2019 Member Newsletter Celebrating the Legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright

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Volume 24 Issue 1 FEBRUARY 2019 MEMBER NEWSLETTER CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

OnOn thethe WrightWright TrackTrack PHOTOGRAPHERPHOTOGRAPHER CHRONICLESCHRONICLES FRANKFRANK LLOYDLLOYD WRIGHTWRIGHT TRAILTRAIL TREKTREK pagepage 88 © Andrew Pielage © Andrew Save the Date: Wright and Like is Slated for June 8

This spring — on the 152nd birthday of newly built home by Frank Lloyd Wright — we take you to long-time Wright and Letter from the Editor towns on the shores of Lake Michigan, Like favorite, award- by MARK HERTZBERG including Manitowoc and Two Rivers, winning architect Ken communities with rich architectural leg- Dahlin. A special, acies. hands-on event at the Hamilton Wood Type Wright fans will get to experience Still & Printing Museum © Andrew Pielage © Andrew

Bend, the home Wright designed for also is in the works. Hartmann © Robert Bernard and Fern Schwartz. This stun- Still Bend, an early Usonian home, will make its Wright and Like debut. ning home is a modified version of We’ll post final details “Wright in Wisconsin” is more than our members, who come from around Sherri Shokler, Wright’s 1938 “Life” magazine “dream Bloodgood Schuster, with multiple ex- on our website: www.wrightinwiscon- photographed in the house.” amples of his mid-century modern de- sin.org, where you can sign up to get the another name change for us. Our mis- the country. I want to thank Bill Marti- Wright in Wisconsin signs. event brochure. sion since our founding as the “Frank nelli for taking on additional responsibil- oﬃce in Madison, in Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Tourism Her- ity as our new vice president. 2013, marked her We also will introduce you to regional 20th anniversary “like” architects, in particular John In addition, we are working to secure a We look forward to seeing you! itage Program” has expanded. We are still with the organization the nation’s only statewide organization The backgrounds of our members range in December 2018. devoted to all things Wright. from the obvious (Wright homeowners) WRIGHT IN WISCONSIN VOLUME 24 ISSUE 1 to the unexpected. Marshall Jones is cur- Published three times annually in February, May and That includes supporting educational rently serving two consecutive life terms CONTENTS September. programming, Wright tourism initiatives in the New Lisbon Correctional Institu-

