The Magnificence of Fallingwater
I’m writing this blog post today to share my memories of my first experience of visiting Fallingwater. The first time I went to Fallingwater it was a surprise trip, the surprise my wife Lori put together for me. You see, we were in the transition phase of moving from California to Ohio. Lori and Taylor were already in Cincinnati visiting her mom and dad, and I was still in San Diego. I flew out for a weekend trip, and Lori surprised me by taking me to Pennsylvania.
During the whole trip to Pennsylvania Lori had everything planned like only she can do. I knew she was up to something wonderful, as she always is, but this particular weekend was quite incredible. As we crossed over into Pennsylvania from West Virginia, I began to figure out what she was up to. And due to my interest in anything that Frank Lloyd Wright designed I was so excited to be able to share this experience with Lori.
My first view of Fallingwater
After a wonderful, playful, enjoyable drive across Ohio, West Virginia, and in Pennsylvania where we saw all kinds of things that I had never seen before. Things like Amish people traveling across the countryside in horse and buggy. This part of America is so beautiful, and the people are too! We stayed at a bed and breakfast in Pennsylvania which was really an awesome experience.
I am so pleased to hear that this beautiful home has been taken back to its original condition. I know from my years in construction that building cantilevered structures such as Fallingwater is, that even with today’s standards of construction they are challenging. I often think after being at falling water how awesome it would have been to be a stonemason working on this home. My hat is definitely off to the craftsmen of today that meticulously removed each stone in order to strengthen and reinforce the cantilevered areas of falling water so that they will be enjoyed by generations for years to come!
The interior of Fallingwater is so incredible. All of my years as a Mason and having the opportunity to build many fireplaces I truly loved everything about the fireplace at Fallingwater. The Cherokee red kettle that swings over into the fireplace on iron arm is so incredible. I love the fact that all of these features are still in operation. If I’m not mistaken, Frank Lloyd Wright was the inventor of the casement window. In the windows and falling water meet at the 90° corner and open out into nature. As you walk through the home and look out into the woods there is nothing like what Mr. Wright achieved in making this building in harmony with nature.
Fallingwater is an inspiration to me today!
I love studying the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. I have had the opportunity now to see Fallingwater for the first time with the love of my life. This was an experience I will always cherish. And I know in the near future, Lori and I will return to Fallingwater.
During our trip to Fallingwater Lori and I also discovered another Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece that isn’t too far from Fallingwater. This home is called Kentuck Knob and in my opinion it ranks as high as any of Frank Lloyd Wright’s private residences that he designed. It doesn’t get the recognition it deserves possibly because of the notoriety of falling water, but is it ever spectacular! If you’re ever in the area, make sure to visit this site also.
One of the most inspirational things about Frank Lloyd Wright and the era of the depression years and what he accomplished at the age of 67 when he designed Fallingwater gives me so much hope. I am only going to be 58 this year and I am at the end of my masonry career. But I know that I have a willingness and desire to share my experiences with young people that are interested in the masonry trade. Heck, Frank Lloyd Wright worked another 25 years after Fallingwater was constructed, and created so many buildings that continue to bring pleasure to many people today!
