Packard Forum Index » General

Rusty -

You sure seem to know a lot about Fallingwater. Perhaps you can answer some questions.

Just how big is the basement?

Also, did the cantilever floors crack because of Wright's design, or because the contractor seconded-guessed Wright's specifications and used too many steel beams too close together, adding unnecessary weight and compromising the strength of the concrete?

Properly constructed, I would love to have a house of the style and setting of Fallingwater.

I rather like the looks of the Fallingwater house but hopefully the running water sound is well muffled or there are plenty of conveniently close facilities inside.

There was a TV special on some of his more famous works some time back. One of them had most all the main room furniture cast in place in concrete. I would think that would drive the average housewife 'round the bend not being able to move anything on a whim. Think there was some comments about the comfort or lack thereof as well.

The Marin County CA govt building is another of his designs. A long low building almost same color as the surrounding hills with arches along the entire length to mimic the hills. Designed to blend in which it does nicely. Driving by, you almost have to look twice to see it amidst all the regular buildings surrounding it.

I have been to Fallingwater several times, once on a Packard tour with Art James no less. The noise of the water is not bothersome at all - it's not Niagara. The rooms are a bit small by today's standards. This was a summer home, not a permanent residence. There was no structural problem for many years, but those problems that have occurred are being rectified. The windows in the corners of rooms had steel frames which have now been replaced by (I think) aluminum. It is a marvelous home and truly innovative.
One of the small rooms could probably hold all of Mr. Wright's detractors comfortably.
By the way, Mr James always brings a fifth of a Canadian whiskey which is marvelously smooth, but unfortunately, unavailable in the U.S.

What kind of whiskey?

Thanks for the link, Mal. Noticed a reference to Max Hoffman and the M-B 300SL. A bit off topic, but I could not constrain myself from asking this question: Why did Dustin Hoffman drive an Alfa Romeo in the film, "The Graduate"? Because his uncle, Max Hoffman, was the U.S. importer. Great movie, great car.

(o{I}o)

FONTANA VILLAGE NC 1956



[picture source: ebay item number 360263507125]

Attach file:

---

  (72.05 KB)

That place is still in business, but looks like the "trailer style" accommodations have been replaced with rustic looking cabins and a lodge.

http://www.fontanavillage.com

--> 2395-5 Eight Club Sedan & --> 2392-5 Eight Touring Sedan pictured on advertising postcards.

sources:
#1 - ebay 260924440713
#2 - ebay 260924440714

Attach file:

---

  (29.37 KB)


  (27.91 KB)

This postcard was printed in the 1960s. Click to enlarge and please disregard the imprinted "1929".
A decade later the same picture was used as cover for the magazin "The Classic Car".


pictures sources
#1 - ebay
#2 - www.jimsmegamagazines.com

Attach file:

---

  (54.33 KB)


  (51.43 KB)