WRIGHT IN WISCONSIN is published by Wright in Wisconsin, and the preservation and conservation of tion in western Wisconsin. While Jones Hertzberg © Mark a nonprofit organization designed to promote, protect and Wright’s work in Wisconsin. In our an- is not able to experience Wright’s work preserve the heritage of Frank Lloyd Wright, his vision and his architecture — as well as the work of his apprentices, Taliesin nual Wright and Like tour, we also em- firsthand, his insights into Wright’s work one percent of our membership is from Associated Architects and like-minded architects — in his brace the work of other organic from his extensive reading in prison has out-of-state. Forty-six percent of our native state of Wisconsin. Membership benefits include architects, many of them Taliesin ap- dazzled a host of Wright scholars, includ- members generously support us at the ARTICLES discounts at the Monona Terrace Gift Shop and on Wright and prentices. ing the late Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer. Donor Level ($100) or higher. Like™ tour tickets, this newsletter, volunteer opportunities and more. Donors of $100 or more receive reciprocal membership 04 Noshing with Wright benefits at Wright sites nationwide (benefits vary by location). We have certainly evolved — by chang- Our programming can only be as strong How important is membership to our To join, visit us at www.wrightinwisconsin.org or contact us at ing the organization’s internal structure, as our membership and volunteer base. programming? It makes up the second 05 Hillside Theatre the number or address below. our legal identity and the broader mis- We welcome both your ideas for new ini- largest category of income in our annual Restoration Grant Editor Mark Hertzberg sion definition of Wright’s legacy to in- tiatives and your help in making these budget. Designer and copy editor Brian R. Hannan 06 Shining Brow Awards Special thanks clude the apprentices and those he ideas come to fruition. to Patrick Mahoney for contributing the vintage postcard. influenced. We look forward to hearing from you 08 On the Wright Track Board of Directors (Sites Represented) This newsletter is one of our member- through the contact link on our website Michael Ditmer, president (Still Bend / Schwartz House); Bill This newsletter is our traditional form of ship benefits. This is the last issue that and seeing you at our events in 2019. 10 2019 Visser Award Martinelli, vice president (Seth Peterson Cottage); Andy outreach to our members and to others will be mailed to people who do not Gussert, treasurer; Mark Hertzberg, secretary; Lon Arbegust in the Wright world. Scott Templeton in- renew their membership for 2019. If you Thanks to Sherri Shokler 13 Terrace Paver Program (A.D. German Warehouse); Mary Arnold; Kristen Beglinger (SC Johnson); Lois Berg; Terry Boyd (Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham herited the newsletter designer’s mantle have renewed your membership, we Block); Ken Dahlin; George Hall; Kim Mattila-Kasten; Mary Ann from Barb Sanford and facilitated our thank you. If not, please visit When you call or email us, Sherri an- McKenna (Wyoming Valley School); Aron Meudt-Thering transition to a full-color publication. www.wrightinwisconsin.org/join and re- swers. If you’re a board member with an REGULAR FEATURES (Taliesin); Heather Sabin (Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center); and Dave Weber (Unitarian Meeting Brian R. Hannan has now capably suc- view the options or call (608) 287-0339. obscure question about the organization, House). ceeded Scott. Sherri has the answer. When you come 07 Vintage Photos 1 4 Tours & Events Office manager Sherri Shokler Membership starts at $30. Memberships to Wright and Like, Sherri is one of the 1 2 Wright Thoughts 1 6 Vintage Postcard Wright in Wisconsin Social media — overseen by Sherri at $100 and more include reciprocal smiling people who greets you at the reg- p.o. Box 6339, Madison, WI 53716-0339 Shokler — and our website, which was membership benefits at more than 30 istration table. (608) 287-0339 www.wrightinwisconsin.org redesigned thanks to a generous grant participating Frank Lloyd Wright sites from SC Johnson, are equally important nationwide. She’s seen us through several name today. changes and several presidents. Sherri’s Walls in the SC Johnson Research Tower, Racine, incorporate 5,800 Pyrex glass tubes, inspiring Frank Lloyd Wright to Thirteen states from coast to coast are title is “office manager,” but she is the describe it as a “helio-lab” because of the abundant natural light. At the building’s dedication, Wright said he hoped the © Andrew Pielage © Andrew tower would stand as a “flower among the weeds” when compared with other corporate structures. Our volunteer board of directors serves represented in our membership. Thirty- glue that holds us together.

ON THE COVER: The executive ﬂoor in the SC Johnson Administration Building

02 WRIGHT IN WISCONSIN MEMBER NEWSLETTER VOLUME 24 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 2019 03 © Mark Hertzberg © Mark © Mark Hertzberg © Mark

Left: Steven Freeman prepares appetizers in the Hardy House’s tiny kitchen. \ Top: Robert Hartmann, center right, past president of Wright in Wisconsin, chats with Freeman during dinner at the Mollica House. The other diners were Cindy Hertzberg, left, Sylvia Ashton and © Mark Hertzberg © Mark

Nick Goodhue (the stewards of the house) and Jill Hertzberg © Mark Hartmann. \ Above: Freeman’s Hardy House dinner Noshing with Wright Hillside Theatre Receives Restoration Grant Steven Freeman has cooking skills, will travel to fully experience Wright’s residential designs $320,000 from Save America’s Treasures helps fund new roles for Wright-designed landmark

by MARK HERTZBERG from FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT FOUNDATION

Eighteen years passed before Steven (1958) and Keland (1954) houses, two the stewards of the Hardy House, The National Park Service, in partnership with the Institute of provide more than $500,000 in matching funds for this Freeman could prepare to make a gour- other nearby Wright-designed homes, learned of his offer to a previous owner Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the $867,000 restoration project, which is comprised of three com- met dinner in the minuscule kitchen in days later. A bonus for him was that he and thought it might be the perfect way Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts, an- ponents: elimination of water infiltration, rehabilitation of the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Thomas P. Hardy was welcomed as an overnight guest in to host a family get-together. Sylvia Ash- nounced in September 2018 that the Frank Lloyd Wright Foun- lower level of the theatre and restoration of the Hillside Theatre. House (1904/05) in Racine this past each house. ton and Nicholas Goodhue (the Mollica dation is the recipient of a $320,000 Save America’s September. Still, he was unfazed by the House) and Dr. William B. Boyd (the Treasures grant toward the restoration of the Hillside Theatre. Restoration of the Hillside Theatre and its entry foyer will re- challenge of cooking a memorable Freeman, 48, is an architect from Man- Keland House) also signed on to host an turn the audience and performance spaces to their historic op- dinner for a dozen people he had never chester, N.H., who loves to cook. His architectural food adventure. “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hillside Theatre at Taliesin played an im- erational capacity, comfort and beauty. All mechanical and met, in a kitchen he had never worked in, Wright food road trip portant role in the history of southwest Wisconsin and in the electrical systems will be rehabilitated. in a city he had never visited. extraordinaire began in August 2000, Postscript: Freeman has since been in- history of America,” said Stuart Graff, president and CEO at the when he wrote 14 Wright homeowners vited to present his culinary craft in two Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. “We’re excited to secure this Storm water runoff, the main cause of water infiltration, will be Oh, and by the way, he did it by chef’s in- in the Milwaukee area offering to cook homes Wright designed in Illinois, in funding so that the Hillside Theatre can once again play a dy- addressed. Structural issues will then be corrected in the base- stincts and from memory: no cookbooks “one of the best meals I can create” in ex- May. He welcomes invitations from namic role in this community.” ment. This will allow for aesthetic improvements and the re- or written recipes. change for the privilege of visiting their other Wright homeowners. habilitation of the lower level to accommodate new restrooms, homes. None replied, likely because, as The foundation is working with Taliesin Preservation Inc. a green room and storage to help support theatre operations. How to top his coup de chef? in the case of Hardy, they were besieged Inquiries can be sent in care of Wright in (TPI) on this project. TPI collaborates with the foundation to by requests from would-be visitors. Wisconsin via the contact link at preserve Taliesin and conduct tours, educational and cultural Interested donors can help support the project at By doing the same thing two more times, programming. The two organizations are working with local www.franklloydwright.org/donate or by contacting the founda- with different menus, in the Mollica But in 2018, Tom and Joan Szymczak, NOSHING CONTINUEScontinued ON on PAGE page 06 6 and national foundations, corporations and private donors to tion at (480) 627-5374.

04 WRIGHT IN WISCONSIN MEMBER NEWSLETTER VOLUME 24 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 2019 05 Shining Brow Awards Iannelli in Racine

