Bradley-Sigma Phi House

Louis Sullivan, architect

Louis Sullivan, Architect

Several weekends ago I went on Wright & Like 2009: Madison, a tour of architectural wonders including homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and other Prairie School architects of that era. It was a wonderful experience, even though the threat of rain was ever-present. I went through six homes, including one that was open to a public tour for the first time (the John and Ruth Pew home.) It will take me a few weeks, but I’ll post photographs of the all of the homes I toured.

This immense home, approximately 10,800 square feet of space, was built as a wedding present for Harold C. Bradley, a professor at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and his fiancee, Josephine Crane, the grand-daughter of the founder of the Crane plumbing company. Her father engaged Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor, to design the home. George Elmslie, one of the finest craftsmen in the period, did the exterior and interior woodwork and the elegant interior furnishings. The home was constructed in 1908-09. This was Louis Sullivan’s last residential undertaking, and in it he implemented many of the ideas of Wright and other Prairie School architects.

This is One Huge House!

This is One Huge House!

The home, located just south of the UW campus, was too large for the lifestyles of the Bradleys, and the size of the home made it difficult for the hearing-impaired Mrs. Bradley to supervise her young children. The Bradleys therefore sold the home to the Sigma Phi fraternity in 1915 and it remains a fraternity house to this day.

The Wright & Like tour provided an inside tour of the house, and though no interior photographs were allowed, it is evident that the Sigma Chi’s continue to maintain this architectural gem in the fashion it was intended. (I did find a blog which shows the lovely interior of several rooms, including a photograph of the circular dining room table which accommodates 16-well worth taking a look at.)

built in 1909, restored in 1972

Built in 1909, Restored in 1972

This home was nearly destroyed by a St. Patrick’s evening fire in 1972. Only one member of the fraternity was at home during the time and he escaped without injury. However, the second floor of the house was in ruins, and the first floor suffered from water and smoke damage. Due to the generosity of A. C. Nielson, the Nielson ratings guy and an alumnus of Sigma Chi, and other donors, a substantial restoration took place. Neilson and his son, also an alum, continue to assist in the support and maintenance of this architectural masterpiece.

Architectural Detail, Front Porch

Architectural Details, Front Porch

 

Elmslie designed the fretwork of the home’s exterior, including this detail which is on the enclosed front room of the house, and originally an open sleeping porch. The home’s interior woodwork and furniture retained this design, and some of it still remains in the home.

The home was placed on the National Historical Landmark after the restoration, a designation given to only the most historically-important buildings. It really is one of the most interesting of all the Wright-inspired homes I’ve toured, and I really have to give credit to the members of Sigma Phi who are living a part of history and taking care of a national treasure.

Shadow Portrait

North Elizabeth Train Station

North Elizabeth Train Station

On our recent trip to the East Coast, we stayed in New Jersey and took the New Jersey Transit train into Manhattan every day. Though I did miss the excitement and convenience of staying in the city, it made no sense to pay for hotel rooms for 5 people for 5 nights. Not when we could stay with family for nothing. The train we took was usually a double decker, also fun.

I couldn’t pass the opportunity to take a shadow portrait of my family while we were waiting for the train.

Anniversary Rose

one of a dozen

one of a dozen

A photo of one of the dozen white roses that arrived on our wedding anniversary. Thanks to all of you who sent warm wishes and to my children for the flowers.

I hope the next 33 years are filled with as much happiness as the first 33 were!

Anniversary Day

the journey continues...

and the journey continues...

Thirty-three years ago, on that June 12th, it was nearly 100 degrees in muggy western Illinois and the breezes were strong enough to whip my bridal skirts around my legs, one time nearly causing a fall. I barely noticed the heat, although I was dressed in heavy satin, long sleeved, long skirt, and a fairly long train to carry. I didn’t care. I was wearing the first wedding dress I had tried on. I didn’t try on any others. I loved that gown.

And I was in love. We were in love. And so we married.

We’ve lived in five cities and towns, had seven addresses, raised three children who are grown now and moving on, and we share our lives together still. Still happily (most of the time). We’ve climbed a few steep mountains, crossed–scared–a few deep ravines, but we keep overcoming every obstacle that comes our way, we keep finding the bridges over the ravines. We’ve just crossed a ravine lately, and now there’s a lovely path ahead. Can’t see where it’s headed, but if my Sherpa is coming with me, I am not afraid.

We wrote our wedding vows–it was the thing to do in the mid-1970s–and I can’t find a copy. But I do remember we had one traditional reading mixed with all our words.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
I Corinthians 13:4-8

Hard words to live by, day in and day out, but wise words. With a message that bears repeating, and remembering. Repeating and remembering.

Happy anniversary to my first love, my only love!

Opening

Another photo from Olbrich Botanical Gardens. I can’t seem to stay away from those gardens. Though I must admit, the red-winged blackbirds were not very happy to see me. It appears they have nests throughout the rock garden, and when I ventured a bit too close I was rewarded with an angry swooshing at my head. Three swooshes to be exact. Blackbirds aren’t a bit cowardly, I will admit, when they feel their young may be at risk. Glad I was wearing a hat!