Day Nineteen

Today we set off via bus and then train to Chicago's neighbor to the west, Oak Park.    We went for the purpose of of learning more about Frank Lloyd Wright.  Living in Hyde Park we have a fabulous example of his work nearby in the Robie House, but Oak Park is where it's at when it comes to Frank.  Last winter we took a class at Robie House on the building blocks that inspired him.  Today we toured part of the Historic District around his home and studio then toured the Home and Studio themselves.  Meghan's post does a fabulous job of recounting the tours and some of the highlights.  I'll add that I saw my favorite Wright home to date, and that was Heurtley House on Forest Avenue.  I'll also add that during our walking tour I found the street I want to live on "when I grow up" and I'm not even demanding to live in the one Wright designed home on the small curving street, any one will do.  Unfortunately while there are photos from our touring I couldn't think of a way to do Elizabeth Court justice, so the world will just have to take my word for it.  I've lived this near to the Home and Studio my entire life and other than a shortened version of the home and studio tour which is offered for the holidays I have never done this much Frank Lloyd Wright as we packed into one day.  We came prepared we both had on socks (despite the hot weather), comfortable shoes, light-weight clothing and we stopped for gatorade at a pharmacy before the walking tour.  My mom joined us for the home and studio tour and then we headed to Eriks for a very late lunch or linner as we prefer to call it.  Now I'm sitting with my feet up, tending to my pink shoulders and am quite satisified that we've done such a thorough job discovering the world of Frank Lloyd Wright which exists so close to our doorstep. 

Today's Academics:

• More book reports.
• A two paragraph essay on Frank Lloyd Wright

Meghan's Current Book(s):

• Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, by Judy Blume
• Goddess Girls: Artemis the Brave, by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Rachel's Current Book(s):

• In Triumph's Wake, by Gulia Gelardi
• Lilibet, by Carolly Erickson

Today's Images:

Starting off the walking tour outside Frank Lloyd Wright's Studio

The Hills-Decaro House

The Heurtley House, my favorite Wright home

The Laura Gale House, it's on Elizabeth Court

Unity Temple

Front view of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio