One of Alden Dow’s many passions in life was producing motion pictures.  For 50 years he documented a large part of his own architectural career, personal interests and world travels.  Over 300 16mm films are stored in the Archives and most are viewable in their original form in Mr. Dow’s personal movie theater.   

Alden Dow’s innovative nature led him to try different techniques in film production.  He experimented with time lapse photography, animation and dream sequencing.   Mr. Dow also edited his own films.  His choice of film was 16mm Kodachrome considered at the time to be the best and most unheard of for home use.  

Examples of Alden B. Dow Films

• Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin Fellowship (1933): Features the original fellows with Frank Lloyd Wright and in their daily activities, working in fields, and relaxing having fun.

• Construction of Home and Studio (1934 – 1950): During 1934 to 1939, the film begins with Alden Dow at his drafting board then moves to shots of a horse drawn excavator. The beginnings of the Floating Conference Room also takes shape. During 1939 to 1941, horses are replaced with a steam excavator moving earth. The supports for the terrace wall are in place, and then by wheel barrow men begin filling in the supporting wall.

• World travel (1925 – 1973): Several films featuring travels to England, Hawaii, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Manila, and others.

• Snow Hill (1925): As a teenager himself, Alden Dow captures other family members enjoying the woods in Midland and sledding and skiing at Revere Park.  Alden Dow then takes a moment to document his father, Herbert Henry Dow, handing out fruit to the children in Dow Gardens.  Family and friends enjoy swimming in Herbert and Grace Dow’s pool and canoeing through the Dow Gardens.