Wright & Like 2019

Wright in Wisconsin brings our annual Wright and Like™ house tour to northeastern Wisconsin as we go “Along the Shore” to Oostburg, Manitowoc and Two Rivers.  This is our first visit to the area and we are excited to introduce regional “Like” architects John Bloodgood Schuster and Earl F. Miller. You may not be familiar with these names, but Schuster spent many years working closely with Russell Barr Williamson, a close associate of Frank Lloyd Wright, and you will see their influence in Schuster's designs. Miller was a Chicago-School trained architect at the turn of the 20th century with his own distinctive style. From a Prairie Style house in a recently designated historic district to mid-century modern gems, this tour is sure to delight. 

ADVANCE TICKET SALES HAVE ENDED. 

Orders placed after May 17 will be held in WILL CALL for pick up on June 8 at Tour Headquarters, the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum (see below for detaills). 

Tour Sites

New Addition!!! The Emil and Nora Schmidtman House, 1957 John Bloodgood Schuster   From the street the vertical and horizontal pecky cypress exterior suggests this 2,666 square foot home is a Schuster design. Passing through the large entry foyer it is immediately apparent that the house contains multiple rooms with extensive window walls angled to face the rear yard which overlooks a wooded city park beyond, deftly showcasing Schuster’s talent for capturing a view. The interior features extensive soffits, built-in banquet seating and tables in the living room, den, and one bedroom, cabinetry and storage units throughout the house, bedroom desks, and dining nook, is all original. The home is a complex and fully realized example of Schuster’s finest work. Fortunately, time and several owners have been very kind to this house mid-century classic.

Jeff and Jane Uecker House, 2017 Ken Dahlin   With a prow inspired by Teater’s Knoll this 3,500 square foot home is a contemporary interpretation of Wright’s Usonian designs based on a triangular unit grid system and continuous flowing interior spaces. The stone and wood home features many built-ins, radiant in-floor heating, in a modern functional plan. An in-ground pool on a beautiful 100-acre rural site completes the composition.

Harold and Janet Schulz House, 1962 John Bloodgood Schuster   The design of this cedar and glass house is a creative solution to the constraints the architect faced: a narrow 60-foot lot and the need to fit into the footprint of a previous cottage. With three levels and a wrap-around balcony this lakeside cottage has remained basically unchanged except for a remodeled lower level bathroom.

Max and Bertha Alpert House, 1958 John Bloodgood Schuster   At 1,830 square feet, this single-story two-bedroom home is a smaller example of Schuster’s characteristic mid-century modern style.  With original bright interior colors, and window walls facing the expansive rear yard, this home is a good example of how an affordable Schuster can fit today’s lifestyle.

Walter and Jean Huchthausen House, 1959 John Bloodgood Schuster     Overlooking a small pond, this 3,400 square foot 2-story home by John Bloodgood Schuster takes full advantage of its’ rural site and is surrounded by extensive mature landscaping and flower beds. This limestone and pecky cypress home presents Schuster at his best, along with a stylistic nod to his employer and associate Russell Barr Williamson.

Dr. John and Anna Meany House, 1912 Earl F. Miller      Located within the soon-to-be National Register-listed, Lincoln Boulevard Historic District, this four-bedroom, Prairie School house consists of nearly 2,500 square feet. It was designed by Earl F. Miller, a Chicago School-trained, residential and commercial architect. While maintaining its original integrity, the home’s current owners have completed a small number of renovations in order to make it their own.

William and Nancy Webster House, 1970 John Bloodgood Schuster     The Webster’s selected Schuster to design their home because of his skill in siting a home to capture multiple views. Their lot on the East Twin River, next to the Schwartz House, is filled with natural beauty. The bi-level home of cedar and mahogany that Schuster designed for them does just that.

Still Bend, the Bernard and Fern Schwartz House 1939, Frank Lloyd Wright

Wright redesigned his 1938 LIFE magazine ‘dream’ house project for Bernard and Fern Schwartz, creating the masterpiece known as Still Bend. The two-story brick and cypress home features radiant heating, a Cherokee-red concrete slab foundation and large expanses of glass.

Download the tour brochure.

The Hamilton Manufacturing Company was founded in Two Rivers in 1880 and went on to become the largest manufacturer of wood type in the United States.  Today, the Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of wood type and internationally known for its engaging workshops. The museum will be the hub of the Wright and Like™ weekend’s activities.

Day of ticket sales begin at 8 am Saturday with tour homes opening at 9 am. Monona Terrace Gift Shop will be on hand with Wright related merchandise for sale. PLUS Wright in Wisconsin will be selling a limited edition Wright and Like™ 2019 tour poster created by the artists at the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum specifically for this event.  

Frank Lloyd Wright had a lifelong interest in graphic arts and in learning by doing. This is your chance to experience firsthand the process of letterpress printing.

Join us for this special event and print your own personalized poster featuring the WL graphic of Still Bend. The morning will consist of brunch, an in-depth tour of the museum and time in the print workshop. Museum staff will walk you through the process of selecting and setting type as well as printing your poster. No previous experience is necessary. Due to the nature of this event attendance is limited and available only to WIW members until May 11. If spaces remain after that date we will open them to the public.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets purchased in advance will be mailed, along with driving maps, on May 17th, allowing you to start your touring at any location.  Both members and non-members save $10 per ticket by ordering in advance. Tickets are NOT REFUNDABLE. 

Orders placed after May 17 will be held in WILL CALL for pick up on June 8 at the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum. 

IMPORTANT WRIGHT AND LIKE TOUR Information

• This is a self drive tour. Driving distance is approximately 75 miles north to south or vice versa. Participants may start the tour at any location. We strongly recommend you allow the entire day for this tour.
• Events take place rain or shine. The Wright & Like tour will not be cancelled due to inclement weather.
• We regret these private homes are not handicap-accessible.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Be prepared with sun and/or rain gear.
• Restrooms are not available at the homes.
• This program may be subject to change due to events beyond our control.
• Tour homes are open from 9 am to 5 pm. Please respect the owner's privacy at all other times. 

Proceeds from Wright and Like tours benefit Wright In Wisconsin.

Wright and Like™ Weekend Lodging: Be sure to mention ‘Wright and Like™ when you request a room at one of these locations.  Reservations must be made by May 7.

Thank you to the following for providing photographs for this page: Ken Dahlin, George Hall, Susan Barron, Michael Ditmer, Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum and Eric O'Malley for the Still Bend graphic.