McCook, Nebraska at the turn-of-the-last-century was not the first place one would expect a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house to be built. But author Donald Morgan reveals how this amazing Prairie style residence was born through the perseverance of Eliza Sutton, as shown in her transcribed letters to Wright's Oak Park Studio and the subsequent replies. After numerous revisions and a few false starts, Eliza's stick-to-it-tiveness pays off, and the Wright-designed house she fell in love with is finally built.
Over the years, the house sees both good and hard times. The book brings to life the journey through it all, using many historical drawings, photos and first-person accounts of the memories that various owners have of the home. I especially enjoyed the narrative that Morgan spun through these recollections, which really underscored the emotional connection between the owners and their very unique home (and in one instance, between owner and their office....more on that in the book).
As the story progresses, it eventually focuses on the expert and complete restoration/modernization undertaken by current owners Jan and Van Korell and executed by the architectural firm of John Thorpe of Oak Park, IL. The results are nothing short of amazing. John Altberg's color photographs show Mr. Thorpe and associate's expert work and the Korell's brave sacrifices in bringing this century-old Prairie School gem back and better than ever.
Over the years, the house sees both good and hard times. The book brings to life the journey through it all, using many historical drawings, photos and first-person accounts of the memories that various owners have of the home. I especially enjoyed the narrative that Morgan spun through these recollections, which really underscored the emotional connection between the owners and their very unique home (and in one instance, between owner and their office....more on that in the book).
As the story progresses, it eventually focuses on the expert and complete restoration/modernization undertaken by current owners Jan and Van Korell and executed by the architectural firm of John Thorpe of Oak Park, IL. The results are nothing short of amazing. John Altberg's color photographs show Mr. Thorpe and associate's expert work and the Korell's brave sacrifices in bringing this century-old Prairie School gem back and better than ever.
With 152 pages, 71 color and 25 black & white photographic images and 29 original Frank Lloyd Wright Studio and additional drawings, Donald Morgan and John Altberg's own labor of love, The Sutton House, is a wonderful read and comes highly recommended. To learn more or to order your own copy, follow the link.
Images copyright Donald Morgan & John Altberg
I have had the pleasure of seeing this house recently and it is a truly wonderful restoration.
Posted by: Paul Ringstrom | May 28, 2010 at 01:27 PM