Dawn Powell
New York, New York, New York
Marker Inscription
Dawn Powell 1896-1965 The novelist, playwright, and diarist lived here from 1931-1942, where she wrote Come Back to Sorrento, Turn, Magic Wheel, Angels on Toast, and A Time to Be Born. Born in Ohio, she wrote perceptive novels set in small Midwestern towns, and high-spirited satires that celebrated life in New York City. All but forgotten after her death, her work enjoyed an extraordinary revival in the 1990's.
Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center
The Story
From 1931 to 1942 the novelist and diarist Dawn Powell lived at this Greenwich Village address, turning out sharp comic novels like Turn, Magic Wheel and A Time to Be Born. An Ohio transplant, she made a career of skewering both small-town Midwestern life and the glittering ambitions of New York. Nearly forgotten at her death in 1965, Powell found an ardent new readership in the 1990s.
Why it matters
Powell's revival is a reminder of how many gifted American writers slip from view and are rescued by later generations, and of Greenwich Village's long role as an incubator of literary life.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- 81 Leonard Gallery1.2 mi away
- Gerben Fine Art1.3 mi away
- Bureau1.4 mi away · 112 Duane Street
- Hall des Lumières1.4 mi away · 49 Chambers Street, New York, NY
- Cloud Gallery1.5 mi away
- MĒRCER LABS1.8 mi away · 21 Dey Street
Attractions
- The River Project Wetlab1.0 mi away
- FDNY Ladder 81.1 mi away · 14 North Moore Street, New York
- Cortlandt Alley1.1 mi away
- Dream house1.1 mi away
- Chinatown1.2 mi away
- Textile building1.2 mi away
Food & drink
- Maman2.4 mi away
- Sweetgreen2.4 mi away
- Semicolon Cafe2.5 mi away
- Bluestone Lane2.5 mi away
- Greene Hook Bar & Kitchen2.5 mi away
- Yaso2.5 mi away · 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ
Places to stay
- Conrad1.7 mi away · 102 North End Avenue, New York
- M Social Hotel New York Downtown1.7 mi away · 55 Church Street, New York, NY
- Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area1.8 mi away · 170 Broadway, New York, NY
- Holiday Inn1.8 mi away · 51 Nassau Street
- The Cloud One New York-Downtown1.9 mi away · 133 Greenwich Street, New York, NY
- World Center Hotel1.9 mi away · 144 Washington Street, New York, NY
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Dawn Powell
Themes & tags
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