Taliesin Preservation honored Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy The Racine works of notable 20th-century Italian- at the second annual Shining Brow Awards gala in October American designer, sculptor and architect Alphonso 2018. The Shining Brow Award winner was architect Ar- Iannelli are featured at the Racine Heritage Museum in thur Dyson and Emeritus Board member inductees David “Blessings to Blenders: Spreading the Gospel of Mod- Uihlein Jr. and Minerva Montooth. They were selected for ernism,” a new exhibit that runs through Oct. 31, 2019. their profound, enduring creative and professional excellence in architecture and the allied arts and sciences, ac- Iannelli collaborated with Frank Lloyd Wright, most cording to a statement from Taliesin Preservation. famously when he designed the sprites at Wright’s Midway Gardens in Chicago. For more information, Arthur Dyson studied as an apprentice to Wright for al- visit: www.racineheritagemuseum.org. most a year before Wright’s death. He later studied under Bruce Goff. Dyson launched his own California-based firm NOSHING WITH WRIGHT © Robert Hartmann © Robert in 1969 and started winning numerous architectural design CONTINUED FROM PAGE 04 awards in the 1980s. Beyond his architectural achievement, Dyson’s community involvement with such groups as the Audubon Society, California Arts Council, Fresno Historic www.wrightinwisconsin.org. Preservation and the United States Green Building Council Vintage Photos made him a clear choice for the award. The full story of Freeman’s visits, with many more photos, is available at: www.wrightinracine.com, titled Surviving Gatehouse recalls the Wintergreen ski resort designed by Talesin Associated Architects Minerva Montooth, “Noshing with Wright.” by ROBERT HARTMANN Taliesin’s longest- standing resident, has Shortly after the completion of theRiverview Terrace Café/The lived and worked on Spring Green restaurant in the fall of 1967 (now known as the Frank the estate since 1947. Lloyd Wright Visitor Center), plans were announced for a Winter- While she currently green ski area development. This ski resort was described, in a 1968 serves as the director newspaper article in “The Milwaukee Journal,” as having a five-level of social events, Mon- lodge with a five-story tower. This ski area development was to be lo- tooth originally cated on a 400-foot hilltop site not far from Taliesin. worked as Mrs. © Mark Hertzberg © Mark Wright’s assistant for The developer was the same Wisconsin River Development Corp. that 25 years. Montooth Minerva Montooth welcomes guests also is one of the few at Taliesin for a celebration honoring had recently completed Riverview Terrace. Officiers of the corpora- Wright’s birthday in June 2016. remaining individuals tion included W.H. (Bud) Keland, of Racine, who served as president. who personally knew Keland was a former vice president of Johnson Wax, as the company Mr. and Mrs. Wright. The Emeritus Board distinction rec- was then named. Also serving on the board was Lowell Thomas, the ognizes her enduring commitment to making Taliesin a legendary news commentator and a skiing enthusiast. William Wesley © Robert Hartmann © Robert true living legacy to Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin Pres- Peters, chief architect of Wright’s successor firm, Taliesin Associated ervation. Architects, was to design the project. The Gatehouse as it appeared during construction in 1968, top, and shortly after its completion the following year, above David Uihlein Jr. was instrumental in developing the very Seven ski runs and a chair lift were quickly completed. Unfortunately, idea of “Taliesin Preservation” in 1990. Wisconsin roots Peters Lodge never came to fruition. and a dynamic architectural career provided Uihlein ideal insight to develop Taliesin Preservation as a Wisconsin- However, the Gatehouse leading to the hilltop resort was constructed. based organization for education and preservation of the It too was designed by Peters and the Taliesin Associated Architects. It Taliesin estate. Uihlein facilitated massive site stabilization is located adjacent to County Highway C, a short drive past the Talie- and base restoration work, positioning Taliesin Preserva- sin dam. tion for future renewal projects. The Shining Brow Award commemorates Taliesin Preservation’s gratitude toward his Hertzberg © Mark The Gatehouse was intact as of fall 2018, though it has been altered,

significant contributions during his 13-year board tenure. The menu Freeman prepared for dinner at the Hardy House and the weather has not been kind to the exterior.

06 WRIGHT IN WISCONSIN MEMBER NEWSLETTER VOLUME 24 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 2019 07 © Andrew Pielage © Andrew

For Andrew Pielage, a recent commission to photograph the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail for Travel Wisconsin amounted to a “whirlwind.”

“Photographing sometimes multiple Wright sites a day, for several days, was a big challenge but also super-fun,” the Phoenix-based advertising and architectural photographer recalled. “Being in Arizona, I could not scout the designs beforehand, so it was really giving the site a quick overview and identifying and reading the light in the space – and just going for it.” © Andrew Pielage © Andrew

Growing up in what he calls an outdoorsy, “adventurist Left to right: Wingspread, Racine; Wright’s bedroom at Taliesin, Spring Green; Monona Terrace, Madison

© Andrew Pielage © Andrew family,” Pielage said he was “hooked” at first sight when he visited his first Wright-designed site – Taliesin West – in 2011. “The winding road up to Taliesin West immediately reminded me of long, dusty desert drives with my What is your “favorite” Wright design? When you visit a Wright property, are you a tourist first or a family growing up. I felt at home when I arrived. The re- professional photographer? How does the visceral experience On the Wright Track lationship and respect between Wright and the landscape I tend to dive deep in my research into each Wright site before I of seeing the work in person inform the work? I loved became more and more obvious. Taliesin West photograph it, and it’s tough not to fall in love with it. With that was everything I loved about growing up with my family said, I do have a few Wright sites that tend to stay with me Definitely a tourist. Time permitting, I usually have my contact Andrew Pielage Chronicles Architectural Trek in Arizona.” longer than others. You don’t just see Wright’s designs, you can give me a tour of the site before any equipment comes out. As Through the Badger State for Travel Wisconsin feel them when you walk in and around them. we walk around, I jump from tourist to photographer – looking That same year, Pielage began teaching photography first at where the light is nda its relationship to the design. workshops at Wright-designed homes that now include That was especially true in Unity Temple. Walking into that interview with BRIAN R. HANNAN Taliesin, Taliesin West and Fallingwater. He’s also begun space, I felt like all those lines were just wrapping around me; I I don’t think I can put into words how I attempt to capture not a personal project to photograph Wright’s extant build- felt like the space was holding me in its loving and peaceful only his architecture but also the visceral experience in the im- ings, increasingly becoming recognized in Wright circles arms. I ended up having to sit down and just breathe in the ages. Great photography comes from the head and the heart, for his craft in the process. space for a few minutes before setting up my camera. and I just have to trust and follow those instincts when I photograph. “My goal photographing a Wright site is to attempt to The David Wright house is another favorite. I was married capture just 1 percent of that visceral experience you get there! As anyone who has visited a Wright site would know, you don’t when you enter a building. That’s what I would consider just see his designs, you feel them. And that goes hand in hand a successful photograph” Pielage said. “With photo- On the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, my favorite “non-accessible- with my favorite photography quote. “A good photograph you graphing the remaining Wright sites, there is definitely a to-the-public” area has to be the reception area on the executive see, a great photograph you feel.” documentary aspect to the project as well. These images floor in the SC Johnson Administration Building. It had all the will represent the current state of Frank Lloyd Wright de- same features of the Great Workroom but was designed for one Editor’s Note: Learn more about Andrew Pielage and his pho- signs in the 2000s.” desk instead of an office full of them. tography on his website: www.apizm.com.

