Tag Archives: Frank Lloyd Wright

Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of July

As the summer heats up, enjoy some time outside with some of these fine ideas for exploring Ohio in the month of July.

 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater: An Architectural Marvel

 

Entrance to Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs have had an eminent impact on architecture today.  Although he created over 1,000 commercial and residential blueprints, only half of his ideas were ever constructed.  Considered the father of “organic architecture”, some of his distinguished masterpieces are open to the public, including one of his most notable achievements, Fallingwater.

Having a limited knowledge about Wright and his architectural genius, I set aside some time to learn more about the history and design of this summer home that was built for department store magnate, Edgar Kaufmann and his family.

View from Stop on the Path

When I arrived at the entrance to Fallingwater, I parked the car and made my way to the Visitor’s Center.  My initial plan was to take some photos of the home and then drive towards Rickett’s Glen for an afternoon of hiking.  It wasn’t until I overheard that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had recently booked the site for a private tour, I became a little more intrigued and decided to buy a ticket nevertheless….silly I know, but I am so glad that I did, whatever the reason.

Fallingwater Pathway

I just happened to tag along with a group who would be leaving in about 15 minutes.  I soon learned that tours book up quickly and purchasing them in advance is highly recommended.  I couldn’t believe my luck!  The guide escorted us up the quarter of a mile trail that led to the home where the tour would begin.

Another view of Entrance fountain

Fallingwater is a perfect example of Wright’s trademark style of seamlessly incorporating the aspects of architecture into its natural surroundings.  Prior to entering the home, there is a small, Zen-like fountain at the entryway that sets the tone for the tour.  The unique stonework frames a narrow doorway that leads up to the main living quarters.  It is from this point forward that cameras are not permitted.

Amazing Use of Steel...so natural

Frank Lloyd Wright had already established himself as a renowned architect when Fallingwater was under construction in the late 1930’s.  It was Kaufmann’s son that would be instrumental in the building of the family’s second home.  He had been a long time admirer of Wright’s work and encouraged his father to contact Wright to design and construct their summer house located in Mill Run, Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh.

Once the home was completed, it instantly drew attention when it appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1938.  It has been considered one of Wright’s most monumental accomplishments and may be one of his most familiar.

Larger View of Outdoor Living Space, Fallingwater

The informative tour centered on all of the living spaces of the home, which took a little over an hour.  I had plenty of time to explore the exterior grounds at my leisure and take some photos of the house from various angles.  It was not difficult to notice that the living quarters seem to be suspended over the 30 foot waterfall below without any support.  Frank Lloyd Wright’s ability to make use of a cantilever system intensified the mystique of his construction and minimized unnecessary obstruction of the surrounding landscape.

Stairs to the Falls, Fallingwater

The focal point of Fallingwater is the sizeable waterfall that flows below the property. Frank Lloyd Wright was interested in incorporating the natural falls into the home so that it could be “a part of the family’s everyday life.” A set of red steel stairs lead down to the water from one of the main outdoor living areas, but from this vantage point, the waterfall is difficult to see.

Fountain Entrance at Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright built the home using local Pottsville sandstone from a nearby quarry.  Wright selected his signature Cherokee Red as the color for the steel to add depth to the ochre concrete used throughout the home.

Until 1963, the Kaufmanns used the property as their weekend home.  Edgar Kaufmann, Jr., decided to donate the home to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy so that the property could be accessible to the public as a museum.  It is estimated that over 120,000 visitors tour the home and the grounds on an annual basis.

Baby Bird in Nest at Fallingwater

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Fallingwater.  Frank Lloyd Wright’s dynamic ability to consider his surroundings in his designs are what make him unique and a pioneer in modern architecture.  As I spent time walking, I wondered what elements of the property inspired Frank Lloyd Wright, knowing his deep love and appreciation for nature.

It was then that I heard a faint chirp of a little bird and noticed him on the ledge above me.  As I spotted this nestling so perfectly situated between the sandstone, I knew that at this moment, Frank Lloyd Wright would have been inspired.

