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AMERICAN SYSTEM BUILT HOMES MUNKWITZ DUPLEX (4) (1916 - S.200) RICHARDS DUPLEX (4) (1916 - S.201) RICHARDS SMALL HOUSE (1915 - S.202)
RICHARDS BUNGALOW (1915 - S.203.1) BURLEIGH RESIDENCE (1915 - S.203.2) MCELWAIN RESIDENCE (1915 - S.203.3)
HUNT RESIDENCE II (1917 - S.203.4) SULLIVAN RESIDENCE (??) (1915 - S.203?) SMITH RESIDENCE (1917 - S.204.1)
HYDE RESIDENCE (1917 - S.204.2) JOHNSON RESIDENCE (1917 - S.204.3) MEIER RESIDENCE (1917 - S.204.4)
WYNANT RESIDENCE (1917 - S.204.5) HEISEN RESIDENCE (1917 - S.204.6) MURPHY RESIDENCE (1917 - A203)
American System-Built Houses (1915-17 - S.200-204). In a letter written by Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer dated May 9, 1972, Pfeiffer writes, "Frank Lloyd Wright began work, in 1911 on a scheme of precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes..." American System-Built Houses, McArthur, 1985, p.13. "The drawing file for the American System-Built Houses is the largest in the Taliesin archives, over nine hundred sheets the greater part of which are working drawings done in ink on waxed linen tracing cloth. Work on this particular project went on over a period of many years, from 1911 to 1917. The size of the file bears witness to the importance of the work, especially since Frank Lloyd Wright believed that by means of the machine and prefabrication, housing on a moderate scale cost could be produced in the United States..." Frank Lloyd Wright Monograph 4, Pfeiffer, 1985, p.92. It would appear that Pfeiffer believes that the concept was completely Wright’s. But Pfeiffer writes that in 1915, "Arthur Richards... "then employed Wright to design a system of low-cost homes, called The American Ready-Cut System or American System-Built Houses." Wright 1885-1916, Pfeiffer, 2011, p.483. In 1992, from January 24 - February 22, Kelmscott Gallery, exhibited a dozen previously unpublished designs of Frank Lloyd Wright’s American System-Built Houses. Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model A101, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model A101. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model A101. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.22.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model A221, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model A221. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model A221. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.23.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model A231, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model A231. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model A231. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.24.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model A243, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model A243. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model A243. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.25.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model B1 Floor Plan, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model B1 Floor Plan. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model B1. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Library of Congress.
S#: 0128.46.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model B11, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model B11. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model B11. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.26.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model B23, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model B23. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model B23. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.27.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model C3, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model C3. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model C3. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art. Also an original 8 x 10 B&W photograph acquired from the Kelmscott Gallery, produced for a exhibit held at the Gallery on January 24 - February 22, 1992.
S#: 0128.28.1216, 0128.29.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model C3 Floor Plan, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model C3 Floor Plan. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model C3. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art. Also an original 8 x 10 B&W photograph acquired from the Kelmscott Gallery, produced for a exhibit held at the Gallery on January 24 - February 22, 1992.
S#: 0128.30.1216, 0128.31.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model C3 Interior, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model C3 Interior. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model C3. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art. Also an original 8 x 10 B&W photograph acquired from the Kelmscott Gallery, produced for a exhibit held at the Gallery on January 24 - February 22, 1992.
S#: 0128.32.1216, 0128.47.1216Date: C 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model C3 Interior, Circa 1915-1916 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Lower Photograph: Photograph of the original perspective illustration for bungalow Model C3 interior. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Text on face: "The Wright State. Frank Lloyd Wright in Wisconsin. September 11 - November 8, 1992. Milwaukee Art Museum... Perspective of Bungalow Living Room, American System-Built Homes, Milwaukee, 1915-1916. Copyright 1984 The Frank Lloyd Wright Archives." Text on face of illustration: "C3. American Model. Frank Lloyd Wright Architect - Chicago." Text on illustration bottom right: "Patent Applied For." Clipping pasted to verso: "Milwaukee Art Museum. The photograph of Frank Lloyd Wright (above) in the Garden at Taliesin, Wis., taken Sept. 1, 1939, will be part of the museum’s exhibit "Frank Lloyd Wright in Wisconsin," Sept. 11 through Nov 8. Also on display will be a work station (right) designed for the S. C. Johnson and Son Administration Building in Racine." Stamped on clipping" FR Sep 4 - 1992." Upper Photograph: S. C. Johnson Work Station, Desk and Office Chair, 1944. Text: "Work Station (Desk and Chair), S.C. Johnson and Son Administration Building, Racine, 1944. Courtesy S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc. Photo by P. Richard Eells." See Wright Furniture.
