17 March 2011
Three hundred and sixty-five days ago, I last wrote in this space. Although there have been no posts in the past year, additions and improvements have been made to the Prairie School Traveler, admittedly at a somewhat reduced level. I thank those of you who have continued to send materials, which I’m slowly processing, and I appreciate the expressions of support from those who’ve wondered about whether I’m okay!

As luck would have it, my job has taken me to Park Ridge, Illinois, where I am working literally across the street from the studio of Alfonso Iannelli, the talented Italian-born sculptor who collaborated with Frank Lloyd Wright (Midway Gardens, et al), Purcell & Elmslie (Woodbury County Courthouse), Barry Bryne, and other Prairie School luminaries. Details about the studio’s significance can be found in a great article on PrairieMod.

Barely recognizable in its present form as a flower shop, the studio is at risk of demolition. The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge has undertaken a campaign to save the building and restore it for use as a cultural center. I encourage all readers of these pages to visit the Foundation’s website and support this cause as you are able.

In addition to being Iannelli’s place of residence for almost half a century, Park Ridge was for a time home to the Kalo Shop, celebrated Arts & Crafts silversmiths. Later, architect Charles Edward Stade, designer of Valparaiso University’s Chapel of the Resurrection, had his office here.