martinhouseclr

33 2 // SITE HISTORY & EVOLUTION Much transpired between Martin and Wright in the first half of 1904, including the abandonment of the half-circle courtyard garden wall design and corresponding half-circle garage stables. In early January, responding to Martin’s late 1903 critique, Wright poignantly assures Martin that the garden design will eventually come together: I sympathize with your desire for a larger garden,- we will get it, together with all of Mrs. Martin’s practical requirements, but don’t freeze your architect down to certain areas for various parts of the plan, “proportion” must determine these things within reasonable limits, and give him a free hand within that limit; stretch the limit until your discretion deflects to the breaking point, let her break, even, for once and you will be pleasantly shocked by the result. We will make another sketch for you, embodying your suggestions in some way to preserve the harmony and proportion of a consistent arrangement and will bring it down with me, for I expect to see you soon. 57 The letter is perhaps one of the defining pieces of historic material concerning the composition of the house – architecture, landscape and furnishings – by Wright. It seems to express both Wright’s progressive design integration with the site as well as Martin’s own patron Darwin’s brother, in Oak Park IL. 57 FLW-DDM, 2 January 1904, Trans. Jack Quinan 2003, WMP- UB. relationship with Wright. Martin’s belief in Wright seems central to Wright’s ability to carry the project through. Indeed, in the grand scheme of things, relatively little was changed in spatial composition between Wright’s May 1903 sketch and the ultimate design plans. By the time ground was broken on the foundation for the garage and conservatory in May 1904, the fountain wall at the north end of the courtyard garden had been adapted to the diamond shape known today, but the characteristics of the outdoor “rooms” remained generally intact and true to his original vision. 58 On May 12 of 1904, Martin planted the first vegetative feature at the site – an 8 to 10” caliper American elm (Ulmus americana) planted on the north east corner of the Barton House. 59 Two days later a second elm was planted “near the west lot line.” 60 It is inconclusive where this tree was located, as the most visible tree along the west lot line prior to June of 1905 was a large elm that separately appears to have been pre-existing and is quite large (greater than 12” caliper). Photos show this elm surrounded by construction materials in August 1904, which is the first clear image. It is possible that this was the elm planted 58 The diamond design is shown in several foundation layout plans of spring 1904, with noted revision dates extending through June. 59 DDM, Memorandum, May 12, 1904. The size at install was determined by known dated photos, including one of Martin’s hand against the tree. Deciduous shade trees installed at this significant size were to be a common occurrence in the Martin landscape. 60 DDM, Memorandum, May 14, 1904. Fig. 17, bottom Portion of Garden Light detail, Frank Lloyd Wright. Fig. 16, top Garden Light thumbnail sketch, with focal point, Frank Lloyd Wright.