Size: Original 8 x 10 B&W photograph.
S#: 0128.66.1019Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model D1, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model D1. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model D1. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.33.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model D1 Floor Plan, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model D1 Floor Plan. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model D1. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.34.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model D1 Floor Plan Second Floor, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model D1 Floor Plan for the Second Floor. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model D1. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.35.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model D101, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model D101. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model D101. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art. Also an original 8 x 10 B&W photograph acquired from the Kelmscott Gallery, produced for a exhibit held at the Gallery on January 24 - February 22, 1992.
S#: 0128.36.1216, 0128.37.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model E3, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model E3. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model E3. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11. Stamped on Verso: "Sun Jan 19 1992". Caption pasted on verso: "A dozen previously unpublished designs for FLW pre-fabricated houses will be shown at the Kelmscott Gallery starting Friday." Acquired from the archives of the Associated Press. Original 8 x 10 B&W photograph.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art. Also an original 8 x 10 B&W photograph produced for a exhibit held at the Gallery on January 24 - February 22, 1992.
S#: 0128.38.1216, 0128.39.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model J400 Floor Plan, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model J400. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model J400. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.40.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model J401, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model J401. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model J401. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.41.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model J900 Floor Plan, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model J900Floor Plan. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model J900. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.44.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, Model J902, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page for Model J902. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American Model J902. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art. Also an original 8 x 10 B&W photograph acquired from the Kelmscott Gallery, produced for a exhibit held at the Gallery on January 24 - February 22, 1992. Label on Verso: ".Kelmscott Gallery."
S#: 0128.42.1216, 0128.43.1216Date: Circa 1915
Title: American System-Built Houses, (Generic) Floor Plan, Circa 1915-1917 (1915-17 - S.200-204).
Description: Photograph of the promotional page of a Generic Floor Plan. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright began work on a concept for precut, prefabricated housing called the American System-Built Homes. In 1915, Wright partnered with Arthur Richards and produced a line of prefabricated homes. Promotional material was produced to facilitate the sale of the homes. Text of face: "American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Original size of the flyer, 8.5 x 11.
Size: 8 x 10 color photograph courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.
S#: 0128.45.1216Date: C 1917
Title: American System-Built Houses, Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors, Milwaukee. American Homes. Chicago Branch, Pettit and Rockwell, Seven W. Madison St. (Soft Cover) (Published by Pettit & Rockwell, Chicago and The Richards Company, Milwaukee.)
Author: Pettit & Rockwell; The Richards Company
Description: Descriptive booklet for the American System-Built Houses (1915-17 - S.200-204). Most likely published early 1917. "During the winter of 1916-1917 he (Mr. Wright) has been overseeing the construction of the great new Imperial Hotel..." p.4. A larger six-page booklet was published in 1916 (S.130). The Richards Company was formally dissolved on August 6, 1917. "For you who are contemplating building a home, it is no longer necessary to be content with the usual homely box of a house. Through the American System of home building you can secure a wonderfully attractive home, both interior and exterior, because without cost you will have at your disposal the services of America’s greatest architect, Frank Lloyd Wright... First a word about Mr. Wright, who is the designer of all our buildings and who personally signs the plans as architect. His position as the foremost American architect has been fairly won. Abroad, his work is studied in the great architectural schools as that of the one modern architect who has developed a really original style... The office of Pettit and Rockwell is the selling center for all the Chicago territory..." Includes two illustrations, printed with a wormy line half-tone screen, and five floor plans and one elevation.
