Dana-Thomas House

In the heart of Springfield, Illinois, lies an architectural masterpiece that stands as a testament to the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and the vision of Susan Lawrence Dana. The Dana-Thomas House, an exquisite example of the Prairie School style, is not just a house but a journey into the early 20th century, where art and architecture meld seamlessly to create a space that is both functional and breathtakingly beautiful.

The Visionary Behind the House

Susan Lawrence Dana was no ordinary woman. Born into wealth in 1862, she was an independent spirit and a philanthropist with a keen interest in the arts and social causes. Widowed in 1900, Dana found herself in complete control of her substantial fortune, which included lucrative silver mines in the Rocky Mountains. Eager to make a mark on Springfield's social scene and express her unique personality, she sought to remodel her family’s Italianate mansion in the fashionable Aristocracy Hill neighborhood.

Her search for an architect who could bring her vision to life ended when she met Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902. At that time, Wright was emerging as a leader in the Prairie School movement, which emphasized organic architecture and harmony between a building and its surroundings. Recognizing a kindred spirit in Dana, Wright took on the project with enthusiasm, transforming it into his largest commission to date.

The Architectural Marvel

The Dana-Thomas House is a sprawling 12,000-square-foot structure that reflects the mutual admiration Wright and Dana had for Japanese art and the Illinois landscape. The house is designed for both display and entertainment, with an arched doorway that leads guests into a series of expanding spaces, each one drawing the visitor further into the home’s intricate design.

One of the most striking features of the house is its extensive use of art glass. Wright designed approximately 450 pieces of art glass for the house, including windows, skylights, door panels, sconces, and light fixtures. These pieces not only illuminate the interior with a warm, natural light but also create a sense of continuity between the inside and the outside world. Many of the art glass designs feature a sumac motif, which is also echoed in the dining room mural by George Mann Niedecken.

The Interior Spaces

The interior of the Dana-Thomas House is a labyrinth of interconnected rooms, each with its own unique character. The west wing, for example, leads visitors through an interior Torii gate into two of the largest rooms in the house. The upper-level gallery was designed for musical entertainment, while the ground-level library features special easels for displaying Dana’s collection of Japanese prints. The house is also furnished with over 100 pieces of Wright-designed white oak furniture, further enhancing its cohesive aesthetic.

Another notable area is the reception hall, which serves as the heart of the home. From here, guests can access various other rooms, each one offering a new and intriguing perspective on Wright’s architectural vision. The dining room, with its sumac-themed mural and custom furniture, is a particular highlight, offering a glimpse into the opulent yet tasteful lifestyle that Dana enjoyed.

The Later Years and Preservation

Susan Lawrence Dana lived in the house from its completion in 1904 until around 1928. Initially a prominent hostess and social leader, Dana became increasingly reclusive over time, turning her attention to spiritualism and the occult. Financial difficulties eventually forced her to close the main house and move to a smaller cottage on the property. In the 1940s, as Dana struggled with age-related dementia, the house and its contents were sold.

The second chapter in the house’s history began when Charles C. Thomas, a successful medical publisher, acquired it in 1944. Thomas and his wife Nanette maintained the house’s original furnishings and design, preserving it as a complete unit. In 1981, the state of Illinois purchased the house and its contents for $1 million, ensuring its preservation as a historic site.

The House Today

Today, the Dana-Thomas House is a state historic site managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA). A major restoration effort from 1987 to 1990 returned the house to its 1910 appearance, making it one of the most intact Frank Lloyd Wright-designed interiors in the United States. The house has also been featured in various media, including Bob Vila’s A&E Network production, Guide to Historic Homes of America.

Visitors to the Dana-Thomas House can explore its many rooms, each one offering a new insight into the minds of its creator and patron. From the art glass windows that cast colorful patterns on the walls to the meticulously designed furniture, every aspect of the house speaks to a time when architecture was not just about buildings, but about creating spaces that inspire and uplift the human spirit.

In conclusion, the Dana-Thomas House is more than just a historic building; it is a living testament to the power of visionary architecture and the enduring legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright and Susan Lawrence Dana. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking for a unique experience, a visit to this remarkable house is sure to leave you inspired and awed.