My wife and I took a trip this past week to the Buffalo, NY area where we toured Martin and Greycliff, and also saw Davidson, Heath, Larkin ruins, Yahara Boathouse and Blue Sky Mausoleum. Then onto Ohio, where we stayed 2 nights at the amazing Penfield House, toured Welzheimer-Johnson (where we had the pleasure of spending time with fellow Wright Chatters Palli & Michael Holubar) and saw Staley, Feiman, Rubin (no pics) and Dobkins. We also drove through Rush Creek Village (no pics) and did a quick stop at Gunning House/"Glenbrow" (no pics). Sadly, it is in very tough shape - and the property is being advertised as acreage for sale on the sign out front.
Here are some pictures from the trip. You can open them individually or click on the "Slideshow" button.
Blue Sky Mausoleum
Martin House
Davidson
Heath
Yahara Boathouse
Larkin
Greycliff
Penfield
Staley
Welzheimer-Johnson
Feiman
Dobkins
David
NY & Ohio FLW trip photos
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hypnoraygun
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Part of my issue with the boathouse, other than preferring it to remain an unrealized project, is the inappropriate interpretation, both structurally and aesthetically. I have not seen it, but the exterior appears to be some sort of concrete or other "hard" surface. From the renderings, I assumed it to be a warmer structure; probably stucco with wood trim, which the stone stylobate and break wall would appear to indicate.
As is, it looks like a stretched Unity Temple; too massive IMO for what I believe Wright intended. I also wonder if they intentionally might have over scaled it....
As is, it looks like a stretched Unity Temple; too massive IMO for what I believe Wright intended. I also wonder if they intentionally might have over scaled it....
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hypnoraygun
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What about this as a thought... ??
We are used to seeing FLW structures that were built at least 49 yrs to over 100 years ago.
The materials are of course, different. Even concrete is not the same type of concrete. Weather, nature, ect changes these materials and gives us a view and that "view" is what is in our mind. I remember a thread awhile back about the Cypress (or other exterior boards) on Usonians, and what we think it may have looked like new, or what we think they should look like..
My point is if Unity Temple, or The Johnson Wax building were built today, would it look "off" compared to what we think it should look like? The materials are different, the labor is different, and the buildings would be new.
Give this boat house 50 years, and then let's see how it compares??..
Just a thought. I think it looks interesting.
We are used to seeing FLW structures that were built at least 49 yrs to over 100 years ago.
The materials are of course, different. Even concrete is not the same type of concrete. Weather, nature, ect changes these materials and gives us a view and that "view" is what is in our mind. I remember a thread awhile back about the Cypress (or other exterior boards) on Usonians, and what we think it may have looked like new, or what we think they should look like..
My point is if Unity Temple, or The Johnson Wax building were built today, would it look "off" compared to what we think it should look like? The materials are different, the labor is different, and the buildings would be new.
Give this boat house 50 years, and then let's see how it compares??..
Just a thought. I think it looks interesting.
That's a viable question, hypno.
Two objective differences between the drawings (published in the Wasmuth Folio) and the new building are in the doors, and the small square window
triplets. Do we have any plan drawings of the original concept, indicating scale ? The drawing shows single doors, one of which is shown open. If
these are not huge doors, then the comparison of them to the doors in the built example suggest the new building has been "scaled up" from the
original design. Does anyone know if this is the fact ?
The small windows are placed lower, and appear smaller, in the new building than in the old drawings.
SDR
Two objective differences between the drawings (published in the Wasmuth Folio) and the new building are in the doors, and the small square window
triplets. Do we have any plan drawings of the original concept, indicating scale ? The drawing shows single doors, one of which is shown open. If
these are not huge doors, then the comparison of them to the doors in the built example suggest the new building has been "scaled up" from the
original design. Does anyone know if this is the fact ?
The small windows are placed lower, and appear smaller, in the new building than in the old drawings.
SDR
Isn't it a treat ?
