Afternoon Musings

I went to see the Dana Thomas House yesterday and then I went to the Museum of Funeral Customs. Both were actually rather dark and dreary, but one was definitely more interesting than the other.

Frank Lloyd Wright built the house for Dana Thomas at the beginning of the last century and while I am an ardent admirer of his mind, some of his homes are too dark and stark for me. Perhaps, though, that is because it was during a transition period when electricity was not always reliable. There was enough wattage that dark inner sanctums could be created with artificial light and beautiful stained glass windows were not solely for lighting rooms, but the total effect is very subdued. To me his early work is often almost Shakerish in style, simple, very functional, but with that over sized opulence required for the very wealthy who hired him.

The funeral museum was mostly about the beginnings of embalming and Victorian funeral customs. It had a great deal about Abraham Lincoln's funeral since it is right outside the cemetery where his grave is. I had heard about most of these things, but to actually see some of it was interesting. My great grandfather was part of the Honor Guard that rode the train with President Lincon's body as it crossed the country. I thought I might see someone that I could identify as him, or find his name somewhere, but I didn't.

I enjoy Wright buildings. I wish I could design both the building and the furniture. I only had that opportunity once and I will never forget it.