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 One new tour explains the amazing restoration of the
house. It will be offered June 10 and 24. Another, family-friendly
tour looks at the animals that inspired Wright and takes place June
25.
A concert June 10 at 6 p.m. by musicians David Cain and Larry Gray
will explore Wright’s legacy through words and music. Expect an
innovative jazz presentation as adventurous as Wright’s designs.
Wright was born June 8, 1867. When he died in 1959, he was the most
famous architect in the world. The Dana-Thomas House is perhaps the
best-preserved of Wright’s “Prairie Style” homes, with more than 400
pieces of specially made art glass and original furnishings.
The state of Illinois purchased the home in 1981 and then launched a
painstaking restoration of the home’s 1910 appearance, when it was
the glittering showplace of socialite Susan Lawrence Dana.
Mike Jackson will lead “Restoration of the Dana-Thomas House” tours
at 1:15 on both June 10 and 24. As chief architect for the Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency at the time of the restoration, Jackson
played a major role in ensuring the work met exacting
specifications.
The new “Animals and Architects” tour will be offered twice on June
25 – at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. The half-hour tour designed for
children begins with an activity in the courtyard and explores
representations of animals inside the house.
All events are free, but reservations are required and donations are
suggested. Call 217-782-6776 for concert and tour reservations.
Visit State Historic Sites at Springfield on Facebook for a listing
of additional summer events.
The Dana-Thomas House, located at 301 E. Lawrence Street (Fourth and
Lawrence) in Springfield, is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and
Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
The home is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
IHPA protects the state’s historic resources, which contribute to
education, culture and the economy. IHPA sites include ancient
burial mounds, forts and buildings erected by settlers, and homes
connected to famous Illinoisans.
The full tour schedule for June:
June 3, 10:15 a.m.
“Attention to Detail”
Join longtime volunteer Frank Marchant on an extended tour of the
Dana Thomas House. “Attention to Detail” explores details and
stories of the House that enrich our understanding of art and
architecture and the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright.
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 June 3, 1:15 p.m.
“Of Glass and Wood”
Led by volunteer Frank Marchant, “Of Glass and Wood” focuses on
details of the amazing art glass collection and the Frank Lloyd
Wright-designed furniture in the house.
June 9, 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
“Wright Concepts”
Join longtime volunteer Larry Betz for an extended tour and
discussion of the design principles behind Wright’s “Prairie School”
architecture, which emphasized horizontal lines to blend in with the
natural surroundings of the Midwest. The tour promises visitors a
new perspective on Wright’s architectural vision, even if they’ve
visited the site before.
June 10, 1:15 p.m.
“Restoration of the Dana-Thomas House”
The state restoration of the Dana-Thomas House was a five-year
project that returned the house to its appearance in 1910. This
hour-long guided tour includes a visit to the "restoration room" to
showcase the restoration process. Mike Jackson, architect for the
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency at the time of the
restoration, will lead the tour.
June 24, 1:15 p.m.
“Restoration of the Dana-Thomas House”
The state restoration of the Dana-Thomas House was a five-year
project that returned the house to its appearance in 1910. This
hour-long guided tour includes a visit to the "restoration room" to
showcase the restoration process. Mike Jackson, architect for the
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency at the time of the
restoration, will lead the tour.
June 25, 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
“Animals and Architects”
Join site interpreter Jennifer Caldwell on a specialty tour that has
been designed for families. “Animals and Architects” is a 30-minute
tour that will begin with an activity in the courtyard and explore
representations of animals inside the house. Learn which animals
inspired Wright to bring the outside indoors in this fun and new
approach to learning at the Dana-Thomas House.
[Shanta Thoele
Executive Secretary
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency] |
