Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio

26 February 202020 September 2024

Updated September 13, 2024

Frank Lloyd Wright is credited with designing over four hundred homes, commercial buildings and other works to include The Westcott House located in Springfield, Ohio. An architect with a vision beyond his time, Mr. Wright’s designs and influence have made him one of the most famous architects in the world. The Prairie-style home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Burton and Orpha Westcott, completed in 1908. After many years of decline, the home was purchased by The Westcott House Foundation in 2000 and a $5.8 million dollar renovation ensued. From the restoration to the home’s structure and architecture, the foundation has also focused on bringing back the furniture and restoring the gardens during the time of the Westcotts. The masterpiece was opened to the public for tours beginning in 2005.

As visitors enter the museum through a side entrance from Greenmount Street, they will find a gift shop as well as a small cinema in the area of the home that was once the garage. The Visitor’s Center displays various items that showcase the architectural designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and are available for purchase. The tour was led by docent Mary Ellen who provided a thorough overview of The Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright as well as the Westcott family.

Having moved from Richmond, Indiana, Burton Westcott became a prominent resident of Springfield due to his successful career in the automobile industry. It would be his wife, Orpha, having come upon the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, who would commission him to design and build their home. Jeanne, the oldest of the two Westcott children, lived here until her marriage to Richard Rodgers. John, born in Springfield in 1903, would live in Italy to attend Montessori School for his education and return home until his parent’s passing in the 1920s. At the time of Orpha’s untimely, tragic death, Burton’s automobile business was in decline. His attempt to save the failing venture would be unsuccessful and lead to a decline in his health resulting in his death in 1926.

The Westcott House is considered one of Wright’s most significant homes as it was designed after Wright’s visit to Japan. There are various features in the residence from its furniture to the light fixtures that suggest this Japanese influence. With a total of sixteen rooms, the home was built to accommodate the Westcott’s love of entertaining. From its exceptional living room and fireplace to its exquisite dining area, the blueprint also included a reception space for receiving their guests.

Throughout the home, Wright’s emphasis on drawing one’s eye to a horizontal perspective is exhibited by the skylight and dining room. From the stonework to the fireplace to the chimney, there is beauty in Wright’s use of organic architecture referred to as Wright’s First Golden Age, a style which ran from around 1893 to 1910. Wright’s Prairie-style construction of the Walcott House is very similar to the Robie House in Chicago.

There are so many exciting aspects of The Westcott that one finds intriguing to include the use of cantilevered overhangs applied to the low-pitched roof of this home. From the French doors that lead to the pergola to the wrap around windows, Wright consistently incorporates the use of natural light and nature to the interior of his architecture and designs as seen in the earth tones and textures exhibited throughout the home.

Wright had a love for the dramatic. While the living spaces were more modest, it was the public, entertaining spaces that were the focal point of the home and the most fascinating. Built in bookcases, seating around the fireplace and a buffet are some of the features of The Westcott House that showcase his incredible talent. The design of the dining room table is also somewhat intriguing. At each corner, Wright included a tower-like lighting structure to increase illumination to the room.

The tour ended in the garden of the home where the metal works and awnings of the exterior could be explored. The gardens are beautiful in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom. It would have been a perfect outdoor space for the Westcott children.

A visit to The Westcott House includes a guided tour of the public spaces of the home such as the library, the family room and the dining room. The private living quarters include the kitchen and pantry, the maids’ rooms, Burton and Orpha’s bedrooms, closet space and powder rooms as well as the rooms of John and Jeanne, the Westcott Children.

The Westcott House is located in Springfield, Ohio on the corner of Greenmount Avenue and High Street. You can find the location on your GPS by entering 85 South Greenmount Avenue, Springfield, OH 45504. There is plenty of visitor parking on Greenmount.

Have you visited one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s properties? I would love to hear about your experience, so leave a message in the comments section below. Happy Travels!

If you would like more information about Frank Lloyd Wright, you can also check out artsy.net/artist/frank-lloyd-wright.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

The Westcott House
85 S. Greenmount Ave.
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 327 9291

Admission Fee: Adults: $18 and $15 for Seniors. Free for school groups and Westcott Members.
Hours: Museum: Tuesday through Saturday from 11AM to 5PM; Sunday from 1PM to 5PM. Closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Guided Tours: This Frank Lloyd Wright home requires a guided tour to explore the property: January – March: Tuesday to Friday at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM; Saturday at 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM and 4PM; Sunday at 1PM, 2PM, 3PM and 4PM From April – December: Tuesday to Saturday at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM; Sunday at 1PM and 3PM
Amenities: Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Photography is NOT permitted inside of The Westcott House.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries. I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread. Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant. If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation and Winery

22 September 201919 September 2024

A visit to Belle Meade Plantation was on the top of my list when my sister and I arrived in Nashville for a long weekend. In addition to all of the music-related attractions, we were also interested in some of the local historical sites and learned that Belle Meade was not only a plantation, but a winery and restaurant.