Size: 5.5 x 11
Pages: Pp 12
S#: 0130.01.0317
Illustrations printed with a wormy line half-tone screen.Date: 1917
Title: Chicago Tribune - March 4, 1917 (Published by The Chicago Tribune, Chicago)
Author: Pettit & Rockwell
Description: Ad for American System-Built Homes. –"that comfort and utility may go hand in hand with beauty." Frank Lloyd Wright. "American Homes. You who contemplate building a home – fortunately you are now able to have a house as artistically beautiful as it is convenient and conformable. The American System of home building enables you to secure houses – correct and charming in design, perfect in taste and intelligent in arrangement – putting at your command the services of Frank Lloyd Wright, America’s foremost creative architect – without extra cost... Less cost – that is one amazing feature of the American System, that these beautiful homes, all Frank Lloyd Wright designs, of guaranteed materials and price, can be built for less money that the ordinary house of similar size and materials..." Includes one illustration from the American System-Built Booklet.
Size: 6.3 x 10.5 B&W photograph.
Pages: P 7
S#: 0138.16.0317Date: 1917
Title: Chicago Tribune - June 3, 1917 (Published by The Chicago Tribune, Chicago)
Author: Pettit & Rockwell
Description: Ad for American System-Built Homes. "Good News About Homes. There’s a bright, cheerful home waiting for your family and you. Most beautiful? Yes, it will have that rare thing – genuine architectural beauty – designed by a leader of architects. You select your plan. It is built to your order – your own. Designed by America’s great creative architect, Frank Lloyd Wright..." Caption under illustration: "This home is being built in Ridge Homes, the new restricted residential sub-division now being offered by Burnhans-Ellinwood & Co. At Tracy, 103rd St. And Hoyne Ave." Includes one illustration. The Guy Smith Residence (S.204.1 - 1917).
Size: 6.5 x 10.5 B&W photograph.
Pages: P 7
S#: 0138.17.0317Date: 1917
Title: Chicago Tribune - July 8, 1917 (Published by The Chicago Tribune, Chicago)
Author: Pettit & Rockwell
Description: Full page ad for American System-Built Homes. "You Can Own An American Home. Before the summer is over you can be the possessor of an American Home... This is Distinctly American Architecture. American Homes reflect American spirit. They are the most recent triumph of Frank Lloyd Wright, recognized at home and abroad as America’s greatest architect. His fame is world-wide, through his most important work has been to teach the American people how they can live in houses that are beautiful, convenient, and enduring..." Caption under illustration: "This home is being built by P. D. Diamond & Co., in Ridge Homes, the new restricted residential sub-division now being offered by Burnhans-Ellinwood & Co. At Tracy, 103rd St. And Hoyne Ave." Includes one illustration. The Guy Smith Residence (S.204.1 - 1917).
Size: 8 x 10.5 B&W photograph.
Pages: P 9
S#: 0138.18.0317Date: 1981
Title: Frank Lloyd Wright: Kelmscott Gallery, Chicago (Published by Kelmscott Gallery, Chicago)
Description: Poster for an exhibition at Kelmscott Gallery, Gallery, Chicago, September - October 1981, which includes example's of Wright's creative efforts in every category. 84 items which included 78 photographs, illustrations, drawings, renderings, plans, and ephemera. The exhibition includes three original drawings of prefabricated American System Built Homes for the Richards Company from 1913. The image in this poster was one of the original illustrations. See Frank Lloyd Wright: Kelmscott Gallery, 1981 for more information.
Size: 12.5 x 24
ST#: 1981.151.1220Date: 1985
Title: Frank Lloyd Wright: American System-Built Homes in Milwaukee (Published by North Point Historical Society, Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Author: McArthur, Shirley DuFresne
Description: Preface: "This manuscript represents the extended collection of historical materials gathered in preparation for a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places of the American System-Built Homes in Milwaukee. A study, first estimated to take only three of four months, extended as collateral research was undertaken to establish an historical background supportive of Frank Lloyd Wright’s association with the homes including other Prairie School architecture introduced by the same working teams in Milwaukee County. The nature of the relationship of Wright had been minimized in a number of writings over the past decade..." (First Edition)
Size: 8.5 x 10.75
Pages: Pp 104
ST#: 1985.62.1216Date: 1992
Title: American System-Built Houses, 1992 Exhibition Announcement (1915-17 - S.200-204)
Author: Kelmscott Gallery
Description: . In 1992, from January 24 - February 22, Kelmscott Gallery exhibited a dozen previously unpublished designs of Frank Lloyd Wright’s American System-Built Houses. Text of announcement: "American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee. January 24 - February 22. Kelmscott Gallery , 4611 North Lincoln Chicago 60625."
Size: 9.25 x 4.