Penfield is the consummate styled architectural object, from the outside -- a streamlined flying box, a house unusual in form yet made of the simplest
materials and detailed in an elementary and unassuming manner. Like Carlson, it capitulates, in a most "un-Wrightian" way (?), to the reality of sheet
materials whose seams need to be battened.
If Wright was sometimes inspired by a single novel idea, around which a house could be formed, in this case it would be the alternating vertical
boards and glass lites, coordinated to the rhythm of stair treads.
Thanks so much for so many informative photos, indeed.
SDR
Penfield is the consummate styled architectural object, from the outside -- a streamlined flying box, a house unusual in form yet made of the simplest
materials and detailed in an elementary and unassuming manner. Like Carlson, it capitulates, in a most "un-Wrightian" way (?), to the reality of sheet
materials whose seams need to be battened.
If Wright was sometimes inspired by a single novel idea, around which a house could be formed, in this case it would be the alternating vertical
boards and glass lites, coordinated to the rhythm of stair treads.
Thanks so much for so many informative photos, indeed.
SDR
Thanks everyone. Glad you have enjoyed the pictures. Each place we visited was very special. Davidson looked to be in good condition - and someone mentioned that it is now a B&B? Had the opportunity to speak briefly with an owner/family member of Heath who was very informative. Martin is just amazing. So great to see it in person - and to see it re-emerge in all it's glory. Greycliff is so different than Martin - and so wonderful in it's own right (but in need of so much rehab work (read: money)). Finding the Larkin ruins took a little work, but upon finding them I enjoyed dreaming of what once was - and what it must have been. And staying at Penfiled was truly wonderful. SDR is right on the money - it's all about simplicity - in design, materials and execution. And they all come together so marvelously! And Staley. Oh, boy! As my wife said upon driving upon it, "I think I have found my favorite Wright house!!!". It's just beautiful - and in such a gorgeous setting on Lake Erie, too - with a wonderfully landscaped property. What a gem! Visiting Welzheimer was soooooooo relaxing. A terrific Usonian - and so glad to have spent time there with Michael and Palli. Feiman is a house just sitting doing nothing - other than aging and not being maintained. Very sad to see for such a fine home. Rubin is well hidden behind it's landscaping, but glimpses we got whetted our appetites for more. And Dobkins is a beauty. Set on wonderful property. Obviously well cared for and loved. And we also very much enjoyed visiting the Mausoleum and the Boathouse. Though, sadly we were unable to tour the inside due to ongoing work to prepare for an event the following day.
Oh, and SDR - one other difference between the top Wasmuth drawing (but possibly missing (or perspective-hidden) in the second one you posted) and the Boathouse are the four concrete columns (two at each end) that rise above the roofline in the drawing - but seem to have been flattened out and elongated in the as-built Boathouse.
David
Oh, and SDR - one other difference between the top Wasmuth drawing (but possibly missing (or perspective-hidden) in the second one you posted) and the Boathouse are the four concrete columns (two at each end) that rise above the roofline in the drawing - but seem to have been flattened out and elongated in the as-built Boathouse.
David
NY & Ohio FLW Trip photos
Tnguy : many, many thanks for the photographs. I lived near Buffalo in the early 1980's. Martin house was in rough condition then and it is truly a miracle to see it reborn. We also 'toured' the Davidson and Heath houses, both of which had been well maintained.
I stayed in the Penfield house about 2 years ago and along with digital must have shot another 50 film exposures. Addicting. Also visited W-J and was treated to the great hospitality of Palli and Michael, always a treat to speak with kindred spirits......
Michael
I stayed in the Penfield house about 2 years ago and along with digital must have shot another 50 film exposures. Addicting. Also visited W-J and was treated to the great hospitality of Palli and Michael, always a treat to speak with kindred spirits......
Michael
So, that is what is left of the great Larkin building.
I wonder if anyone of the committee that brought about her demise still is alive. What a cold heart.
There must be scowls on the dried and shriveled faces of the dead committee members moldering in their expensive, dirty granite moseleum vaults.
My guess is that they just couldn't stand the existence of something that made such a destinct statement. Something that was beyond their understanding. Dreadful human beings.
