Nomination for Dobkins, John and Syd, House

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) METCEEDVED 2280 Vo 1024:00 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service 1298 NOV 25 2008 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions.

Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property Historic name Other names/site number Dobkins, John and Syd, House 2. Location street & number city or town state 5120 Plain Center N.E Canton Ohio code OH county Stark code 151 3. State/Federal Agency Certification n/a - not for publication - vicinity - zip code 44714 As the designated authority under theNationalHistoric Preservation Act of1986, as amended,I hereby certify that this X nomination - request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.

In my opinion,the property X meets - does not meet the National Register Criteria.I recommendthatthis property be considered significant - nationally X statewide - locally. ([See conthuation sheet for additional comments.) Basban Dept. Head, Inventory & Registration eer Signature of certifying official Date November 3,2008 Ohio Historic Preservation Office, Ohio Historical Society State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property - meets comments.) does not meet the National Register criteria. (- See continuation sheet for additional Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification 1, hereby certify that this property is: M entered in the National Register - See continuation sheet. determined eligible for the National Register - See continuation sheet.

determined not eligible for the National Register removed from the National Register other (explain): sigraturelof Keepe Losson 1t. Beall Date of Action 1.8.09 Dobkins, John and Syd, House 5. Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) x private - public-local public-State public-Federal Category of Property (Check only one box) X building(s) - district - site - structure object Stark County, OH Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count) Contributing Noncontributing 1 1 3 buildings sites structures objects Total Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) N/A 6.

Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Domestic/single dwelling Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Domestic/single dwelling 7. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) MODERN MOVEMENT Other: Usonian Materials (Enter categories from instructions) Foundation roof walls other Concrete Copper Brick Wood Glass Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No.

1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number ] Page 1 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH The John and Syd Dobkins residence is a single story Usonian house type, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1953 and built in 1954. Construction took approximately one year. The structure is just under 2,000 square feet, situated on 5 acres of a former cornfield north of the City of Canton. The house retains integrity of location, setting, design, materials, craftsmanship, feeling and association. Mr. Wright designed a landscape plan for the site. Fourteen Pin oaks circle the house, an apple orchard, numerous yews, Pfizer junipers, Black pines and Colorado spruces were installed faithfully to his garden design.

(He included an area for a vegetable garden, which to the knowledge of the current owner was never installed)' Considering the property was bare when the house was built, it was in essence a clean slate for a design that would be appropriate for the mid-west in general and northern Ohio in particular. The landscape has numerous wild cherry and Black walnuts trees along with dozens of indigenous low growing shrubs and wild roses? Also the driveway and auto-fore-court is original to the design. It still retains its #57 gravel and not cement or asphalt.3 The three additional buildings which are non-contributing are an " A-frame / gardening shed " designed and built in the spring of 2002, (picture #28) A pole barn constructed "Painting /Printmaking studio" (picture #29) and a pole barn constructed "Woodworking studio" (picture #30) both studios were designed and built in 2005- 2006.

These buildings are sited near the South East boundary of the property, tucked into a grove of White pines which is a distance far enough that one cannot see the Usonian and when at the Usonian one can not see the studios or A-frame. The supervisor of construction Alan Gelbin was a member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Fellowship. He lived with the Dobkins' during the period he worked on the project becoming Wright's ears and eyes during construction. He was an invaluable agent working with Wright the architect, Dobkins' the client and the various trades. He is one of the reasons the structure was built as designed, with no compromises. Wright understood the challenges facing the tradesmen and knew he needed an apprentice / representative to direct the construction. For example he designed the masonry to have all head joints flush to the face of the brick while all bed joints deeply raked.

All corners were to be 60 or 120 degrees, for the plan of the structure is based on a 4 foot on each side equilateral triangle. The recessed horizontal bed joints emphasized the horizontality of the structure to the ground. These details needed proper supervision for accurate execution. Also this module is scored into the floor and all exterior terraces, for it dictated the design. It guided where all walls, interior and exterior, would fall. The grid of the plan organized all the spaces and parts to the whole.* Gelbin also acted as supervisor of construction on the Rubin (construction 53), Dobkins (construction 54), Feiman (construction 55) and Rayward (construction 56) before leaving the Fellowship and opening his own office.S The Dobkins residence is built with a smooth surfaced high-fired Belden brick, Philippine mahogany, integral colored concrete, glass and copper.

The house is an inline single story design, with the main body comprising ' Wright was a firm believer in being self-sufficient; Growing one's own produce is in keeping with his Usonian ideas. 2 Carl Lavin a neighbor visited the house shortly after it was built. He met Mrs. Dobkins while she was planting Black walnuts and asked why she was planting one of the slowest growing American hard wood trees. She replied "For the future, young man for the 3 Wright did not use gutters on the usonians he placed small downspout to drain into fore-court and garden 4 John Sergeant "Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Houses" 5 William Allin Storrer "The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion" NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No.

1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Z Page 2 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH of living area, dining area, workspace (kitchen) and with utilities directly behind the fireplace masonry core. These are situated on the western end of the plan. In the heart of the main living space is the centrally located fireplace, with all other walls comprised of floor to ceiling windows, doors and built in settle. A private wing, for the quiet areas, includes guest bedroom, master bedroom and baths situated toward the east of the plan. The interior walls of the private wing and study are made up of boards and sunken battens running horizontally with an inner core of plywood. This again plays up the horizontal aspect of the whole composition. All spaces of the home benefit from views to the south, and the natural light it offers.

Off the main space is a study, which includes a Wright designed base cabinet, built-in shelves and a trapezoidal daybed. The 'Gallery" Wright's term for a hallway or corridor has 10 floor to ceiling slit windows running along the north façade (left) of the hallway, with doors to guest bedroom and baths to the south (right). The gallery terminates at the master bedroom, with 6 French doors, opening out to a private terrace. Included in the built-in furniture for the Dobkins residence is a dining-table, dinning storage base cabinet, workspace wall and base cabinets, shelving unit in main living space, TV and Hi-Fl cabinet, 3 desks, 2 beds, a night stand, and 32 linear ft. of closets.

The loose furniture, that remains in the house, which was designed by Wright include: two side tables 16 3/4 inch high, 2 hexagonal tables 22 inches high, 8 hassocks, 1 desk arm- chair, 2 lamps, 4 planters and a pair of Origami chairs. Also two firebox grates for the fireplaces were designed for the home, relating to the 60 and 120 degree modules. All the wood used on the exterior and interior, including all built-ins and free-standing furniture through out the house is Philippine mahogany. Because of this fact paint is not employed on any of the wood. A clear alkyd resin has replaced the original exterior spar varnish during restoration. (2000 to 2008). The house, based on an equilateral triangle module, has a triangular terrace supported by a masonry-retaining base and parapets, often described as having a "prow" like a ship.

This was a device Wright used when he was building on irregular topography.The first floor elevation projected out from the slope, supported by retaining walls and backfilled. This projected masonry-retained terrace is looked upon as a "signature" design feature of Usonians built on sloping topography.® Other prominent residential examples: Clinton Walker 1948, Carmel, California / Reisley 1950, Pleasantville, New York / Olfelt 1958, St. Louis Park, Minnesota / Hagan 1954, Chalkhill, Pennsylvania. Another "signature" feature of the house is Wright's use of six (corner) mitered windows, two of which are 14 feet in height, a feature that opened up a space and eliminated the "box" like feeling of a room. Wright required topographical maps before he started a design. His designs grew from the site. They were married to the land and became part, and reflected the nature of it.

Caroline Knight author of Essential Frank Lloyd Wright describes the house: "The house for John Dobkins in Ohio is another example of a house that is perfectly integrated into its environment." she continues "The visitor approaching the Dobkins house has really no clue to the unusual site that awaits from the garden facade, where the one-and-a-half story living room is walled in glass, and the ceiling slopes downwards in a cozy, earth-hugging embrace." Charles Aguar and Berdeana Aguar, "Wrightscapes" NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Z Page 3 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH Upon entering the home the entry has a lower ceiling then the main living space.

