News : Hope Rogers, relative of Frank Lloyd Wright, shares family stories in new book

Hope Rogers of Vinton, at her typewriter as she wrote her first book about her grandfather

In 1976, a Vinton resident authored her book, "Grandpa Wright." Using some of the information from her great grandmother Lizzie Wright Heller's memoir. Growing up in Belle Plaine, Hope Sankot Rogers' fondest memories were of the time she spent with her Grandma Lizzie.

Recently Hope authorized Wright scholars Jason Loper and Michael Schreiber to republish her book on their website. The book entitled, "The Architect's Father: A reconsideration of William Cary Wright, the father of Frank Lloyd Wright." can be found on their site, "This American House." The book has been published and available for you to read, free of charge, by simply clicking HERE.

Frank Lloyd Wright. as you recall, was a famous architect who designed over 1,000 buildings. One of the homes that he designed can be seen at Cedar Rock, located near Quasqueton, Iowa. Cedar Rock is one of the "signature" designs by Wright which means that he designed everything inside the house as well as the house itself. Wright's work was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, which include construction like the Great China Wall, the Taj Mahal and Pyramids of Giza. Wright's other designs, the Guggenheim Museum, Falling Water in Pennsylvania, Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, designed in 1905, and still in use, Taliesin in Wisconsin, Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, Herbert and Katherine Jacobs house in Wisconsin, and the Frederic C. Robie house in Chicago from his 70 year career, have all been included on the list.

But where did Frank Lloyd Wright come from? Who were his parents? His father William Cary Wright was a composer, teacher of music, poet, minister, lawyer and doctor. He also taught Frank to play music. Frank Lloyd Wright once said, "Never miss the idea that architecture and music belong together. They are practically one."

Hope, the grandniece of Frank Lloyd Wright, was also familiar with her grandfather's musical works. Her Grandma Lizzie began teaching her at age 5 from the "Golden Monitor" music theory book which had been written specifically for a musical conservatory in Madison, Wisconsin. Hope continued to play his music throughout her life, on her studio grand piano.

In 1940 Hope's grandma Lizzie asked her to type the manuscript of her life story, which Lizzie began writing in 1929. Both Hope and her daughter Mary Rogers have been keepers of the family artifacts for most of their lives. The two have donated numerous items to the State Historical Society of Iowa's branch in Iowa City. The collection includes photos of the family including a rare daguerreotype of William with his first wife, Permelia, from whom Lizzie was descended. Upon the passing of Permelia, William remarried and Frank Lloyd Wright, was born six years later to William and his second wife. Other donations to the society include Williams' original music, a copy of Lizzie's Memoirs, and three collections of William Wright's musical compositions.

A separate donation was made by Mary in 2018, to "Wright on the Park" in Mason City where the last Frank Lloyd Wright hotel is located. A large photo of Frank's father William and sheet music are displayed.

Hope Rogers wanted to share the updated book with the Vinton Today readers via "This American House" website who is featuring it as an exclusive. "The Architect's Father turned out nicely. We've had a lot of good feedback from scholars," said Mary Rogers.

If you enjoy history, and especially if you like to read a true story about those who came before us, you will enjoy this free to read online book by Hope. Grab your favorite beverage and curl up with your electronic device to enjoy a walk back through history, it's too hot to be outside today anyway!

To read a FREE copy of the book, Click HERE

in addition, a newsletter with more of the family history can be seen below.