I wonder if there are images of the building taken during her lifetime? To get an impression of what the world was like with her in it. Mundane images with her in the background of daily life. For instance, I always get a thrill as I approach the Guggenheim and catch the first glimse of her sitting in her "natural" environment. Sitting amongst her wide eyed and shocked peers. I'd love to see images of the larkin building today.
I wonder if anyone of the committee that brought about her demise still is alive. What a cold heart.
There must be scowls on the dried and shriveled faces of the dead committee members moldering in their expensive, dirty granite moseleum vaults.
My guess is that they just couldn't stand the existence of something that made such a destinct statement. Something that was beyond their understanding. Dreadful human beings.
I wonder if there are images of the building taken during her lifetime? To get an impression of what the world was like with her in it. Mundane images with her in the background of daily life. For instance, I always get a thrill as I approach the Guggenheim and catch the first glimse of her sitting in her "natural" environment. Sitting amongst her wide eyed and shocked peers. I'd love to see images of the larkin building today.
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Wrightgeek
- Posts: 1548
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:21 pm
- Location: Westerville, Ohio
TnGuy-
Thanks for the photos. It looks like you had a busy and rewarding trip.
You are so right about the Staley Residence. Not only a beautiful design in a gorgeous setting near the lake Erie shoreline, but also in pristine condition both inside and out. I got to tour the inside of the house about 4-5 years ago, and it is in impeccable shape, and has a luminous, soft glow about it. The only evident issue is the structural column that was put in place to address the sagging cantilever at the eastern end of the house. But it is so subtle as to be noticable probably only to knowledgeable FLW fans.
The current owners, only the second, knew the Staleys and bought the home directly from them. They use the house as a summer residence, and are totally committed to keeping the building it excellent condition. If all Wright buildings had stewards like these folks, and for that matter, the Penfields, the Sikoras, Dan C. (dtc/Dobkins), Dr. Christian, Mrs. Tonkens, DRN, and even RJH, we would have little to worry about.
The next time I head up to visit Oberlin, I will be sure to make arragements to meet the Holubars, as you did, to take a tour of the W-J. They are so knowledgeable about the house and all things Wright that I'm sure it would make for a fascinating tour. BTW, did Michael and Palli mention the apple orchard that used to exist on the W-J property and that supposedly inspired the unique balls that decorate the eaves of the house? It would be nice to see that orchard replanted someday.
When you visit the W-J house in Oberlin, did you by chance drive through the nearby town of Wellington to take a look at the Mosher Residence? Palli is quite familiar with it. If you did, just curious to see what you thought.
And BTW, what did you think about Rush Creek Village in Worthington? I live about 10 miles away, and have been fortunate to have taken several tours of the neighborhood, and some of the residences. Your impressions of what you saw?
That's probably enough questions for now.
Thanks for the photos. It looks like you had a busy and rewarding trip.
You are so right about the Staley Residence. Not only a beautiful design in a gorgeous setting near the lake Erie shoreline, but also in pristine condition both inside and out. I got to tour the inside of the house about 4-5 years ago, and it is in impeccable shape, and has a luminous, soft glow about it. The only evident issue is the structural column that was put in place to address the sagging cantilever at the eastern end of the house. But it is so subtle as to be noticable probably only to knowledgeable FLW fans.
The current owners, only the second, knew the Staleys and bought the home directly from them. They use the house as a summer residence, and are totally committed to keeping the building it excellent condition. If all Wright buildings had stewards like these folks, and for that matter, the Penfields, the Sikoras, Dan C. (dtc/Dobkins), Dr. Christian, Mrs. Tonkens, DRN, and even RJH, we would have little to worry about.
The next time I head up to visit Oberlin, I will be sure to make arragements to meet the Holubars, as you did, to take a tour of the W-J. They are so knowledgeable about the house and all things Wright that I'm sure it would make for a fascinating tour. BTW, did Michael and Palli mention the apple orchard that used to exist on the W-J property and that supposedly inspired the unique balls that decorate the eaves of the house? It would be nice to see that orchard replanted someday.
