Oak Park: Frank Lloyd Wright

Before I get to the Frankapalooza Oak Park Tour, I believe I heard the soft thud of suggested knit shop absence. Oh ye of little faith! Thoust should never doubtest a knit shop visit if there is a knit shop in the va-cinity. Lo and behold –

It was at this point my camera battery died and the realization hit me that I left my other battery and charge at the North Pole. In my panic, I made a very expensive and hasty mistake. Be thee not stupid like me. Do as I say, not as I do. Never let panic decide for you. Count to ten. Take a deep breath. And think about the possible solutions. This I did not do. Because I, Gentle Woodland Folk of the Blogisphere, am a puddin’ brained boob. How I’m even capable of life’s simplest tasks is debatable.

Instead, I head to the nearest camera shop, bought a charger and another battery for a total of $100. After getting back to the hotel, I reflected upon this incredible act of stupidity thoughtfully and realized I didn’t need the second battery. It cost $60 so I decided to take it back to Holiday Camera. But, the camera shop owner at Holiday Camera would not take it back. It was still in the package, never touched, never used. He, the guy at Holiday Camera, said there was some law against taking back batteries. I called bullshit but what was I gonna do? Wrassle the guy and make him take the battery back. I woulda beaten him, you know that. Cuz I’m so butch like that. I left in a huff. Yes, a huff. I was huffy. I would advise anyone thinking about going to Holiday Camera, to stay away because it’s a FRACKIN’ RIP OFF.

Whatever. Thinking about it is simultaneously embarrassing and angering. I suppose I’ve wasted $60 on lesser things but, fuuuck. Nevertheless, the queen enjoyed the knit shop and bought some yarn, because that’s what she does.

Onward through the fog and to the yummy goodness that is Frank Lloyd Wright. Frank (we’re on a first name basis), started his career in Chicago, but you don’t quite realize the impact he had on Oak Park until you’re confronted with all of the houses he designed including his own house and studio. There are so many, his particular stamp of brilliance evident on each one. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Oak Park offers a luscious backdrop to showcase the genius of The Frank.

Walter Gale house, 1893.

Nathan G. Moore house, 1895

Frank W. Thomas house, 1901.

Authur B. Heurtley house, 1902

The Unity Temple, 1908. Considered by many to be the first modern building. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to go inside. We’ll just have to return.

Tomorrow we’ll take a tour of Wright’s studio and home. Frankly, I can’t wait.

Category: Architecture, Art, FLW, Illinois, Knit Shops, Knitting, Oak Park