This along with a built-in entrance table to the right and coat closet to the left defines the area as entry. The dining area is differentiated from the living space by a ceiling with overhead deck, and indirect lighting which is much lower than the lofted shed roof (with Bermuda style copper roof) in the main living space. Just off the entry to the left is a study with a ceiling revealing a gable roof. So upon entering one immediately is exposed to three totally different ceiling heights and shapes all adding richness to the experience of "entering". Wright chose a shed roof over the main living space, flat roofs over the carport, entry, workspace and utility room, and a gable over the private bedroom wing. Designing with three types of roofs gives the structure an exciting dynamic quality.

Out of the 12 structures designed by Wright in Ohio the Dobkins residence is the only one that employs three distinct roof types. It is also the only one based on obtuse and acute angles. (120 and 60 degree) The workspace's proximity to the dining area with an additional door near the entry makes access to and dropping off groceries a few steps from the main entry effortless and pleasurable. Wright understood, as early as the first quarter of the 20th century that America was going to embrace the automobile. It gave freedom of movement and the ability to live greater distances from one's work. The car was central, and the carport was essential, to his homes and it replaced the garage. Mr. Wright believed the garage was a left over from the livery-stable.

We were no longer stabling horses, and furthermore cars would have no problem starting left in a carport.® The carport was another way to keep the cost down. Wright's Usonians have many characteristics in common. He eliminated the basement; he wanted to build on the land not in it. This saved money for his clients and prevented future problems of dampness, and wetness. Wright was very much influenced by the Japanese wood block print and Froebel's ideas of the kindergarten. These ideas of simplification and the elimination of the insignificant were major points that he used time and time again.® And the module systems he employed is the direct result of his early kindergarten Froebel training. The removal of attics helped eliminate useless storage and opened up the interior spaces. Baseboards and moldings had to be removed as well.

He found different ways to build, where exterior and interior were constructed simultaneously which eliminated the need to "finish" them. His use of natural materials and the way he celebrated their inherit beauty is one of the many reasons we are attracted to his buildings. The house is in excellent condition. Restoration of wood, brick, copper and terraces have almost been completed in the past 7 years. 1° All kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, sinks and toilets are original except for the addition of a dish-washer and replacement of all Micarta counter tops with granite. " It was recently discovered that a 12" structure is in Ohio, "The Mosher house". 8 Frank Lloyd Wright "The Natural House' ° Frank Lloyd Wright, "His Living Voice" 10 Restoration is on-going NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No.

1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Z Page 4 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH Addendum1 CONSTRUCTION OF THE USONIAN HOUSE The construction of a Usonian House involved a system of sequencing the building trades so as to economize and streamline the construction process. The contractor first laid out the building on the site, then prepared the sub-grade for the concrete floormat, and excavated the foundation trenches. The trenches were the partially filled with crushed stone. Cast-in-place concrete footings were then formed and poured over this gravel base. All under slab plumbing and electrical conduit was installed at this time. A crushed stone base was placed below the concrete floormat. The plumbing and heating contractor installed the cast iron pipe lopes in zones for the radiant floor heating system.

Next the masonry contractor would build all masonry bearing walls, terrace walls, retaining walls, support piers, fireplaces and chimneys. This was followed by the installation of any steel support framing required for extra long cantilevers. The framing carpenters then followed and set wood support columns and beams at the perimeter glass curtain walls and constructed the roof framing. Roof sheathing and a felt base was then installed for temporary weatherproofing The cast-in-place concrete floormat was then poured and finished with a color pigment surface hardener. At the exterior the roofing contractor then installed the flat built-up roofing system, metal flashing and sloped metal Bermuda Roof. The finish carpenters then installed windows, exterior doors, wood fascia and trim. The soffits were completed in the case of the Dobkins House with cement plaster over metal lath.

At this point the house was enclosed to allow the interior finish work. The interiors board and batten partitions were installed and the interior doors hung. Millwork including built-in furniture, closets, wardrobes, desks, base cabinets, wall cabinets, and countertops were then installed. Interior plumbing, heating and electrical would continue with the installation of plumbing fixtures, water heater, boiler, exhaust fans, electrical outlets, etc. In the workspace (kitchen) appliances were installed. THE DOBKINS HOUSE CANTON, OHIO ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION AND RESTORATION Foundation System: Typical of Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Homes the Dobkins House utilized shallow foundation construction Wright first used this technique in his early Usonian homes in the 1930's in Wisconsin. This is described in Frank Lloyd Wright's Book "The Natural House".