When you visit the W-J house in Oberlin, did you by chance drive through the nearby town of Wellington to take a look at the Mosher Residence? Palli is quite familiar with it. If you did, just curious to see what you thought.
And BTW, what did you think about Rush Creek Village in Worthington? I live about 10 miles away, and have been fortunate to have taken several tours of the neighborhood, and some of the residences. Your impressions of what you saw?
That's probably enough questions for now.
Wrightgeek - Glad you enjoyed the pictures - and thanks for all the additional information re Staley. And so glad that you were able to visit it and enjoy the home from inside, too.
You most certainly would enjoy both the visit to W-J - and the time spent with Palli and Michael. They made our time at W-J more than it could have been otherwise. My wife and I are going to have the pleasure of their company once more when we do the Wisconsin "Wright & Like" tour in a few weeks. As far as the orchard being an inspiration, Palli would be the go-to person to ask on that one.
On the day we toured W-J, we ended up spending a bit over four hours there - leaving at around 4PM. At that point in time we were still going to go to Canton (an hour + drive) to see the three homes there, and then drive on to Columbus (another nearly two hours) to our hotel - so we decided to postpone our visit to Mosher.
We really enjoyed Rush Creek - so much so that we drove through it three times. I think what Van Fossen and the Wakefields did is incredible. I would love to learn more about it, too. Do you know if there are any good publications or scholarly works on Rush Creek? One thing my wife and I enjoyed about Rush Creek was the variety of designs. Van Fossen certainly wasn't cookie-cutter - and created diverse homes using many materials.
We then drove over to Gunning and did a quick walk around the property (we still had a visit to the Hopwell Indian Culture NHP to go to (GREAT place, btw) - and a 5.5 hour drive home thereafter, so time was once again of the essence). Gunning is an amazing place - even given the major road right in front of it. It was very sad to see it's current state, though. And even more concerning to see the 'for sale' sign out front advertising it as "acreage for sale". In this article the listing agent states that he estimates the rehab costs to be "at least $200,000". After seeing it in person, that figure seems grossly inadequate. We can only hope that someone (or group) can intervene in the meantime, purchase the property and try to stabilize what is there until further funds can be found. It will be quite a challenge.
David
You most certainly would enjoy both the visit to W-J - and the time spent with Palli and Michael. They made our time at W-J more than it could have been otherwise. My wife and I are going to have the pleasure of their company once more when we do the Wisconsin "Wright & Like" tour in a few weeks. As far as the orchard being an inspiration, Palli would be the go-to person to ask on that one.
On the day we toured W-J, we ended up spending a bit over four hours there - leaving at around 4PM. At that point in time we were still going to go to Canton (an hour + drive) to see the three homes there, and then drive on to Columbus (another nearly two hours) to our hotel - so we decided to postpone our visit to Mosher.
We really enjoyed Rush Creek - so much so that we drove through it three times. I think what Van Fossen and the Wakefields did is incredible. I would love to learn more about it, too. Do you know if there are any good publications or scholarly works on Rush Creek? One thing my wife and I enjoyed about Rush Creek was the variety of designs. Van Fossen certainly wasn't cookie-cutter - and created diverse homes using many materials.
We then drove over to Gunning and did a quick walk around the property (we still had a visit to the Hopwell Indian Culture NHP to go to (GREAT place, btw) - and a 5.5 hour drive home thereafter, so time was once again of the essence). Gunning is an amazing place - even given the major road right in front of it. It was very sad to see it's current state, though. And even more concerning to see the 'for sale' sign out front advertising it as "acreage for sale". In this article the listing agent states that he estimates the rehab costs to be "at least $200,000". After seeing it in person, that figure seems grossly inadequate. We can only hope that someone (or group) can intervene in the meantime, purchase the property and try to stabilize what is there until further funds can be found. It will be quite a challenge.
David
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Wrightgeek
- Posts: 1548
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:21 pm
- Location: Westerville, Ohio
TnGuy-
Glad to hear that you enjoyed Rush Creek Village so much. It is a relatively unknown and overlooked gem that is just beginning to receive some of the widespread acclaim that it deserves. We are fortunate to have it here in Central Ohio.
