For our third annual drive along Sheridan Road from Wilmette to Wisconsin, we went to Wingspread, the home in Racine that Frank Lloyd Wright designed in 1938 for wax magnate H. F. Johnson.  We started with 17 cars--all but 2 of them 356s--at Plaza del Lago, and picked up 5 more along the way in Lake Bluff.  From there is was a leisurely and scenic drive to the Racine waterfront, where we stopped for lunch at the Reefpoint Brew House, where a table set for 40 people was waiting for us.  From our table we could look across the marina and up the shore line to our ultimate destination at Wind Point.

For most of us it was a quick hop to Wingspread. For the rest, there was a rare opportunity to observe the raising and eventual lowering of the drawbridge over the Root River, where numerous sailing yachts were making their way to winter storage, much as our cars would be doing soon enough.

Wingspread is a fascinating place to visit, a showcase for both Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural genius and his utter indifference to the concerns of the people who would have to live in his latest masterpiece.  After an introductory talk by our guide (which included such anecdotes as the one where Johnson angrily phoned Wright when a leak in the roof was dripping water onto his head during a high-society dinner party, only the have the great man advise him to move his chair to a dryer spot), we were free to wander the house and grounds at our leisure.

The gang gathers at our starting point in Wilmette.

photo by Wally Wright

A happy crowd chows down at the Reefpoint Brew House.

photo by Cindy Olsen

More diners.

photo by Cindy Olsen

On the road again after lunch.

photo by Cindy Olsen

The first cars await the electric gate at the entrance to Wingspread.

photo by Cindy Olsen

The car and the house go well together, don't you think?  Perhaps that was why Max Hoffman hired Wright to design a house for him in 1955.

photo by Cindy Olsen

The "reflecting pool" at Wingspread, where the Johnson family went swimming against the architect's dictates.

photo by Jim Hinde

Mari and Eric chat with Jeff and Pam.

photo by Jim Hinde

Bill ponders the question: we all know about two wrongs, but what about two Wrights?  (To make sense of this, look closely at the reflections in the portrait.)

photo by Jim Hinde

One of the many pieces of sculpture on display in the house and on the grounds.

photo by Sharon Smith

Curt has found the one he likes.

photo by Sharon Smith

Sharon makes a grand exit from the building.

photo by Jim Hinde

Sharon and Wally, ready for the drive home.

photo by Danuta Hoyer