Wright used this as a cost saving measure eliminating a deep foundation wall. Normally foundations in northern climates are required to be set below the frost line. In Northern Ohio this is about 36 to 42 deep by code. Wright would have found resistance from the local building officials and would have required special permission. A trench was excavated to a minimum depth of 3-feet or to undisturbed soil. A 4-inch foundation drain was placed at the bottom of the trench and then partially filled with crushed rock and gravel. At a depth of about 12-inches NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No.

1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Z Page 5 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH below the grade line an 8-inch by 8-inch concrete footing was placed for the brick masonry walls or the cast-in- place concrete slab thickened over the trench which occurred at door and window openings. This system drained water away from the foundation and prevented the foundation from heaving. Structural System: The structural system for the house includes brick masonry bearing walls and piers. Structural steel beams were used in the carport area for the large cantilever. Steel tie-down rods were used to anchors the beams into the concrete slab. The roof structure of 2 x wood framing was supported off the masonry walls and steel supports.

Brick Masonry: The brick was manufactured locally by the Belden Brick Company of Canton which is a national manufacturer still producing today. The original brick is still available and was used in the masonry restoration. Special size units and seven different custom shaped units however had to be ordered to match the original brick units. Masonry walls were double wythe cavity walls with 1-inch of rigid insulation in the core space. The face brick is exposed on both sides of the wall. Brick is in a running bond pattern with rowlock parapets caps, window sills and low wall caps. All horizontal mortar joints are raked and vertical head joints flush with the face brick which was a common technique used by Wright through his career. Concrete Slabs: The concrete slabs were 3 1/2 -inches thick set on a base of 5 1/2-inches of crushed stone.

The floor slab was finished with a hand broadcast color pigment surface hardener. The color was Frank Lloyd Wright's signature "tile red" and polished with "Johnson" Paste Wax. Exterior and Interior Wood: All exterior and interior wood was of Philippine Mahogany more specifically Light Red Meranti. This included all interior and exterior wood trim, paneling, windows and doors. Exterior wood was finished to a natural finish with linseed oil which will turn gray with age. The interior wood was finished with clear shellac. Wood used in the restoration of the house is Light Red Meranti to match the original grain and color. Exterior wood had turned gray from weathering and was refinished by the original owner with a dark Brown solid wood stain. This concealed the original finish.

The wood was stripped and scraped to remove the stain to clean bear wood and refinished with a clear natural sealer designed to maintain the original wood color. This included all wood trim, fascia boards and doors. The bottom rails of the french doors exposed to the elements had rotted and were in several cases swollen shut and were inoperative. Doors were fully replicated and replaced. Other doors were refinished and partially reconstructed with new bottom rails using dutchman repairs. During the restoration an unfinished shower stall in the guest bath was completed. The original drawings did not include details as to how it was to be completed so similar examples from other Wright Usonian Homes were used as a model. Also consulted was the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and archives for details. The adjacent walls in the bath were replicated which were board and batten.

A spar varnish finish was used to protect the wood. Here Honduras Mahogany was used for it's more inherent water resistance. Windows and Doors: Glazing for the house is clear 1/4 inch plate.. Wright's use of glass included corner mitered glass which was reset with clear silicone. Inappropriate storm window units added to several french doors, by the original owner, were removed. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Z Page 6 OMB No. 1024-0018 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH Metal Roofing: The Bermuda style roof was originally "Terne Metal Roofing" by the Follansbee Steel Company of Follansbee, West Virginia. This was a steel "corrosion resistant" roof with a painted finish. This was replaced later by Dr.