In the heart of the south, the grounds of this gorgeous estate are beautifully maintained and the home in pristine condition. Belle Meade’s exhibits are educational providing a detailed account of the plantation’s former owners, their everyday lives and an overview of their wide range of businesses.

I loved the simple, yet modern architecture of the home. The shuttered windows and classical columns are elements of a Greek revival façade. Under John Harding’s ownership in the early 1800’s, he grew the farm to include a blacksmith, a grist mill, saw mill and later a cotton gin.

Harding would later break into the industry of horse racing and breeding thoroughbreds. It was a home of high standing that entertained the likes of President Grover Cleveland and General Grant.

Strolling the grounds was a relaxing detour from the nightlife of Nashville’s Music Row. We had arrived early enough where we were the only visitors on the estate and embraced our own love for horses.

John’s son William took over the plantation in 1839 and continued in the business of horses, but it was in the early 1900s that the plantation would fall on hard times.

Belle Meade became famous for its thoroughbreds. In addition to racing, Belle Meade provided sire services and had many successful studs. The Enquirer (1880-1889) and Bonnie Scotland’s (1873-1879) bloodlines continue to dominate horse racing today after many generations. The Enquirer was named after Cincinnati’s newspaper and has been buried here at the plantation.

Belle Meade was, at one time, the largest plantation in the South. The Smokehouse, one of the 10 buildings that remains on the property, smoked approximately 20,000 pounds of pork each year.

The Gardener’s House and Greenhouse was one of the original buildings on the estate, a part of the Belle Meade plantation, circa 1890. The building was used as a private residence for the gardener and a location to store tools for gardening and to plant seeds for food and flowers.

The dairy supplied a variety of products such as cream, cheese, fresh milk and close to 250 pounds of butter each week.

Four generations of the Harding-Jackson families were buried in this mausoleum, designed by Nashville architect, Adolphus Heiman. Once the property was sold to Judge Jacob McGavock Dickinson, the family remains were moved to Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Belle Meade was known to have one of the largest populations of slaves who resided on its premises. After the Civil War, some of the freed slaves stayed on at the mansion to assist in the everyday tasks of keeping the plantation in business. A replica of the two room cabin offers an insight to the life of the slaves and history of slavery around the area.

In 1892, a large carriage house and stables were built at Belle Meade. The building was used to store and display the family’s carriage collection. Depending on the type of transportation, carriages would be selected for every day use such as trips into town or for special occasions when traveling to high-end social events. A 16 passenger double-decker carriage was available for a large group traveling with the family.

Visitors can explore Belle Meade Plantation on a self-guided tour or by guided tour of costumed guides for an additional cost. Specialty excursions such as Culinary Tours and, Progressive Plantation Tours can also be booked through Belle Meade.

At the end of the tour we decided to check out the restaurant’s menu, then wandered the gift shop and indulged in a free wine tasting.

The Winery at Belle Meade Plantation opened in November of 2009 producing wines from local muscadine grapes and blackberries. They offer an assortment of wines and wine-related products that are unique and native to Nashville. My absolute favorite was the Red Muscadine.

Just as John Harding had intended, Belle Meade continues to offer its visitors an assortment of quality products and services. The long time tradition of hospitality remains an integral part of the plantation as it had so many years ago.

Have you already visited the Belle Meade Plantation? I would love to hear about your experience if your would kindly leave a message below! Happy Travels!!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Belle Meade Plantation
5025 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
Telephone: 615 356 0501

Admission Fee: Mansion Tour Admission (lasts 45 minutes): $24 for adults, $20 for seniors 65+, Youth ages 6 – 18; Children 5 and under are free. Grounds Tour only: $15 for adults and $10 for youth; Segway Guided Tours: $35 for adults; Wine and Food Pairing is $35 per person; Private Tasting from $50 per person; The Battle of Nashville Tour which includes three battle sites starts at $48 per person and the one hour Journey to Jubilee Tour starts at $24 per person.
Hours: Daily from 9AM to 5PM with the exception of some holidays. Tours begin at 9:30 and the last tour of the day begins at 4PM. Belle Meade Plantation is closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Harding House, the on-site restaurant, provides seasonal hours, so refer to the website to confirm the hours of operation.
Amenities: Tour guides, restaurant, winery, wine tastings, self-guided tours.
Scenic View: The grounds are absolutely astounding and provide scenic views throughout the property.
Length of Visit: 3 hours to include the mansion tour, ground tour and winery tasting
Tips for Your Visit: The Journey to Jubilee tour is highly recommended which takes you through the slave exhibit. On the grounds tour you will have access to all of the out buildings as well as the previous gravesite of the owners. The winery makes a great muscadine and we enjoyed the wine tasting following our tour.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville
310 4th Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37201
Telephone: 615 277 5000

Where to Eat:

The Harding House at Belle Meade Plantation
5025 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
Telephone: 615 356 0096

I can’t remember the last time I had homemade meatloaf, and when I learned that it was the house specialty, I couldn’t wait to dig into some southern comfort food! I also saved room for their bread pudding.