Pages: Pp 1
ST#: 1992.113.1216Date: 1994
Publication: Frank Lloyd Wright: American System-Built Houses (Published by the Museum of Modern Art, New York)
Author: MOMA
Description: A Portfolio Set of Six Prints. American System-Built Houses for the Richards Company. 1915-17. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. David Rockefeller, Jr. Fund, Ira Howard Levy Fund, and Jeffrey P. Klein Fund. Print © 1994 The Museum of Modern Art, New York 2956. (First Edition)
Size: Portfolio: 12.5 x 15.25, Individual Sheets: 12.25 x 15.
Pages: 6
1994.43.0506
Date: 1994
Title: American System-Built Houses.
Description: 1) Text of face: "American Model A101. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Lower text: "Frank Lloyd Wright. American System-Built Houses for the Richards Company. 1915-17. Perspective of Model A101. Lithoprint, 11 x 8 ½". The Museum of Modern Art, New York. David Rockefeller, Jr. Fund, Ira Howard Levy Fund, and Jeffrey P. Klein Fund. Print © 1994 The Museum of Modern Art, New York 2956."
Size: 12.25 x 15
ST#: 1994.43-1Date: 1994
Title: American System-Built Houses.
Description: 2) Text of face: "American Model C3. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Lower text: "Frank Lloyd Wright. American System-Built Houses for the Richards Company. 1915-17. Perspective of Model C3. Lithoprint, 11 x 8 ½". The Museum of Modern Art, New York. David Rockefeller, Jr. Fund, Ira Howard Levy Fund, and Jeffrey P. Klein Fund. Print © 1994 The Museum of Modern Art, New York 2968."
Size: 12.25 x 15
ST#: 1994.43-2Date: 1994
Title: American System-Built Houses.
Description: 3) Text of face: "American Model C3. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Lower text: "Frank Lloyd Wright. American System-Built Houses for the Richards Company. 1915-17. Interior perspective of Model C3. Lithoprint, 11 x 8 ½". The Museum of Modern Art, New York. David Rockefeller, Jr. Fund, Ira Howard Levy Fund, and Jeffrey P. Klein Fund. Print © 1994 The Museum of Modern Art, New York 2954."
Size: 12.25 x 15
ST#: 1994.43-3Date: 1994
Title: American System-Built Houses.
Description: 4) Text of face: "American Model C3. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Lower text: "Frank Lloyd Wright. American System-Built Houses for the Richards Company. 1915-17. Axonometric plan of Model C3. Lithoprint, 11 x 8 ½". The Museum of Modern Art, New York. David Rockefeller, Jr. Fund, Ira Howard Levy Fund, and Jeffrey P. Klein Fund. Print © 1994 The Museum of Modern Art, New York 2953."
Size: 12.25 x 15
ST#: 1994.43-4Date: 1994
Title: American System-Built Houses.
Description: 5) Text of face: "American Model E3. Patents Applied For. American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Lower text: "Frank Lloyd Wright. American System-Built Houses for the Richards Company. 1915-17. Perspective of Model E3. Lithoprint, 11 x 8 ½". The Museum of Modern Art, New York. David Rockefeller, Jr. Fund, Ira Howard Levy Fund, and Jeffrey P. Klein Fund. Print © 1994 The Museum of Modern Art, New York 2957."
Size: 12.25 x 15
ST#: 1994.43-5Date: 1994
Title: American System-Built Houses.
Description: 6) Text of face: "American System-Built Houses. Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright. The Richards Company Proprietors. Milwaukee." Lower text: "Frank Lloyd Wright. American System-Built Houses for the Richards Company. 1915-17. Axonometric plan of house. Lithoprint, 11 x 8 ½". The Museum of Modern Art, New York. David Rockefeller, Jr. Fund, Ira Howard Levy Fund, and Jeffrey P. Klein Fund. Print © 1994 The Museum of Modern Art, New York 2955."
Size: 12.25 x 15
ST#: 1994.43-6Date: 1999 Publication: Frank Lloyd Wright: American System Built Houses (Published by Pomegranate Publications, Rohert Park,. CA.)