08 WRIGHT IN WISCONSIN MEMBER NEWSLETTER VOLUME 24 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 2019 09

Nominations Sought for 2019 Visser Award Designing ‘The Cloud’ by OLIVIA STAUFFACHER Seth Peterson Cottage Conservancy recognizes excellence in architectural preservation Editor’s Note: Stauffacher, 14, attended the five-day “Ar- The deadline for applications for the 2019 Kris- The Seth Peterson Cottage is Wright’s final Wis- chitecture I” camp at Taliesin last summer. This program tin Visser Historical Preservation Award is consin commission (1958) and, at only 880 introduces participants to organic architecture and the March 15, 2019. square feet, one of his smallest. It was rescued work and life of Frank Lloyd Wright. She writes: from ruin by the concerted efforts of a local

The award, given by the directors of the Seth Pe- group of lakeshore property owners, spear- Hertzberg © Mark For my project, I built a cloud-shaped workspace. It has terson Cottage Conservancy, is presented every headed by Audrey Laatsch, and restored two offices, a bathroom, a community space and my fa- other year to an individual or organization in through a public/private partnership. vorite space — an animal office. recognition of past work in historical preservation of a Frank Lloyd Wright or Prairie School The inaugural award was given in 2007 to Steve Burnham Block The animal office is a place that will have animals building in Wisconsin or a contiguous state. Sikora and Lynette Erickson-Sikora for their brought in to lower stress; plus you can bring in your work restoring the Willey House, in Minneapo- Group now owns 5 of street’s 6 houses own animals so you don't have to pay for daycare or leave In general, buildings constructed between 1900 lis. The 2009 award was granted to Paul A. Har- from FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S BURNHAM BLOCK INC. them alone all day. This space is complete with crates, and 1925 are given preference, and the restora- ding and Cheryl Harding for their work in toys, food and water, etc.

tion work shall have been substantially com- restoring the Davenport House, in River Forest, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block Inc. has purchased Then there is an elevator that brings you up to the roof- pleted within the two calendar years previous to Ill. the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, two-family home at

© Brent Nicastro © Brent top garden. The garden has chairs and tables so you can the year of application. The 2019 award will be 2728-30 W. Burnham St. in Milwaukee — the house on work outside. given for work done during 2017 and 2018. The 2011 award was presented to Mary Arnold the right in the above photo. The home, known as a “Two Above: Kristin Visser \ Below right: and Henry St. Maurice for their work on the E. Members of Eugene Szymczak's Flat, Model C,” is part of Wright’s American System-Built Clarke Arnold Residence in Columbus. The The workspace would be made up of white or gray con- family accept his posthumous Kristin The award is in the amount of $5,000. (ASB) Homes series. It was built in 1916. Visser Historical Preservation Award 2013 award was presented to Frank Lloyd crete and/or brick. from Bill Martinelli, right, June 3, 2017, Wright Wisconsin for the restoration of the B-1 at the Seth Peterson Cottage. Applicants are asked to support their applica- With this purchase, five of the six Wright buildings on American System-Built home in Milwaukee. One of the most important things to me was that the tions with a statement fully describing the re- the Burnham Block are owned by Frank Lloyd Wright’s building was somewhat eco-friendly and accessible to ev- storation project, including its state of Burnham Block. The remaining ASB home has been re- The 2015 award was given to John Eifler and eryone. For those two things to happen, I had to make completion, a supporting statement from the habilitated and is available for short-term rentals at Bonnie Phoenix for the restoration of the Ross some changes to my original design, but I came up with building contractor and/or architect, a letter or www.vrbo.com. House in Glencoe, Ill.The 2017 award was given my dream workspace. This workspace is completely letters of support from scholars and/or working posthumously to Gene Szymczak for his restora- wheelchair accessible. It also uses solar panels on the professionals familiar with the project, photo- The 2728-30 W. Burnham St. building has fallen into sig- tion of the Thomas P. Hardy House in Racine. roof, a rainwater collector in the backyard and thermal graphic evidence of work completed and any nificant disrepair. It needs an overhaul of its mechanical energy from the ground. It has recycling and compost other supporting materials. systems, including frozen plumbing, and it has a long list Send applications to: Seth Peterson Cottage bins. I named my project, simply “The Cloud.” of deferred maintenance needs. Urgent repairs will begin Conservancy, 400 Viking Drive, Reedsburg, WI Applications will be judged by members of the immediately, and a long-term restoration plan will be an- 53959-1466. Seth Peterson Cottage Conservancy and outside nounced at a later date. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham

experts/scholars. The award recipient will be an- Block says it will continue to restore the buildings it Questions? [email protected]. nounced on April 15, 2019, and the award pre- owns to their 1916 appearance. sented on June 10, 2019. Editor’s Note: Wright in Wisconsin and the Burnham The award is named in honor of Kristin Visser, Block have a shared history of accomplishment. Our who was instrumental in the restoration of the forerunner, Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin, originated Seth Peterson Cottage and a tireless worker on the Burnham project and was able to spin off the non- its behalf. She is the author of “Frank Lloyd profit Burnham Block to focus on overseeing and guiding Wright and the Prairie School in Wisconsin,” its growth. Wright in Wisconsin is thrilled by its success and, with John Eifler, A.I.A., “Frank Lloyd and is pleased to have been instrumental since its incep- Wright’s Seth Peterson Cottage: Rescuing a Lost tion, when the first four of their five properties were ac- Masterwork.” Visser, a planner for the Wiscon- quired. We wish the group continued success and look sin State Department of Natural Resources, died forward to working together to promote Wright's legacy © Mary Stauﬀacher © Mary in 1998 at the age of 48. Hertzberg © Mark in the Badger State.

10 WRIGHT IN WISCONSIN MEMBER NEWSLETTER VOLUME 24 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 2019 11

AESTHETICS he viewed the landscape and how he per- Wright’s principles and practice of or- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 ceived space, so I used that to develop a ganic architecture over his long career, case study on his spatial construction, knowing how to pull it all together into a an attempt to view Wright through the using Still Bend (compliments of Mi- cohesive theory can be confusing. The lens of contemporary understanding chael Ditmer) to test my hypothesis. dissertation, then, both serves to give rather than to see him through his own greater explanatory power to Wright’s thought and time. I found that, over and The third section on Modernism makes historical organic architecture as well as over, Wright himself gives us clues to his an important distinction between to provide a basis for contemporary dia- own theory, even though they’re often Wright’s organic architecture and main- logue and its relevancy for today’s archi- discounted or overlooked. stream Modernism that Wright encoun- tecture. WRIGHT tered. Journalist Hugh Downs asked THOUGHTS One of these was that Wright himself Wright in a 1950s interview if any differ- One might expect the Midwest to be a took an aesthetic view of the organic. ence existed between Modernism and natural center for scholarship on Wright by KEN DAHLIN, AIA

