There's been some recent talk in Wright-related circles about the very real possibility of the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield, Illinois closing as a public site...
Issues of low visitation numbers and deadlocked state funding (the house is owned by the state of Illinois) could mean this stunning example of Prairie School architecture could close its doors as soon as October 1, 2008. Let's hope this doesn't happen, what a loss that would be!
As we learn more we will report it. If anyone has information
themselves to share, please post in the comments section.
Photo courtesy of the Historic Sites Commission of Springfield, Illinois
This would be such a shame. I visited the Dana-Thomas House for the first time about two months ago. I've lived just an hour away nearly my entire life, and just got around to seeing this fine example of Wright's work. There were many foreign visitors there that day, no doubt lured to the US by favorable exchange rates. In fact, the gift shop was nearly elbow to elbow with guests. I've seen similar reports on other historic sites such as New Salem. Closing these sites disappoints tourists, and obviously forfeits any dollars they might bring with them.
It would be a shame for this wonderful site to be closed thanks to the political squabbles in Springfield.
Posted by: Dan N. | Aug 10, 2008 at 01:17 PM
It would be a shame if this house closed to the public. Visitorship doesn't seem to be an issue, at least when I've been there. The place is always hopping. I don't know about the state budget issues. Hopefully someone associated with the house will share what they know.
Posted by: Xanadu | Aug 10, 2008 at 02:25 PM