Author: Pomegranate Publishers
Description: Between 1915 and 1917, in response to a commission by The Richards Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Frank Lloyd Wright executed a series of residential designs that he called "American System-Built Houses." These designs were for prefabricated housing and, as such, are a very early documenting of Wright's lifelong preoccupation with the issue of affordable housing in America. The original delineations were done in the style of Japanese woodblock prints. These very rare lithographs are from the Architecture, Design and Engineering Collection in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress. Most of the perspectives, floor plan and interior plates include legends done in Wright's characteristic lettering and is signature "chop with red accents... No. 1353 Frank Lloyd Wright (American 1867 - 1959): American System-Built Houses. Architecture, Design and Engineering Collection. Phonographs courtesy Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. (First Edition)
Size: 24 x 36
ST#: 1999.85.0301
Date: 1999 Title: "Wright and Like. June 4-5, 1999. Milwaukee Tours." Sponsored and published by the Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Heritage Tourism Program. Inside:
Description: "Celebrate the anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s birth (June 8) by participating in the fourth annual Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Heritage Tour..." Tour includes Milwaukee Art Museum, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (S.399 - 1956), Frederick C. Bogk Residence (S.196 - 1916), and nine homes designed by Wright and others including the American System Built Homes (S.200-4 - 1911-17) and the Marshall Erdman Prefabricated, Prefab #1, Joseph Mollica Residence (S#411.1 - 1958). Includes seven photographs.
Size: 3.75 x 8.5, opens to 11 x 17
Pages: Pp 4
ST#: 1999.64.0711
Date: 2021
Title: This American House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meier House And The American System-Built Homes (Hard Cover) (Published by Pomegranate Communications, Inc., Portland, Oregon)
Author: Loper, Jason; Schreiber, Michael
Description: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meier House and the American System-Built Homes. Back cover: Long before designing his signature Usonian houses, Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned an earlier series of affordable models for the middle class: The American System-Built Homes. He developed seven floor plans of varying size and layout, standardized so that materials could be precut at the factory to reduce costs. Only a few years after the project began, the United States entered World War I, and all home construction was stalled due to lumber shortages. Wright then turned his attention to other projects, and with fewer than twenty built, the American System-Built Homes were all but forgotten.
In 2011, Jason Loper and Michael Schreiber purchased the only American System-Built Home constructed in Iowa, the Meier House, which set them on a course of refurbishing and researching their new residence. In This American House, Loper and Schreiber trace the history of the Meier House through its previous owners, and shed light on this underexplored period of Wright's oeuvre. With a preface by John H. Waters, the Preservation Programs Manager of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, This American House addresses what it means to be the stewards of a piece of history. (First Edition)
Size: 9 x 10.25
Pages: Pp 128
ST#: 2021.08.0921ARTHUR L. RICHARDS DUPLEX APARTMENTS & SMALL HOUSE
(1916 - S.201-202)Date: 1967
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments and Small House, 1967 (1915-1916 - S.201-202).
Description: Viewed from the Southeast. The Arthur L. Richards Small House (1915 - S.202) is in the foreground, the four Duplex Apartments (1916 - S.201) are in the background. The original front porch of the small house in the foreground, located at 2714 W. Burnham Street, has been enclosed, and the roof extended forward. It has since been restored, removing the windows and the roof extension. Arthur Richards built four duplex in a row on this block. 2720-2734 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stamped on verso: "Dec 19 1967." Hand Written on verso: "2714-32 Burnham, Milw. Burnham Clock. (Frank Lloyd Wright - Homes Designed by Him.)" Acquired from the archives of the Milwaukee Journal.
Size: Original 8 x 5 B&W photograph.
S#: 1720.69.0421Date: 1967
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments and Small House, 1967 (1915-1916 - S.201-202).
Description: Viewed from the Northwest. Most likely 2732-2734, the duplex on the Northeast corner of 28th and Burnham Streets. View of the rear (left) and West side (right) of the Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments. It appears that the upper open porch has been enclosed. It has since been restored to an open porch. Arthur Richards built four duplex in a row on this block. 2720-2734 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stamped on verso: "Dec 19 1967." Hand Written on verso: "(Frank Lloyd Wright - Homes Designed by Him.) 2714-32 W. Burnham St., Milw." Acquired from the archives of the Milwaukee Journal.
Size: Original 8 x 5 B&W photograph.
S#: 1720.71.0621Date: 1978
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments, 1978 (1916 - S.201).