© Brian R. Hannan Wright’s organic theory was rooted in organic architecture. Wright replied that studies, but that is not the case, for the 19th-century Idealist philosophy where they were very different. And yet, even most part. Ironically, scholars from Still Bend, Two Rivers, allowed Ken Dahlin to test his hypothesis on how Japanese landscapes inﬂuenced Wright. the aim of art is not the imitation of na- today, we seem to have forgotten what is China and Japan are looking to the Mid- ture but the creation of beautiful objects that difference. west with an interest in Wright’s work, that invite contemplation and express expecting this area to be the center for Reflections on Wright’s Aesthetics freedom. These three sections then lead up to my such studies. Just as Wright traveled to model theory of organic architecture Japan more than 100 years ago in admi- This Wright Thoughts column is a little differ- only school of architecture offering a doctoral Wright perceived this quality in Japanese that ties the understanding gained in ration of its culture and art, perhaps new ent than my usual consideration of Frank program in Wisconsin. Because I live and run art and wove it into his organic theory. them to a more structured and defined bridges can be made as many in Asia Lloyd Wright’s theories. Since I am fresh from a firm in Racine, it worked well for me. Hegel’s aesthetics provided important system of organic architecture. Wright look back to Wisconsin to understand completing my own doctoral studies on keys to understanding this foundation. himself never systematized his organic Wright’s roots and ideas. Wright’s organic architecture (December The school also provided the benefit of its re- theory in a structured form such as 2018), I thought I would give a bit more per- lationships with Marquette University and The second section looks at Japanese art Hegel did in his “The Philosophy of Fine Editor’s Note: Dahlin’s dissertation is sonal recollection of the process and thoughts UW-Madison, both of which provided some in Wright’s system and how it informed Art.” available online through the ProQuest 1 I have gone through in the last 4 ⁄2 years that of my coursework in my studies. Dr. Curtis his own aesthetic. Wright himself tells us database, as well as the UW-M Digital culminated in my dissertation on Wright. Carter is in the philosophy department at that the Japanese prints changed the way And while there is a lot of continuity in Commons. Marquette and is known internationally for One of the first questions I should answer is: his work in aesthetics, not to mention being a Why did I want to earn a Ph.D. on Wright in former board member of the Wright in Wis- A.D. German Warehouse: Terrace Paver Program the first place? After all, for the last 25 years I consin organization where I first met him. have been running a small design firm focus- The A.D. German Warehouse Conser- ing on organic architecture (Dahlin’s firm is At UW-M’s school of architecture, Dean Bob vancy is seeking donors to “pave” the Genesis Architecture in Racine). And while I Greenstreet served as my committee chair. Dr. way to a brighter future for an incredible have been searching for clearer expressions of Hilary Snow, an art historian specializing in national treasure in Richland Center. organic architecture through design practice, I Asian art at UW-M, provided important help

felt more was to be discovered. I wanted to go on Japanese art, a key connection to Wright’s The Legacy Terraces Paver Program al- deeper into what “organic architecture” ac- aesthetics. Kay Wells, also a UW-M art histo- lows donors to remember a loved one, tually means. That concept gets tossed around rian, provided guidance on my section on honor someone special or give a gift that so readily, and yet its interpretation remains Modernism and its connection with Wright. ambiguous after all these years. Anna Andrzejewski at UW-Madison was my will last forever with a personalized, cus- professor for coursework in Madison, as well tom-engraved paving block — all while But first some basic information. The title of as my intermediate research project. supporting the capital campaign for the my dissertation is: “The Aesthetics of Frank A.D. German Warehouse restoration. Lloyd Wright’s Organic Architecture: Hegel, My dissertation lays a foundation for Wright’s Japanese Art, and Modernism.” organic theory in aesthetics rather than Tax-deductible pledges of $1,000 for today’s more vogue theories of neuroscience each paver may be made in full or spread I decided to undertake this doctoral program or biological analogies. I think much of this is out over five years. For more information at the School of Architecture at the University or to order a paver, contact Lon Arbe- © Brian R. Hannan of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW-M). It is the AESTHETICS CONTINUEScontinued ON NEXTon page PAGE 13 gust at: [email protected].

12 WRIGHT IN WISCONSIN MEMBER NEWSLETTER VOLUME 24 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 2019 13 WISCONSIN WRIGHT SITES Taliesin® Hillside Studio and Theatre Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center A.D. German Warehouse Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church American System–Built Homes Monona Terrace® Community and Convention Center Seth Peterson Cottage SC Johnson Administration Building Still Bend / Schwartz House Unitarian Meeting House Wingspread (H.F. Johnson House) Wyoming Valley School

Events are free unless otherwise noted. Visit WrightinWisconsin.org for a complete listing of tour schedules and contact information.

