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S.072 – Dana-Thomas Residence 301 East Lawrence Avenue,
Springfield, Illinois Whatever you have heard about this
property, you have not heard enough.
This is one of Wright’s true masterpieces, built for a client who did
not see money as an obstacle. Early
experimentation abounds, as does some level of client-inspired compromise
that Wright would have unceremoniously rejected in later years (curtains and
a room of Victorian furnishings, for example). The house is now owned by the State of
Illinois and is worth every penny of the $10 tour (2016 price). Susan Lawrence Dana grew up in a
politically savvy family. Her father
was the school board president in Springfield, and also served as mayor. Being the state capital, the Lawrence home
saw numerous political gatherings over the years. After the deaths of her father and
her husband left her widowed and wealthy, Susan decided to graft onto the
existing family home and build a residence that would serve as home to her
cousin Flora, Susan, and her mother as well as a grand banquet center for
entertaining guests. In the end, the
house cost $60,000 at a time when the average house cost about $4000. It featured 35 rooms on 15 different levels
in 12,000 square feet, with multiple indoor and outdoor balconies for bands
to entertain guests. More than 250 examples of Wright’s
glass are included, along with more than 100 pieces of original
furniture. Most of the furnishings
remained with the house when Charles C. Thomas purchased the house and
operated his medical publishing offices there, although an auction during
Susan’s incapacitation allowed some furnishings to escape. The extraordinary preservation of
furnishings and the home during the Thomas years led the state to honor
Thomas by adding his name. Additional
efforts were undertaken to repatriate as many as possible when the State of
Illinois acquired the house. Richard Bock
contributed many designs for trim and sculptures, including a distinctive
indoor fountain (the “Moon Children” Fountain). Photographed on July 31 and August
1, 2014, and ^May 22, 2016. Project number: T.9905 Tourist information literature (PDF) |
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Original hitching ring for horses on Lawrence Avenue
(named after the family)
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The ornate trim is made of plaster, painted to resemble
copper;
I am sure Wright’s design was inspired by Sullivan’s work
Inside
the courtyard
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Left: fish pond in courtyard
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View of state capitol through back wall
How close is the house to the railroad tracks? This close:
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Model
of house for sight-impaired guests
On
display in basement of the house
Area signage:
CLICK HERE
FOR PICTURES OF STABLE REMODELING & COTTAGE
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08/17/2014 Revised
05/16/2018 |
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