Let's stop blaming WWI and credit Frank Lloyd Wright for preventing the theft of his American System-Built Homes.
Thieves Caught Thieving
Why did Russell Barr Williamson destroy records of his early work?
In the 1920s, Russell Barr Williamson saw more opportunity than just design: he could finance, he could invest, he could speculate, and he did it well. In less than 10 years, he complete over 54 sometimes opulent projects, including his own in Whitefish Bay. Things began to unravel in July of 1927.
Pebble Dash was not Wright’s Idea (Part 2)
It was Arthur Richards, Wright's partner-developer from 1916-1917, who decided to cover the American System-Built Homes (ASBH) in Magnesite pebbles, not Frank Lloyd Wright. And where does one get Magnesite before 1917?
Pebble Dash was not Wright’s Idea (Part 1)
The documented evidence tells us that Pebble Dash was an alteration of Frank Lloyd Wright's American System Built Homes designs -- something he hoped to cover up and forget about.
Why did Frank Lloyd Wright keep the drawings he planned to forget?
Why do the vintage American System Built Homes (ASBH) plans exist at all? Frank Lloyd Wright didn't plan to re-use or show them. Was his decision to store almost 1000 drawings based on nostalgia or pride, or something more practical?
A rare tour and deep-dive into the drama at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Elizabeth Murphy’s house, courtesy of Historic Milwaukee
This is a rare opportunity to experience an historic and well-preserved Wright-designed home that has been a private residence for 104 years running. The home is where Wright was compelled to rethink his approach to affordable housing and is the site of the split between Wright and his talented young assistant Russell Barr Williamson.
Wisconsin House by Frank Lloyd Wright Forgotten for 50 years
The Forgotten Elizabeth Murphy House has been hiding the clues that explain why Frank Lloyd Wright cancelled the American System-Built Home program and covered his tracks - never speaking publicly about the designs again. Read more.
Forensics reveal tiny details to restore in Wright-designed ASBH kitchen
In the latest phase of the kitchen restoration at the Elizabeth Murphy House, our goal was to rid the room of inappropriate materials and tie together the old and recent cabinets. But we found some lost details worth restoration.
Carpentry Improv in Frank Lloyd Wright’s ASB Homes
Frank Lloyd Wright didn't tell the carpenter exactly how to craft an American System-Built cabinet so often the carpenter improvised.
Making Friends With Frank
This weekend, we are giving thanks for the friendships and the stories that continue to form about and around this historic, influential tiny home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Elizabeth Murphy House 