Crafting the American Home

“Residential work […] remained his signature; though most architects who begin their careers designing houses avoid them when they have the opportunity to move onto large, more prestigious, and better-paying large-scale buildings, Wright continued to design houses” (235).

The Book

At first glance, Frank Lloyd Wright: The Houses, with photographs by Alan Weintraub and text by Alan Hess, is the typical coffee table book—full of commanding photographs introducing readers to numerous Wright homes. But, the book does more than that, it provides a biography of Wright through the lens of his designs.

In his early days (late 1880s-early 1900s), Wright focused on designs for houses, switching between traditional and experimental. His experiments soon led to what we call the Prairie Style today and many of them were built in the Chicago suburbs. These designs were the right fit for his middle-class clients who were self-made, active in the suburbs, and had children. Later, Wright’s designs were influenced by his time in Los Angeles and Arizona, and experimented with different materials like concrete blocks.

The 1930s brought a renewed interest in Wright’s style and, at 68, he became a celebrated architect. His houses were both large scale (like Fallingwater) and smaller sizes for the suburban middle class. He never stopped experimenting with materials or shapes, allowing him to continue to push the boundaries of residential architecture. Today, Wright’s influence can be seen on the mid-century ranch, the layout of the family home, and the embedding of a home in nature.

Frank Lloyd Wright: The Houses is first and foremost, a photography book. The exterior and interior of the featured homes are put on display, allowing the viewer to see the similarities, differences, and attention to detail. Wright didn’t just design houses; he also designed the furniture and fixtures. Some of the photos have detailed captions, but I often wished to see more connection between the essays and the photos. This would have helped me visualize what the essays described. The book is not meant to be read straight through and some of the essays can get quite detailed. Readers can pick a time period, read about it, or flip through the photos.

The Place

When you hear the name Frank Lloyd Wright, you don’t typically associate it with Ohio. Yet, nestled in an unassuming neighborhood of Springfield, Ohio is the Westcott House. While it isn’t one of the feature homes in Frank Lloyd Wright: The Houses, it has a lot of similarities with the ones that are included.

I had previously toured the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, Illinois. The Westcott House had many similarities, despite being built about a decade later. Our tour guide pointed out architectural details unique to the home and typical of a Wright house. The tour begins in one side of the gift shop—which used to be the garage, and continues through the backyard into the first floor living areas. As you walk through the first and second floors, you also learn about Burton and Orpha Westcott, prominent Springfield citizens.

The Westcott House is open for guided tours, three times a day, that last roughly 90 minutes. They are closed on Mondays and major holidays. There is an admission fee and street parking.

The Governors’ Home

“The Governor’s house is a fine specimen of architecture, and reflects abundant credit upon those who constructed it, and upon the State whose dignity it represents. […] It is an object of honor and praise to this State, and no true citizen can look upon it without pride,” said an 1856 visitor (18-19).

The Book

At Home with Illinois Governors: A Social History of the Illinois Executive Mansion 1855-2003 is a collaboration between author Dan Monroe and Lura Lynn Ryan (First Lady of Illinois 1999-2003). It presents a history of the third oldest governor’s mansion in the United States, using its residents as the main characters. 

When Governor Matteson was elected in 1852, the governor’s home was in the former Illinois Board of Public Works and its front door was up against the sidewalk. Matteson felt this was not suitable for his children, nor for his ability to host receptions with dignity and style. After $50,000 and four years of construction, the mansion opened to the public in January 1856. From that time on, the mansion welcomed governors and their families, state officials, federal visitors, numerous pets, and the people of Illinois. The amount of foot traffic required frequent renovations and restorations. It was quite surprising to see how many times inhabitants found the mansion in poor condition, making the reader wonder how well it was being kept up after frequent renovations.

In the 1960s, the mansion was in danger of being destroyed after many journalists and Governor Kerner viewed it as dangerous. Due to strong support from preservationists and former inhabitants, the mansion was saved, and a massive restoration and addition was completed in the late 1960s. During this time, the Illinois Executive Mansion Association was created. The Association’s mission is to help preserve the mansion and its honorary chairwoman is always the current First Lady of Illinois.

At Home with Illinois Governors is unique because the story of the mansion is told through the lens of the various governors. It is interesting to read of the impact they, and their wives, had on the décor and events. However, it sometimes felt like the mansion took a back seat. There is a brief paragraph about the architect and design of the building and subsequent renovations are described. When special events are highlighted, the author does include details on the décor and programs. The book includes photos of the mansion and its inhabitants as well as watercolors, by Kay Smith, of the interior, exterior, and gardens of the Mansion. The photos capture inhabitants during formal events and everyday life, while the watercolors provide present day views. These are a nice supplement to the stories told in each chapter, which often draw on period newspaper articles and recollections from visitors and inhabitants.

The Place

The Illinois Executive Mansion, or “The People’s House”, provides visitors the opportunity to peak behind the scenes of state government. Since 1855, governors have lived, worked, entertained, and debated within its four walls. The tour highlights select governors – like Governor Yates who served during the Civil War or Governor Stevenson who went on to run for president – and significant eras of Illinois history. Tour guides will also point out the architectural features – like the prominent spiral staircase – and antique furniture – like the hand carved bedroom set that was on display at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The tour covers most of the public areas, but the governor’s private quarters are off limits.

Unfortunately, for almost a decade, the mansion had been unused by two governors and fallen into disrepair, again. In 2015, newly elected Governor and First Lady Rauner spearheaded a privately funded restoration. My tour of the mansion happened towards the end of the restoration. Most of the obvious work had been completed and I appreciated the opportunity to see the Mansion at its best. I can only imagine what it looks like now.

Today, free tours are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1:45pm and 3pm. Tours must be reserved ahead of time and all visitors, over 18, must bring a valid photo ID. Photography is not permitted inside the mansion. It is important to note that this is not only a home, but also a functioning state building. There is a possibility that a tour may be canceled.

The People of Illinois’s House

“The building captures the architectural beauty of the late 19^th century while, at the same time, holding on to its abundant political and social history” (7).

The Book

The Illinois Statehouse by James R. Donelan and Steven W. Dyer introduces the reader to the history and construction of Illinois’s sixth capitol building. A part of the Images of America series, the focus is on images (instead of mainly text with a few images). 

In 1836, “The Long Nine” (a group of nine Illinois state representatives and senators from the Springfield area and all over six feet tall, including Abraham Lincoln), worked together to move the state capitol from Vandalia to Springfield. By 1867, the state legislature had outgrown the state capitol building. Construction began on the current state capitol in 1868 and took 20 years to be completed. Since then, the building has seen many changes and gone through extensive restorations to be historically accurate. 

Donelan and Dyer begin their book with images of the construction, making the reader appreciate the painstaking work that went into creating this 405-foot-tall opulent building. The following chapters focus on each of the four floors, the dome, and the grounds. The authors point out interesting architecture features, highlight the different uses of various spaces, explain the significance of the artwork, and share fun facts about state officials. One room, 309, served as the original state natural history museum, library, reception area, Secretary of State’s office, a lounge, and is now Senate offices. 

This book was a quick read and it complemented what I remembered from my tour of the Illinois State Capitol. Photos didn’t just focus on the building, but also showed people at work or enjoying commemorative events during different time periods. The photos did have lengthy captions, to help provide the reader context. Personally, I would have liked a bit more to read; but it is part of a series focused on images.

The Place

The first several times I visited the Illinois State Capitol were work related, for three years I was the District Director for an Illinois State Representative. I had the opportunity to attend inauguration, participate in training, and observe a couple of days when the House of Representatives was in session. Those were incredible experiences, but it wasn’t until after I had left that position that I was able to take a tour of the building, which I highly recommend for both Illinois residents and visitors. Each time I visited the Illinois State Capitol, I easily became awestruck by the architectural details and feats. I found my gaze drawn upwards to the features in the dome or I would pause every few steps to investigate something unique.

Tours are available Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm. After going through a bag search and metal detector (this is a functioning government building), visitors can head to the Tours/Information Office on the first floor. The building will be more crowded on weekdays and in the afternoon, especially if the House and Senate are in session. The tour takes visitors through the House and Senate Galleries and each of the main floors. Along the way, you learn about the history, significant people, and architecture and artwork. If you have time after your tour, make sure to explore on your own; it is worth the time.

Individuals who have been vaccinated are not required to wear masks and social distancing is recommended for all visitors.

Lincoln- Honest Abe and Father Abraham

“A. Lincoln continues to fascinate us because he eludes simple definitions and final judgments” (3).


The Book

Any author writing a new biography of Abraham Lincoln has an insurmountable task: a public who is already familiar with the life and times of the 16^th President. Ronald C. White, Jr. takes on the task aided by the Lincoln Legal Papers and hosts of new primary documents. A. Lincoln: A Biography is well worth the invested time (676 pages) and the narrative is easy to follow.

White opens each chapter with a quote from Lincoln and a brief passage that sets the stage for the chapter. This immediately places the reader in Lincoln’s shoes: picturing his environment, what he saw and did, interactions with other people, and the culture. Lincoln’s story begins with a brief introduction to his ancestors and parents, flows through his political and professional development, and ends by honing in on his presidency. Of course, the basic biographical information will be known to many readers. However, White writes in an engaging way and brings in quite a bit of information I did not know. He dives into Lincoln’s thought processes, showing how a man (without a formal education) was a dedicated researcher, careful thinker and planner, and investigator who weighed all sides of an issue. What was particularly fascinating for me was to follow White as he traced Lincoln’s thought processes and growth in beliefs as president. For example, Lincoln took his first public stand against slavery in 1837; yet, he knew that the timing had to be right to interject slavery into the rationale for the Civil War.

A. Lincoln also provides insight into how Lincoln prepared his speeches and an analysis of the speeches. Lincoln appreciated good oratory and was able to communicate well in a variety of ways, but was also nervous prior to delivering a speech. White argues that, “[Lincoln’s] most developed political weapon [was] public speaking” (299). Based on what I read, I would go one step further and say it was all communication. Lincoln could connect through a speech, personal conversation, private letter, or public letter.

The more I read A. Lincoln, the more I come to admire, respect, and like President Lincoln. He was a man committed to the principles of Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bible. The final chapter unpacks Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address in detail, showing a president who understand the consequences of the past four years and the role God plays in the lives of man.

The Place
If the regular readers haven’t already noticed, I read and write quite a bit about President Lincoln. In fact, I have been fascinated with him since I was four years old. What better way to culminate years of fascination than a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum?

Visitors walk into a rotunda and are prompted to travel through two sections: Lincoln’s early life through the 1861 election and his presidency. Lifesize and realistic statutes bring the people and scenes to life, with artifacts, technology, and explanations interspersed. This Museum is engaging and well-thought out, helping visitors get to know Lincoln, appreciate why history is so vital, and walk away with a new appreciation for the 16^th President.

I read A. Lincoln after visiting the Museum, but still saw a strong connection between how both treated the saga of the Emancipation Proclamation. Author White shows the development of this document through other events, in order to show the reader the process and seriousness of the issue. The Museum captures Lincoln’s decision through dramatic images and technology. I will never forget seeing the climax of this part of the museum: there is a single hallway lined with pre-recorded actors passionately stating their views on the Emancipation Proclamation. The narrow hallway draws your attention to the lone figure of Lincoln, standing over his desk with the paper is his hand. Behind him, a screen airs silhouette images of slavery and the audio provide more views of the issue. This exhibit and White’s book help to truly capture the significance of Lincoln’s decision to free the slaves.

The Museum is located in downtown Springfield, IL. There is an admission cost and ample parking available on the street or in a public garage (both have a fee). Before you leave, make sure to talk a family photo with the Lincoln family in the rotunda and check out Union Station Park across the street, with several Lincoln statues. If you are in Springfield for more than a day, there are plenty of other Lincoln sites to explore (see previous blog posts for descriptions).

Lincoln's Profession

“…what would Lincoln have seen when he practiced the law?” (ix)

The Book

Abraham Lincoln is known for his honesty, debates with Stephen Douglas, and presidency. Many people know that Lincoln was a lawyer, but few know the details behind the profession he spent the most time in. Brian Dirck attempts to rectify that in his book, Lincoln the Lawyer. 

Not much is known about Lincoln’s law practice; detailed records where not kept and, according to Dirck, many embellished their accounts after Lincoln’s death. Lincoln studied for four years prior to taking the bar exam and was a junior partner in two different law firms from 1837-1844. In 1844, he asked William Henry Herndon to be his junior partner. Dirck uses the words of Lincoln, his partners, and clerks to help paint a picture of Lincoln the lawyer.

Dirck comes to the conclusion that practicing law had a great impact on Lincoln’s politics. In my opinion, this final chapter is the best part of the book. Dirck shows the reader that law built Lincoln’s networking and general people skills and shaped his language and arguments. Dirck traces connections between Lincoln’s writings and thought-processes as president with legal concepts. The law practice ultimately taught Lincoln the value of grease (in a figurative sense) to allow things to function.

The book is well-written and provides new insight into our 16^th President. However, it is geared more towards the academic reader than the average history buff. The chapters are broken down by topic, which makes it easy to pick up after a break from reading. The majority of the book explains the time period, how men became lawyers, and the various types of cases. It is important for the reader to have this background information, but it often feels like a history of antebellum law, rather than a Lincoln biography.

The Place

Lincoln's Law Office is located across the square from the Old State Capitol Building in Springfield. The whole square has a historic feel, as if the visitor has stepped back in time. If you close your eyes, you can imagine Lincoln walking to his office.

At the time of this writing, Lincoln’s Law Office is closed for renovations. Unfortunately, due to the budget crisis in Illinois, it is unclear when the site will be re-opened. While you may not be able to enter Lincoln’s Law Office, it is still worth it to walk past the place where an influential president spent his days practicing law. 

A Tale of Two Presidents

“[Secretary of War] Stanton did not expect the [funeral] train itself to take on a life of its own and to become a venerated symbol in its own right” (212).


The Book   

As a follow-up to Manhunt, James L. Swanson wrote Bloody Crimes: The Funeral of Abraham Lincoln and the Chase for Jefferson Davis. Just like his first book, Swanson produces a history book that is as enjoyable as a novel. He simultaneously tells the stories of Abraham Lincoln’s funeral and funeral train with the Union Army’s pursuit of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy.

Lincoln’s funeral was unlike anything Washington, DC had seen. A public viewing in the White House was followed by a funeral, a procession to the Capitol, and a public viewing in the Capitol Rotunda. Almost 3,000 people an hour walked through the Rotunda. A thirteen day, 1,645 mile train ride followed. The funeral train stopped in eleven cities. Swanson writes so the reader feels as if they are experiencing the sights and sounds of the train and cities.

As Lincoln’s train traveled northwest in May 1865, Jefferson Davis fled southwest. The collapse of the Confederacy followed him until he was captured in Georgia. Unlike Lincoln, Davis’s journey was far from over: he spent several years in prison and was released to live out his life a free man.

The Place 


Springfield, Illinois is three and a half hours southwest of Chicago. Besides being the state capitol, the only other distinction is Abraham Lincoln’s home and final resting place. The Old State Capitol and the row of shops facing it are preserved as if Lincoln still walked the streets to his law office. The building is a reconstruction of the original, but it is hard to tell. Visitors can walk into the Hall of Representatives, Senate Chamber, and Supreme Court. The Hall of Representatives is where Lincoln delivered his “House Divided” speech and where his body lay in state. Springfield was the smallest and last town on the funeral train’s route, but the people made sure to welcome their Lincoln back. Seventy-five thousand people walked past the open casket in the only twenty-four hour viewing. 



Cemeteries and tombs aren’t typically on my list of places to see; but of the few I have visited, Lincoln’s Tomb is the most impressive. It is 117 ft. tall and the obelisk towers over you. More like a building than a tomb, you can walk into the structure and file past where the Lincolns are buried. Because of a plot to kidnap his remains, Lincoln is actually ten feet underground.