NEWS from around the region
A Celebration of Frank Lloyd Wright
In most discussions about the subject of architecture, the conversation quickly turns to Frank Lloyd Wright as one of the most prolific architects of his generation, arguably the greatest ever. The occasion was the 150th anniversary of his birth, and the Spirit Region was invited by the Frank Lloyd Wright House Association to display Classics at their Annual Benefit held on Sunday, June 4th, at the Wright designed home at Ebsworth Park in Kirkwood, Missouri.
Kay Dusenbery, Director of the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park, addresses guests.
The 1,900 square foot residence is located in suburban west St. Louis County, and is one of two in the St. Louis area and five in Missouri designed by Wright. A serpentine driveway through a rolling wooded area leads up to the house, and gives way to a landscape that opens to a grassy knoll and tree lined vistas where some of the cars were placed to allow guests to wander the grounds and enjoy the Classics. It was a fitting setting for our cars as Wright himself admired and owned several Classics during his lifetime.
The home is notable not only for its architectural integrity, but for retaining its original Wright-designed furnishings and fabrics. With a floor plan composed of two intersecting parallelograms, it is considered one of Wright’s most geometrically complex homes. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its significance in American architecture.*
Despite the threat of rain in the forecast, seven hardy Spirit Region members brought out their Classics and enjoyed an afternoon of good food and wine under a nearby tent set up on the grounds. In the background a two-piece group played a soft chorus of music while guests feasted on lunch and engaged Spirit members about their cars. One particular guest conveyed that she would relish the chance to take a cross country trek in an old car. Serious or not, it was obvious that she and the 90 other patrons in attendance truly enjoyed the cars.
As the day wore on and the event was winding down the rains finally came, and the remaining guests took refuge in a covered patio outside the house. Despite the downpour, our spirits remained high in the confidence that our Region and our Classics added an extra touch of class to a worthwhile cause that benefits the upkeep of an historic Frank Lloyd Wright home.
Aerial photo of a lovely model stepping out from Richard Quick's 1929 Duesenberg J Weymann Sedan with Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in the background.
Spirit Region Participants and Classics
William Mehard – 1934 Lincoln 12 KA Coupe
Robert Pass & Elmer Bibb – 1941 Cadillac 8 Convertible Sedan
Richard Quick – 1929 Duesenberg 8 J-251 Weymann Sedan
Thomas & Kristy Quick – 1934 Auburn 12 Sedan
George Randall – 1926 Franklin 6 Sedan
Phil Taxman – 1939 Jaguar SS Saloon
Todd Tobiasz – 1936 Cadillac 8 Convertible Sedan
Bob Radel
John Lowell
Story by John Lowell
Photos courtesy of Larry Hassel
*Paragraph excerpt courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park website