Dana-Thomas House offers special tours explaining famed house's
design
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[August 10, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD -- When Susan
Lawrence Dana commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to remodel her
father's home, she wanted a showcase for the visual and performing
arts, a venue to entertain friends and celebrities, and a home for
her family. A new specialty tour of the Dana-Thomas House State
Historic Site, "Living the Wright Way," will reveal how Wright met
her expectations.
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Behind-the-scenes spaces that are not typically presented on guided
tours will be highlighted, including a balcony that Wright designed
for live music. Guests will also see historic artifacts that are not
generally on display.
The tours will be conducted at 10:15 a.m. on Aug. 17 and 31 and
Sept. 14 and 28.
Led by Roberta Volkmann, the tours will last approximately two
hours, with a suggested donation of $20 per person.
Volkmann is the author of the recently published biography,
"Susan Lawrence: The Enigma in the Wright House." Volkmann trained
as an interpreter of the Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House shortly
after the state of Illinois bought it in 1981 and has since
volunteered there in many capacities.
Because tours are limited to 15 guests, reservations are strongly
encouraged. Visitors can call 217-782-6776 to reserve a space.
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The Dana-Thomas House, administered by the Illinois Historic
Preservation Agency, was designed by Wright in 1902. It is perhaps
the best-preserved of his Prairie-style homes, with more than 400
pieces of specially made art glass and 100 pieces of original
furniture.
Located at Fourth and Lawrence streets in Springfield, the site
is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
To learn more, visit
www.dana-thomas.org.
[Text from file received from the
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency] |