What to Eat:

Nashville Hot Chicken: Spicy chicken
Meat and Three: A meat and three sides

What to Read:

Because You’re Mine, by Rea Frey
A Murder in Music City, by Michael Bishop
All We Ever Wanted, by Emily Giffin

Photo Guide for Nashville:

Downtown Broadway
Opryland Hotel
I Believe in Nashville mural
Ryman Auditorium
The Parthenon at Centennial Park
Draper James Building
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Springfield, Ohio: The City at the End of the Road

29 January 201716 September 2024

Arriving at the The Clark County Heritage Center, I was excited to learn more about the history of Springfield, Ohio. This city was once my home until high school when I left in search of adventure. I decided to return home to start a business and was happy to become reacquainted with all of the familiar places that I once remembered. They say you always come back to your roots.

After grabbing a cup of coffee at Un Mundo Cafe, I arrived at the Center to explore its museum of historical exhibits. Built in the late 1800s, this Richardsonian Romanesque beauty was home to several public offices until it was abandoned for a number of years, reopening in April 2001. From City Hall to the Police Department, the Center is now a museum as well as retail space for several local businesses.

Easily accessible from the coffee shop, I entered the museum where I was surrounded by pamphlets and books on several shelves in the center lobby. After signing in, I explained to the attendant that my reason for visiting was to write about the museum. He suggested a couple of books to help with my research and I was eager to begin learning more about Springfield, once known as “The City at The End of the Road.”

Stepping into the exhibit, I began my tour standing in front of a map of state route 40. From here, I would soon learn the importance of the National Road as well as its significance and impact on Springfield.

The National Road was first proposed by George Washington to connect the east coast and west coast of the United States. It took several years to complete, and with the help of Thomas Jefferson, they finally broke ground in 1808. The project first began in the small town of Cumberland, Maryland, as the route continued to evolve over the years.

As the road progressed, it reached Columbus, Ohio in 1830 and continued towards Springfield with the financial aid of local resident Pierson Spinning. Mile markers made of stone were strategically placed to document the distance traveled from Cumberland where some of these markers still remain.

Wagons were the primary source of transport for adventurous families leaving the east coast for a future out west. The museum displays the wagon of David Crabill who was one of the early settlers to reach Clark County and make this area his home in 1808.

Today, the National Road is paved with blacktop, but at its inception, small stones marked its path. As the roadway reached Clark County, brick was laid throughout the streets of Springfield and later continued to Bellefontaine with the use of concrete. Without further government financing, the National Road would end in Springfield in 1836, where it became know as the city at “the end of the road.” As the progression stalled, many families settled in Springfield doubling its census from 510 to 1080 residents.

The National Road encouraged a booming business along its route with the start of several taverns as well as bed and breakfasts. Over the years, the establishment of small towns in Clark County would help Springfield grow as a city of wealth and industry.

In 1844, Wittenberg College moved from Wooster to Springfield and the city became incorporated six years later. The addition of six gas lights downtown and the production of farm equipment put Springfield in the spotlight for industry.

Springfield also played a role in abolition, offering assistance to runaway slaves throughout the underground railroad movement. By 1832, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published and an awareness of slavery was reaching the northerners. It was Anne Aston Warden who assisted with organizing an underground railroad association in Springfield to provide aid and safe havens for the slaves as they made their way north towards Canada.

Harriett Beecher Stowe’s book was made into a play, which was performed in Springfield. The same year, the Basey family purchased land, being the first African Americans to do so. Shortly thereafter, in 1857, local resident Udney Hyde of Mechanicsburg protected a Kentucky slave, Addison White, from being captured by US marshals.

During the Civil War, Springfield factories rose up to support the war efforts by making uniforms, wagons and linseed oil. Congressman Shellabarger voted to pass the United States’ first Civil Rights Act and local families in Clark County offered their assistance by taking in former slave children. The production of farm equipment continued as Springfield entered its Golden Age in the mid 1870s.

As Springfield continued to prosper, Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States and the city would host the Ohio State Fair. “Mother Stewart” would arrive in Springfield from Piketon to lead the temperance movement in a crusade to abolish alcohol.

Photos depicting the industrial movement in Springfield are on display in the museum. It was a time of prosperity for Springfield and the City Building (now the Heritage Center), designed by Charles Cregar, a local architect, was completed by 1890.

In the late 1890’s Springfield would come to be known as “The Home City” as facilities to assist organizations such as the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias were built around town. In 1898, Snyder Park was created with land donated by the Snyder Brothers and remains today as a beautiful oasis close to the city’s center.

From here, I took a short break for lunch returning in 30 minutes to continue my visit to the Heritage Center which is covered in a second blog post titled, Politics, Theaters and Automobiles: Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History.

Are you a Springfield native or have family in the area? Have had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center? I would love to hear about your connection to Springfield or about your visit to the Heritage Center if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading this post about my hometown of Springfield and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The Clark County Heritage Center
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 324 0657

Admission Fee: Free, and donations are welcome.
Hours: Museum: Tuesday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM; Saturday from 9AM to 3PM. Closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Amenities: Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Donations recommended are Family: $10; Adults: $5 and Children: $3.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 325 3030

More favorite Springfield eateries:

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio