The Journal Times Online - Racine, Wisconsin

Hardy House photographs (c) Mark Hertzberg

       I introduced you to Marshall Jones early this year after he sent me his thoughts about Frank Lloyd's Wright work and my "Wright in Racine" book. The Wright group tends to be insular.  We need to reach outside of this closed-knit circle. I was reminded of that when I got Marshall's first letter about Wright.

 This is a link to the first story about Marshall Jones and Frank Lloyd Wright:

http://http//my.journaltimes.com/post/wright-in-racine/a_challenge_finding_fresh_perspective_on_wrights_work.html

(If this link does not work, Google: Mark Hertzberg + Marshall Jones)

      Jones is serving two consecutive life sentences for a double homicide and shooting, at Waupun Correctional Institution in Wisconsin. He had no exposure to Wright's work until I sent him my book. 

       I interviewed him in prison a year ago for a forthcoming book about the criminal justice system. He told me that he was determined to make the most of every day, even though he knows he will never be paroled. This fall he sent me a photo of himself wearing cap and gown... he had received his Technical Diploma from Moraine Park Technical College in Fundamentals of Building Maintenance/Construction.

       I sent him a copy of my book about Wright's Hardy House as a graduation present, and awaited his next letter. It is copied below. I urge you to pay particular attention to the beginning of the last paragraph (the 'delay' he refers to is my apology for not sending the book more quickly after getting the graduation photo).

Mr. Hertzberg,

    How are things going for you? I hope you and your family are blessed in every respect. I would like to express my gratitude for sending me your book on Wright’s Hardy House.

      Where do I begin? This house is a combination of simple square and rectangular shapes on the outside but on the inside flooded with so much complexity that I’m amazed this home was built in 1906.

     One thing I’m discovering about Wright is how timeless his works are, and that in itself seems to be a dying art. One can travel to a number of cities and see the same designs everywhere you go but with Wright’s homes, it’s a breath of fresh air every time. With the Hardy House, Wright stretched the bar by designing a home that was nothing like the homes built in the area, but is that really a surprise? Wright seemed to always separate himself from the pack and bring a much need originality to .the area.

       I’ve driven past this house many times before but I’ve never saw the back of the house. It’s almost like having a home in the woods in the back but a home in the city in the front. This house clearly has an”earthy-look” that blends so well with the landscape surrounding it but at the same time has a flare about it that will draw you to it. I’ve noticed that over the years that the additions to the home only gave it more character, and never put the design itself in jeopardy.

The Main Street elevation of the Hardy House

The Hardy House, seen from Lake Michigan.    

      I can almost imagine being able to go down to the beach for a swim and have the feel that it’s merely an extension of the home. The shrubbery in front of the house give it a warmer look, because it almost adds life to the front of the house. No matter what level you’re on in this house you’re offered the same focal point so you can have appreciation for this house from everywhere in the house.

      Of course, Wright isn’t without his flaws, The leaded glass windows leak, which can be an inconvenience. I saw the house at night time and the white parts of the glass glows which brings so much beauty to this house but because of the leakage, the occupants may have a lesser appreciation for this house. What was done to solve the problem? I know that the terrace windows were changed out but what about the front and sides? [Some of the leaded glass windows at the north and south ends of the house were replaced at an undetermined time].

       Another flaw is that he tends to misjudge the wants and needs of the people that will potentially occupy his home. He made the entry ways suitable for a man of his height, and while I can understand his purpose behind it, you can’t overlook practicality. While his furniture at times can be very convenient for space reasons and even at times beauty, it has an appearance of being uncomfortable. The whole coffin beds thing might be a little much for me (smile). Despite these minor flaws, his excellence is unmistakable.

       Unlike Wingspread, this home will continue to be occupied and lived in for years to come. I believe that every occupant will do something subtle to it to enhance it’s appearance without distorting Wright’s vision. I know it can be a major inconvenience to have tour buses pulling up to your house regularly, but I believe gives the owners a sense of pride to own a piece of history that is appreciated by people all over the world. I’m definitely a fan.

      I’m very appreciative that you’ve opened up a door in my life that I never knew existed before. I’m actually trying to figure out how to fit a garage or car port to this house. Wright has a way of causing you to think outside of the box, and attempt to fit yourself into his mind to see what was going on at the time he conceived these visions. I think I have a new passion. I wish you the best in everything you do, and remember that a delay isn’t a stoppage of action, but a time that gives room for a larger vision. Take care.

Respectfully,

Marshall