Dobkins with a new copper roof over the original roof. The Follansbee Steel company published a photograph of the Dobkins House anomalously after Mr. Wright's death in an ad in the August 1959 issue of House and Home Interior Finishes: Interior wood trim, casework was cleaned, repaired and refinished if required Finish hardware includinglocks,levers, door and drawer pulls were satin brass which was cleaned and polished. The interior red concrete floor slab was cleaned and polished with paste wax. John Origlio, AIA January 2008 Dobkins, John and Syd, House 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing) - A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. - B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. X C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period,or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. -D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.) Property is: A ownedby a religious institution or used for religious purposes. B removed from its original location.

-C a birthplace or a grave. - D a cemetery. - E a reconstructed building, object,or structure. - F a commemorative property. -G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Stark County, OH Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) Architecture Period of Significance 1954 Significant Dates 1954 Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) Cultural Affiliation Architect/Builder Wright, Frank Lloyd Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS) Primary location of additional data - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR - State Historic Preservation Office 67) has been requested Other State agency - previously listed in the National Register 1 Federal agency - previously determined eligible by the National L Local government Register - University - designated a National Historic Landmark x Other: letters from Dobkins & Wright - recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository:_ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No.

1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number & Page 7 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH The John and Syd Dobkins House is significant under Criterion C because it is an outstanding example of Usonian architecture designed by master architect Frank Lloyd Wright in Ohio. Designed by Wright in 1953 and constructed in 1954, the Dobkins House, one of three Wright-designed Usonian houses built in Canton; it is considered to be the most impressive due to its distinctive geometric design modular based upon the equilateral triangle that reflects Wright's Usonian design philosophy to its fullest realization. Usonian houses were intended to provide affordable, well designed organic buildings that harmonized with their sites."They are characterized by an open plan, with three main zones, living area, workspace/dinning and bedroom/bath area.

Wright, built with organic principals through out his career. The term "Organic" by dictionary terms is "having systematic coordination, organized, forming an organic whole." The grid/module controls the design and dictates where exterior and interior walls fall. The grid of the plan organizes all the spaces and parts to the whole. 12 His organic principals embraced nature to the extent that one has difficulty determining the distinct areas of inside verses outside. Large spans of glass, numerous doors opening onto terraces along with materials that are used inside and outside (an interior wall becoming a parapet terrace or garden wall), are employed to create this blurring effect. The Dobkins design employs a seldom used module, based on obtuse and acute angles, the equilateral triangle.

Out of the approximately 500 built buildings by Wright, the Dobkins module is one of 27 found in extant buildings that employ the 60 and 120 degree, and the only one in Ohio. The Weltzhimer and Rubin houses employ a 2 by 4 ft module. Residences for Feiman, Penfield, Tonkens, Boulter, Boswell, Staley, Wescott and the Meyers Medical Clinic are based on a square module.1 The use of the 4ft. on each side equilateral triangle is an attempt to break down the "box" ,basically Wright's view and characterization of all architecture before him. The obtuse angles encourage freedom of movement as opposed to closed 90 degree corners. When steps are employed at a change of elevation, Wright employed 4 inch risers which make negotiating them effortlessly, and at the same time lowering the whole structure to the ground plane.

Long wide fascias, deeply raked bed joints, and board and sunken batten walls, are used in unison with the entire composition to create a sense of horizontality and repose. Deep overhangs in some areas 4 to 5 ft. in width add to this close relationship with the ground and to the feeling of protection and shelter. Most homes shut the occupants off from nature; Wright's homes are at one with it. The acreage's trees and all plantings have now matured to Wright's original intentions of beautifying the landscape and most importantly, to aid in his passive solar energy program for the house. In the summer months with the sun following a higher path in the sky and the deciduous oak trees in full leaf, along with deep overhangs of the roof which all act to prevent the warm sun rays entering the house.

Also the fenestration is such that opening any of the floor-to-ceiling doors and or casement windows encourages cool air to tumble in low along the floors while discharging the warm air above. In the winter months with the trees leafless, and when the sun's path is lower to the horizon, its rays penetrate the south facing rooms, aiding along with the gravity heat system in heating the concrete floors and masonry masses. And through out the day when the "Frank Lloyd Wright, "Natural House" 12 John Sergeant, "Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Houses" 13 William A.Storrer, "The Frank Lloyd Wright Companions" NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No.

