At the December 9th Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North Lunch Meeting the speaker was former leader of RCAAN Chris Juillet introduced us to his friend Eric Limquist who is an Frank Lloyd Wright expert.
Eric first described the life of Frank Lloyd Wright. Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect, designer, writer, and educator.
He designed more than 1,000 structures over a creative period of 70 years. Most structures were built after he was 60. Wright believed in designing in harmony with humanity and the environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture. Wright-designed interior elements (including leaded glass windows, floors, furniture and even tableware) were integrated into these structures.
He also designed original and innovative offices, churches, schools, skyscrapers, hotels, museums, and other commercial projects.
Besides his famous house in Mill Run Pennsylvania (built in 1936-1939), Frank built the Palmer House in Ann Arbor. Frank Lloyd Wright's Palmer House, built for Bill and Mary Palmer in Ann Arbor during the early 1950's,
The 2,000 square-foot home with its collection of Wright-designed furniture, the Teahouse, and the two-acre beautiful sylvan setting is Ann Arbor's most architecturally significant residence.
The strong organic aspects of the house are manifested in its hillside orientation, exquisite red cypress and brickwork, and the treed views from every room. Complementing the natural elements is the triangular geometry of the home: its signature cantilevered overhang, the play of angles (there are no 90 degree corners), and Wright's creation of intimate and open spaces.
William "Billy" Palmer grew up in Imlay City, Michigan. William studied economics at the University of Michigan, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1929, and his master's degree in 1930. After graduation he became a professor of economics at the University of Michigan.
Mary Warton Shuford, originally from North Carolina, enrolled in Michigan's School of Music in 1935, majoring in music theory. In June of 1937, Mary graduated and married Billy.
Billy and Mary purchased the property in 1949 because they felt it was "the most beautiful place in the city." They considered many architects, including George Brigham and Alden Dow. Eventually, after becoming familiar with the FLW Affleck house in Bloomfield Hills, they selected Frank Lloyd Wright. They lived in the house for more than five decades. Mary used the house as a beautiful backdrop for parties, concerts, and fundraising events for the community.
In March 2009, Jeffrey and Kathryn Schox purchased the Palmer House. Jeffrey Schox was born and raised in Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan. After earning a law degree, he returned to Ann Arbor to start his career in patent law. Around the same time his wife Kathryn completed her teaching degree at the University of Michigan and began teaching at the Ann Arbor Girls School.
In July 2004, Jeffrey moved his law practice to San Francisco, but returns to Ann Arbor every six weeks to visit his startup clients and to teach a course on patent law at the University of Michigan. When not staying at the Palmer House, Jeffrey and Kathryn have made the house available for vacations, business, and special events.
At the end of the meeting Pres Tammy announced that the RCAAN Christmas Party will be at Weber's on December 14th at 6:00 PM. Wear your Christmas Sweater, you may win.
Frank Lloyd Wright Palmer House, 227 Orchard Hills Drive, Ann Arbor, MI
Palmer House Interior
Palmer House Livingroom
Palmer House Bedroom
Mary and William B. Palmer In Their Frank Lloyd Wright Designed House on Orchard Hill Drive, March 1987