Are you a fan of architecture and have a favorite architect? Have you visited other Frank Lloyd Wright homes? I would love to hear your experience if you would kindly leave a comment below!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fallingwater
1491 Mill Run Road
Mill Run, PA  15464
Telephone: 724 329 8501

  • Admission Fee:  Guided house tours are $30 for adults and $18 for Youth ages 6 – 12; grounds passes are $10 and available at the gate; landscape hike is $12 per person; In-depth tours are available for $80 ages 9 and up; Sunset tours and Brunch tours are $150 per person;
  • Hours:  Daily from 10AM to 6PM
  • Amenities:  Falllingwater Café, bookstore, guided tours, restrooms at the visitor center only
  • Scenic View:  Splendid view of Fallingwater with the falls located beneath the home.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Advance ticket purchase is essential for all tours by purchasing online or by phone at 724 329 8501.  Purchase tickets a minimum of two weeks prior to your visit during the busy months of July, August and October. Specialty tours (Brunch and Sunset) sell out early in the season. Allow at least 15 additional minutes for travel due to rural winding roads. No public transportation is provided to Fallingwater. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a considerable amount of walking. Children under six years old not permitted on tour. Photography is not permitted inside of Fallingwater. The best time to visit is late June through early July when the rhododendron bloom.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Donegal
3695 Route 31 East
Donegal, PA  15628
Toll Free Number:  877 859 5095

Upscale Resort:
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa
1001 Lafayette Drive
Farmington, PA  15437
Toll Free Number 866 344 6957

Where to Eat:

Fallingwater Cafe

Fallingwater has its own cafe which offers delicious sandwiches, salads, fruits and homemade desserts.

Bittersweet Cafe
209 Farmington-Ohiopyle Road
Farmington, PA 15437
Phone Number: 724 329 4411

I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich at this amazing farm-to-table cafe! Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this eatery is perfect for a quick bite and checking out the antique shop on the premises!

What to Eat: 

  • Pretzels were brought to Pennsylvania by the German settlers.
  • Philly Cheesesteaks are sandwiches made of strips of steak topped with Cheez Whiz and onion.
  • The Banana Split is said to have been invented in Latrobe, Pennsylvania
  • Hershey’s Kisses
  • Lebanon Bologna made by the Pennsylvania Dutch
  • Apple Butter produced by the Pennsylvania Dutch
  • Utz potato chips
  • Tastycakes
  • Heinz Ketchup
  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
  • Twizzlers
  • Chocolate
  • Scrapple is a meat loaf made of pork scraps and cornmeal.
  • The Arnold Palmer is a drink made of half tea and half lemonade.
  • Pot Pie is another contribution by the Pennsylvania Dutch.
  • Root Beer was invented by Charles Elmer Hires of Philadelphia, PA.
  • Philadelphia Pepper Pot Soup was served at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War.
  • Funnel cakes
  • Stromboli
  • Shoofly Pie is a pie with the main ingredient of molasses
  • Whoopie Pies are cake cookies with a cream filling
  • Peeps

What to Read:

  • Fallingwater, A Frank Lloyd Wright Country House  by Edgar Kauffman, Jr.
  • Fallingwater: The Building of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Masterpiece by Marc Harshman, Anna Egan Smucker, LeUyen Pham
  • Fallingwater Rising by Franklin Toker

For additional information and sights to see in Pennsylvania, check out the following links!

A Hike of Waterfalls:  Rickett’s Glen, Pennsylvania

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio

Updated September 13, 2024

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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: 

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

Politics, Theaters and Automobiles: Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History!

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After filling up on a hearty lunch, I returned to the Clark County Heritage Center in Springfield.  With so much history, I began my second session to cover the time period beginning in the 1900s up until the 1970s where the museum’s information about Clark County and Springfield ends.

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In the early 1900s,  Springfield, Ohio’s population was close to 60,000.  To celebrate their centennial in 1901 the city hosted Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, a traveling performance which featured Greenville, Ohio native, Annie Oakley.  During this time, advances in transportation, farming equipment and entertainment made Springfield a popular location to live and visit.

Theodore Roosevelt was the President of the United States at this time and nearby Dayton residents, Wilbur and Orville Wright piloted the first airplane at Kitty Hawk.

