Park Historic District.
Editor's note: Dr. Winter gave a lecture at SOHO's Arts and Crafts Weekend in 2002. Please see obituaries below.
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