If we decide to stay in Ohio for the long term, we may very well end up trying to buy one of the RCV homes. There are only about 50 of them in total, and they do not come up for sale all that often, but from time to time we'll see one or two of them listed. Generally speaking, most of the homes sit on about an acre of property more or less, and sell for from $225,000 to a little over $400,000, with most falling in the $250k-$350K range. Size wise, square footage goes from a litlte over 1000 sf to about 2700 sf, and for those with school age children the Worthington school district is considered excellent. The location is very convenient, and the surrounding village of Worthington is one of the more desirable communities in Central Ohio, with a lot of history and a New England feel derived from its original settlers in the very early 1800's.
As far as publications go, to my knowledge none exist on RCV at the present time. However, there is good news on that front. An architect who is curently based in the Bay Area, but has ties to Central Ohio, is in the process of putting a book together about RCV, and from what I understand, it should be available within the next 12-18 months. His name is escaping me right now, but he has been one of the leaders in the effort to save the Gunning Residence. When I find his name, I will pass it along to you.
The Worthington Historical Society has a website, and on their site you can find more information about RCV and its history. The WHS also has a gift shop that sells a reasonably well done video documentary on RCV that is maybe 25 minutes in length, give or take. It has interviews with Van Fossen and Mrs. Wakefield, as well as footage of the homes and the community. I think is costs about $15.00 or so, and is well worth the price. If you contact the historical society you may be able to purchase the video by mail or online.
Finally, I echo all of your comments and concerns about the Gunning Residence. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking down.
In reviewing this post before I submit it, I realized two things. First of all. I sound like a real estate agent when rambling on about Worthington and Rush Creek Village, and second, that I am really long winded today. And finally, thanks for taking the time to answer all of my questions from earlier.
Glad to hear that you enjoyed Rush Creek Village so much. It is a relatively unknown and overlooked gem that is just beginning to receive some of the widespread acclaim that it deserves. We are fortunate to have it here in Central Ohio.
If we decide to stay in Ohio for the long term, we may very well end up trying to buy one of the RCV homes. There are only about 50 of them in total, and they do not come up for sale all that often, but from time to time we'll see one or two of them listed. Generally speaking, most of the homes sit on about an acre of property more or less, and sell for from $225,000 to a little over $400,000, with most falling in the $250k-$350K range. Size wise, square footage goes from a litlte over 1000 sf to about 2700 sf, and for those with school age children the Worthington school district is considered excellent. The location is very convenient, and the surrounding village of Worthington is one of the more desirable communities in Central Ohio, with a lot of history and a New England feel derived from its original settlers in the very early 1800's.
As far as publications go, to my knowledge none exist on RCV at the present time. However, there is good news on that front. An architect who is curently based in the Bay Area, but has ties to Central Ohio, is in the process of putting a book together about RCV, and from what I understand, it should be available within the next 12-18 months. His name is escaping me right now, but he has been one of the leaders in the effort to save the Gunning Residence. When I find his name, I will pass it along to you.
The Worthington Historical Society has a website, and on their site you can find more information about RCV and its history. The WHS also has a gift shop that sells a reasonably well done video documentary on RCV that is maybe 25 minutes in length, give or take. It has interviews with Van Fossen and Mrs. Wakefield, as well as footage of the homes and the community. I think is costs about $15.00 or so, and is well worth the price. If you contact the historical society you may be able to purchase the video by mail or online.
Finally, I echo all of your comments and concerns about the Gunning Residence. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking down.
In reviewing this post before I submit it, I realized two things. First of all. I sound like a real estate agent when rambling on about Worthington and Rush Creek Village, and second, that I am really long winded today. And finally, thanks for taking the time to answer all of my questions from earlier.
Wrightgeek - thanks for all of the information. I am going to hopefully get a copy of the video from the WHS (tried calling, but no answer and didn't ring to an answering machine. The site says they have Thursday hours from 2-4PM, so I may have to try back next week) - and look very forward to the publication of the book you mentioned, too.
David
David