Wright Calendar Thursday, April 4 Ongoing Tours and Events Still Bend / Schwartz House Monona Terrace 7 p.m. Two Rivers $15 Saturday/Sunday, February through March Madison Free ticket required A.D. German Warehouse See website for dates and times Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center 10 a.m. to “Organic Architecture and the Sustaining Ecosystem” lec- Richland Center $10 Email [email protected] TOURS & 2 p.m. ture with Stuart Graﬀ, president and CEO, Frank Lloyd Open every Sunday and ﬁrst Saturday of every month www.stillbend.com

EVENTS Spring Green $15.99 adults; $8.99 kids 10 and under Wright Foundation May – October Brunch buﬀet, pastries and coﬀee by Enos Farms 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., other times by appointment Taliesin AT WISCONSIN www.mononaterrace.com/event-group/2019-wright-de- Various concerts, lectures and music events Spring Green Reservations strongly recommended WRIGHT SITES www.enosfarms.com/events sign-series Visit calendar on website for details A variety of tours, times and prices WINTER 2019 May 1 to October 31 Friday, February 1 (608) 604-5034 or [email protected] Thursday, April 11 www.taliesinpreservation.org A.D. German Warehouse 7:30 p.m. www.adgermanwarehouse.org Monona Terrace 7 p.m. Richland Center $5 Madison Free ticket required American System-Built Home Model B-1 “The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright” lecture with Unitarian Meeting House “Highly Processed” lecture with Sebastian Schmaling, AIA, Milwaukee $15 No reservations needed Madison $10 Peter Rott LEED AP, Johnsen Schmaling Architects Tours second and fourth Saturday of each month Tours Sunday mornings (year-round, free), www.mononaterrace.com/event-group/2019-wright-de- 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tours start on the half hour. Weekdays 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (May to September) Thursday, February 28 sign-series www.wrightinmilwaukee.org Groups by appointment Monona Terrace 7 p.m. (608) 233-9774 Madison Free ticket required Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church www.fusmadison.org/tours “Finding Wisconsin’s Iconic Architectural Brand” lecture Milwaukee $10 with Valentine J. Schute, Jr., AIA, River Architects Inc. Year round for groups of 15 or more Wingspread — The Johnson Foundation By appointment only at (404) 461-9400 or www.mononaterrace.com/event-group/2019-wright-de- Racine www.annunciationwi.org sign-series Tours Wednesday – Friday. By appointment only.

Register at www.scjohnson.com/visit, call (262) 681-3353 or email Thursday, March 14 Monona Terrace [email protected] Monona Terrace 7 p.m. Madison $5 per adult, $3 per student Guided Tours May 1 to October 31, Daily at 1 p.m. Madison Free ticket required Wyoming Valley School From November 1 to April 30, 1 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and “Transforming Architecture in Chicago’s Communities of Spring Green Donation appreciated Monday. Closed major holidays. Color” lecture with Juan Gabriel Moreno, AIA, JGMA Tours Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.mononaterrace.com www.mononaterrace.com/event-group/2019-wright-de- (608) 588-2544

sign-series [email protected] SC Johnson

Racine March to December, various tours plus exhibition Reservations at (262) 260-2154 or www.scjohnson.com/visit

Seth Peterson Cottage Lake Delton $5 Open house and tours second Sunday of each month 1 to 3:30 p.m. www.sethpeterson.org

Above: A.D. German Warehouse, Richland Center \ Right: On the Birdwalk at Taliesin, Spring Green Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Wauwatosa

14 WRIGHT IN WISCONSIN MEMBER NEWSLETTER VOLUME 24 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 2019 15 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT WISCONSIN .NONPROFIT ORG. HERITAGE TOURISM PROGRAM U.S. POSTAGE p.o. Box 6339 PAID Madison, WI Madison, WI 53716-0339 Permit No. 47

VINTAGE

POSTCARD courtesy of PATRICK J. MAHONEY

This postcard is an image of Madison’s Lake Mendota Boathouse, which was designed and constructed in 1893 for the Madison Improvement Association as part of an architectural competition. The city delegated maintenance of the facility to private concerns, a decision that ultimately led to its decline and 1926 demolition. This image shows the lake side of the structure, which incorporates two hip-roofed towers ﬂanking a segmental arched entry to the boathouse proper.