By winter of 1903, three major fires claimed three lives in Springfield and destroyed an entire city block.

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Sully Jaymes was Springfield’s only African American attorney who represented the underprivileged African Americans.  A graduate of Boston University and the University of Michigan, Jaymes practiced law for over 50 years until his death in 1950.

In 1905, Gus Sun opened a vaudeville theater and booking agency in Springfield.  During this time, architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built a home for car magnate, Burton J. Westcott.

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By 1904, the Boys and Girls club was founded by AB Graham, which is known today as the 4H Club.  This agricultural organization teaches school-aged children about “farming techniques and home management”.  During the same year, International Harvester opened up a plant in Springfield to make trucks, bringing in a large number of jobs to the area.

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During Taft’s presidency, the Chakeres brothers open the city’s first movie theater in 1908 which would eventually lead to a total of eight movie houses around town.  The cost to see a move was only 50 cents back then  Following William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson takes office and the US enters into World War I.  Westcott Motor Car Company begins producing “The Westcott” between the years 1916 and 1926.  It would be the only automobile that would be manufactured in Springfield, rumored that the city lost the bid to Detroit for producing cars for the Ford Motor Company.   As Ohio braces for the Depression Era, racial tensions rise as riots break out among Springfield residents.  The Ohio National Guard is called in to preserve order.

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A very controversial event took place in Springfield in 1923 when the Klu Klux Klan held a rally at the fairgrounds.  These horrific, racially charged events were being held all over the nation in the 1920s, even in our nation’s capitol of Washington DC.

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Even in the midst of these thorny racial relationships of just a year ago, the city of Springfield is named the “Rose City” due to its large production of roses.

Amidst the Great Depression, George Rogers Clark Park is established in 1930 near Buck Creek with a reenactment of the Battle of Piqua taking place here to commemorate its 150th anniversary.  The opening of Cliff Park soon follows in 1932.

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Chakeres Theaters gain world wide recognition opening theaters across Ohio in the 1930s and the first service station, Bonded Oil, is built in Urbana.  As Springfield reaches the end of the 30’s World War II breaks out and the US comes to the aid of its allies after the Pearl Harbor bombing in 1941. Three Springfielders died in the attack and by 1943, Wittenberg University is set up to train Air Force Cadets to assist in the war efforts.

After World War II, the soldiers return home and only four years later the Korean War breaks out.  The Clark County Fair, first opened in 1854, moves to a larger space taking over the old Springfield Airport in 1947.  With an increase in population, Mercy Hospital opens in 1950 with the help of philanthropist Joseph Shouvlin.  There were currently 111,661 residents in Springfield at that time.

Eisenhower’s presidency would be the start of the Civil Rights movement and would continue as John F. Kennedy is sworn into office in 1960.  It was a victory for local African Americans when Robert C. Henry was the first black man elected to the Springfield City Commission and later becomes Mayor in 1966.    Taking over Henry’s post as Mayor in 1968 would be Springfield’s first female mayor, Betty Brunk.

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The 1970s brought about the interstate and I-70 draws businesses along the highway’s corridor.  The population of Springfield has reached upwards into the 150 thousands.  As the number of businesses increase, Springfield Mayor Robert Burton, plans to revitalize the downtown area, which has fallen into ruin over the years.  Another economic victory includes the opening of the Upper Valley Mall in 1971.

By the time Gerald Ford takes office, Robert Burton has made good on his promise to help Springfield and the New City Hall was constructed.

Fast forward to 2016 and there is a continued effort to revitalize the city of Springfield.  The downtown area is growing and new businesses are moving into spaces that were once left vacant.  Snyder Park has once again become a beautiful place to visit and the Farmer’s Market is thriving during the weekends at the Heritage Museum.  Rumor has it that even the Upper Valley Mall will be making changes in the near  future as well but plans have not been finalized.  During my return, it was an exciting time to live in Springfield and many residents came together to further the development of the city in a positive direction.  Who knows?  The difference one could make for Springfield may lead to noteriety at the Heritage Center’s Museum of Springfield history.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center in Springfield and learn about its history?  What was your favorite moment in time?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

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

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: 

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