Description: View of the third duplex from the left, 2724-26 W. Burnham St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Four nearly identical duplexes built next to each other. The three duplexes on the right used the identical plans. The first duplex on the left used the same plans, but flipped. Clipping taped to verso: "An early Frank Lloyd Wright designed house at 2724 W. Burnham St." Stamped on clipping: "Th May 18 1978." Stamped on verso: "May 11 PM 3:49" and "Ned Vespa." Photographed by Ned Vespa.
Size: Original 10 x 7.5 B&W photograph.
ST#: 1978.51.0318Date: 1985
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments and Small House, 1985 (1915-1916 - S.201-202).
Description: Viewed from the Southeast. The Arthur L. Richards Small House (1915 - S.202) is in the foreground, the four Duplex Apartments (1916 - S.201) are in the background. The original front porch has been enclosed, and the roof extended forward. It has since been restored, removing the windows and the roof extension. Arthur Richards built four duplex in a row on this block. 2720-2734 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stamped on verso: "1985 Oct 28." Clipping taped to verso: "The projecting roofs and geometric forms of these five homes on W. Burnham St. are typical of Frank Lloyd Wright designs. They are now part of a historic district." Stamped on clipping: "Su Nov 10 1985." Second clipping pasted to verso: "Back in 1916, they were six homes in search of an adoring public. But the public didn't buy them back then. Or, rather, people didn't buy the idea embodied in the six demonstration houses on the 2700 block of W. Burnham St. between Layton Blvd. and S. 28th St." Hand Written on verso: "1 of 6." Stamped on verso: "Staff Photo. Karen Sherlock."
Size: Original 9.5 x 6.25 B&W photograph.
ST#: 1985.72.0719Date: 1985
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments, 1985 (1916 - S.201).
Description: View of the enclosed sleeping porch. Arthur Richards built four duplex in a row on this block. 2720-2734 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This appears to be the first duplex on the East, upper unit... Frank Lloyd Wright designed this room as a "Sleeping Porch." Note the exterior trim on the right. Looking out the window, the house on the left is the back of . 1825 S. Layton Boulevard, the second house from the corner on the West side of Layton Boulevard. The house just to the right is the front of 1826 S. Layton Boulevard, the second house from the corner on the East side of Layton Boulevard. Stamped on verso: "Staff Photo. Fotosetter. 1985 Oct 28." Clipping pasted to verso: "Typical Wright windows wrap around a corner in a home on W. Burnham St." Stamped on clipping: "Su Nov 10 1985." Second clipping pasted to verso: "Back in 1916, they were six homes in search of an adoring public. But the public didn't buy them back then. Or, rather, people didn't buy the idea embodied in the six demonstration houses on the 2700 block of W. Burnham St. between Layton Blvd. and S. 28th St." Hand Written on verso: "(Frank Lloyd Wright - Homes designed by him.) Homes - Milwaukee."
Size: Original 9.5 x 6.5 B&W photograph.
ST#: 1985.70.0219Date: 1985
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments, 1985 (1916 - S.201).
Description: View of the living room and fireplace. Arthur Richards built four duplex in a row on this block. 2720-2734 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Originally this unit in one of the four duplexes did not have a fireplace. This Frank Lloyd Wright designed fireplace was copied from another Wright unit on the block. Stamped on verso: "Fotosetter. 1985 Oct 28." Clipping taped to verso: "Joseph Arena, 22 months, paused in front of his home's new fireplace, which was inspired by an original design in another Frank Lloyd Wright home on the block. Journal photos by Karen Sherlock." Stamped on clipping: "Su Nov 10 1985." Second clipping pasted to verso: "Back in 1916, they were six homes in search of an adoring public. But the public didn't buy them back then. Or, rather, people didn't buy the idea embodied in the six demonstration houses on the 2700 block of W. Burnham St. between Layton Blvd. and S. 28th St." Hand Written on verso: "(Frank Lloyd Wright - Homes designed by him.)"
Size: Original 9.5 x 6 B&W photograph.
ST#: 1985.71.0319Date: 1985
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartment Living Room 1985 (1916 - S.201.02).
Description: View of the Living Room at 2726 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee. When facing the four duplexes, this is the lower unit in the third duplex from the left. Arthur Richards built four duplex in a row on this block. 2720-2734 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Clipping pasted to verso: "A new partial wall divides the kitchen and living room in Glenn and Sharon Stollenwerk's home. The Arenas have a fireplace in the same area in their home." Stamped on clipping: "Su Nov 10 1985." Second clipping pasted to verso: "Back in 1916, they were six homes in search of an adoring public. But the public didn't buy them back then. Or, rather, people didn't buy the idea embodied in the six demonstration houses on the 2700 block of W. Burnham St. between Layton Blvd. and S. 28th St." Hand Written on verso: "(Frank Lloyd Wright - Homes Designed by Him.)"
Size: Original 10 x 8 B&W photograph.
ST#: 1985.75.0820Date: 1987
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments, 1987 (1916 - S.201.1).
Description: Updated kitchen in one of the Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments. Caption pasted to verso: "A new kitchen was installed in a new area on the first floor of the house. Journal photos by Richard F. Bauer and Jim Gehrz." Stamped on clipping: "Su Apr 26 1987." Stamped on verso: "Richard F. Bauer." Hand written on verso: "Frank Lloyd Wright - Homes Designed by Him. David and Jillayne Arena Home, W. Burnham St. Mil." When facing the four duplexes, this is the duplex on the right (East), 2720-22 W. Burnham Street. Arthur Richards built four duplex in a row on this block. 2720-2734 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photographed by Richard F. Bauer.
Size: Original 8 x 10 B&W photograph.
ST#: 1987.111.0719Date: 1987
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments, 1985 (1916 - S.201).
Description: Original built-in storage units in the upstairs bedroom. Caption pasted to verso: "Some original built-ins remain in the house. This storage unit is in an upstairs bedroom." Stamped on clipping: "Su Apr 26 1987." Stamped on verso: "Richard F. Bauer." hand written on verso: "Frank Lloyd Wright - Homes Designed by Him. David & Jillayne Arena Home, W. Burnham St." When facing the four duplexes, this is the duplex on the right (East), 2720-22 W. Burnham Street. Arthur Richards built four duplex in a row on this block. 2720-2734 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photographed by Richard F. Bauer.
Size: Original 8 x 10 B&W photograph.
ST#: 1987.109.0519Date: 2010
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments, 1985 (1916 - S.201).
Description: Exterior view of the South elevation from Burnham Street. When facing the four duplexes, this is the duplex on the right (East), 2720-22 W. Burnham Street. Arthur Richards built four duplex in a row on this block. 2720-2734 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photographed in June 2010, by James W. Rosenthal. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Size: 7 x 10 B&W photograph.
ST#: 2010.39.0519
Date: 2010
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments, 1985 (1916 - S.201).
Description: Interior view of the Living Room, looking North. When facing the four duplexes, this is the duplex on the right (East), 2720-22 W. Burnham Street. Arthur Richards built four duplex in a row on this block. 2720-2734 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photographed in June 2010, by James W. Rosenthal. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Size: 7 x 10 B&W photograph.
ST#: 2010.40.0519ARTHUR L. RICHARDS BUNGALOW (1915 - S.203.1) Date: 1985
Title: American System-Built Homes, Arthur L. Richards Bungalow, 1985 (1915 - S.203.1).
Description: View of the house from the Southeast. Located on the corner of W. Burnham St. between Layton Blvd. Clipping pasted to verso: "The exterior of the sixth home in the district was covered with precast coral stone in 1956. All the homes were originally clad in stucco." Stamped on clipping: "Su Nov 10 1985." Caption pasted to verso: "Back in 1916, they were six homes in search of an adoring public. But the public didn't buy them back then. Or, rather, people didn't buy the idea embodied in the six demonstration houses on the 2700 block of W. Burnham St. between Layton Blvd. and S. 28th St." Hand Written on verso: "(Frank Lloyd Wright - Homes designed by him)" Stamped on verso: "Staff Photo. Fotosetter. 1985 Oct 28." It appears to match Model C3.
Size: Original 9.5 x 6.25 B&W photograph.
ST#: 1985.66.1018
STEPHAN HUNT RESIDENCE II (1917 - S.203.4) Date: Circa 1960
Title: Stephen Hunt Residence II, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Circa 1960 (1917 - S.203.4).
Description: Viewed from the Northeast. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1917. This was Hunt’s second Wright designed house, and one of Wright’s American System Built Homes for Arthur L Richards. Label pasted to board: "Arch. U.S.A. 20th cent. Frank Lloyd Wright. Res. S.M.B. Hunt, Oshkosh, Wis. (1916). Wayne Andrews #2684. Indiana University, Fine Arts Department." Photographed by Wayne Andrews. Acquired from the archives of the Indiana University.
Size: Original 9.5 x 7.5 B&W Photograph.
S#: 1458.115.0920GUY SMITH RESIDENCE (1917 - S.204.1) Date: 1992
Title: Guy Smith Residence 1992 (1917 - S.204.1).
Description: Viewed from the Northeast. In 1911, Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Lake Geneva Hotel (S.171) for Arthur L. Richards and John Williams, real estate developers from Milwaukee. In 1915, Richards worked with Wright again when he developed the American System Built Homes. Prefabricated homes, cut in a factory and sold as a finished package. Wright designed dozens of styles from smaller single story, two story, duplexes and larger homes. The first two-story home to be built was the Guy C. Smith Residence in Chicago. The basement housed the utilities, the Living and Dining Rooms and Kitchen were on the first floor. Four Bedrooms, Bath and a Sleeping Porch above the Porte-Cochere were on the second level. Printed on the verso: "Photographer: Neal. Location: 10410 S. Hoyne. Date 03/30/92." Clipping pasted to verso: "This Wright house features a porte-cochere, with an enclosed sunroom atop the drive-through. Tribune photo by Walter Neal. (Stamped Apr 3 - ‘92)." Photographed by Walter Neal. Acquired from the archives of the Chicago Tribune.
Size: Original 10 x 8 B&W photograph.
ST#: 1992.112.1116AMERICAN SYSTEM-BUILT HOUSES Date: 2016
Title: American System-Built Houses. Lewis E. Burleigh Residence, American System-Built Home 2016 (1915 - S.203.2).
Description: Located at 330 Gregory St., Wilmette, Illinois. According to Storrer, the home was built by Thomas E. Sullivan & Co., and sold to Burleigh in 1919. Some records indicated that the house was sold to J. J. O’Connor in 1916. Considered a "Cottage," it appears to match Model C3. Courtesy of Google Earth.
Size: 10 x 6.5 Color photograph.
ST#: 2016.11.0317Date: 2016
Title: American System-Built Houses. Thomas E. Sullivan Residence, Possibly American System-Built Home 2016 (1915 - S.203).
Description: Located at 336 Gregory St., Wilmette, Illinois. Next door to the Lewis E. Burleigh Residence, a home built by Thomas E. Sullivan, is the home that Sullivan lived in. There is some dispute as the whether this is an American System-Built home, but it is very similar in layout to the Model D-101, but with alterations. Courtesy of Google Earth.
Size: 10 x 7 Color photograph.
ST#: 2016.12.0317ELIZABETH MURPHY RESIDENCE (1917 - A203) Date: 2021
Title: Frank Lloyd Wright's Forgotten House, How an Omission Transformed the Architect's Legacy (Hard Cover DJ) Published by The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wisconsin, and Gray’s Inn House, United Kingdom)
Author: Hayes, Nicholas D.
Description: Dust Jacket: While the grandiosity of Fallingwater and elegance of Taliesin are universally recognized, Frank Lloyd Wright's first foray into affordable housing is frequently overlooked. Although Wright began work on his American System-Built Homes (ASBH) with great energy in the early 1910s, the project fell apart following wartime shortages and disputes between the architect and his collaborators. Though he continued to advocate for the design of affordable small homes in later years, Wright never spoke publicly about ASBH. As a result, the heritage of a surprisingly large number of Wright-designed homes was forgotten.
After Nicholas and Angela Hayes became stewards of the unassuming Elizabeth Murphy House near Milwaukee, they unearthed evidence of a one-hundred-year-old fiasco fueled by competing ambitions and conflicting visions of America. The couple's forensic pursuit of the truth ultimately untangled the ways Wright's ASBH experiment led to the architect's most productive, creative period.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Forgotten House includes a wealth of drawings and photographs, many of which have never been previously published. Historians, architecture buffs, and Wrightophiles alike will be fascinated by this untold history that fills a crucial gap in the architect's oeuvre. Original list price $29.95.
Size: 5.75 x 8.75
Pages: Pp 183
ST#: 2021.44.1123
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