1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number & Page 8 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH boiler is not running the system radiates warmth.14 In essence the system creates a climate, verses a system that heats only the air. Although Wright was busy designing larger commissions at the end of his career, he found time to design smaller more modest commissions since the 1930s. These Usonians encompass his ideas of free-flowing spaces, structurally expressive rooflines, and gardens brought indoors that could be enjoyed by middleclass families. John Dobkins was a medical doctor who practiced Internal medicine at the time he contacted Wright. He had a private practice and was also affiliated with Aultman Hospital, and was a member of the courtesy staff at Timken Mercy Hospital in Canton.

Also it may have been possible that Dobkins and Nate Rubin, also a physician, discussed moving forward with their desires of building their respective homes while seeing each other at the hospital. In early autumn of 1952 John and Syd visited Oberlin, Ohio to view the house Wright had designed for the Weltzhimers. They admired it very much and felt it was just about what they would want too. Also Mrs. Alice Feiman (Jeanne Rubin's sister) was married to Ellis Feiman who had the third Usonian built in 1956. There is also asocial, cultural and religious connection between the three families, for they were all of the Jewish faith and it was possible that they may have seen each other at social and religious functions, at synagogue and possibly at each other's homes.

On November 13,1952 John Dobkins wrote the initial letter to Frank Lloyd Wright, informing him that he had been an ardent admirer for years of his ideas and accomplishments in the field of architecture. It was in that initial letter that he defined his desires to have Mr. Wright design a home for his wife Syd, and himself. 1e Dobkins received a follow up letter written by Eugene Masselink, Secretary to Frank Lloyd Wright, dated November 17th asking for requirements and informing him that Mr.

Wright encouraged his clients to buy "acreage" instead of "lots" and in the country." This letter was written by Masselink because Mr.Wright had already left for Arizona for the winter.1® (Wright and his fellowship spent the winters at Taliesin West, in Phoenix Arizona.) Dobkins further notified Wright that he expected to range between fifteen and twenty-five thousand a year and 40,000 was the cost of the home they wanted and could afford.1° Wright responded on December 11, 1952, "We would like to try and give you what you want. Send the information about the site when you have it and we shall see what we can do."20 This response is quite extensive considering some replies to clients were "Yes... I will design your home" Syd and John Dobkins enjoyed, very much, their relationship with Mr.

Wright, participating in the construction of their house and all that the home had to offer until their passing in 1994 and 1997.21 14 A very efficient use of heat, the floor becomes in essence a radiator as opposed to a force air system, which only heats air. 15 Alan Hess, "Frank Lloyd Wright Mid-Century Modern" 1' Correspondence between Dobkins and Frank Lloyd Wright 1 Ibid 18 Correspondence Dobkins and Frank Lloyd Wright ' Correspondence between Wright and Dobkins 20 ibid 21 Conversion with Lynn Breslin, daughter in-law of the Dobkins NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 8 Page 9 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH The house was inherited by, Donald Breslin son of Mrs. Syd Dobkins from a previous marriage.

Donald and his wife Lynn Breslin sold the property to the present owners. The second owners of the home, Dianne and Dan Chrzanowski, took possession November of 1997 and they feel fortunate to experience living in a treasure, and truly understand the importance of maintaining the house and its grounds for future generations. It is rare to find one of Wright's usonians in such excellent original condition. It has been maintained and properly restored through out the past 52 years. The Dobkins house andits 5acres of property meet the requirements for Criterion C, which represents a type, or method of construction and represents the work of a master architect, which possesses high artistic values. This Usonian design represents an important phase in Wright's work and lifelong goal in creating a truly democratic American architecture.

22 See Addendum 1, Original Construction Description and Restoration. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 8 Page 10 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH Addendum 2 The John J. and Syd Dobkins house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1953 and built in 1954, is the most impressive of three houses by Wright in Canton, Ohio. It is built on one of the rarer modules in Wright's arsenal of geometric possibilities, the equilateral triangle, to a 4' unit. This makes the avoidance of right angles throughout the plan a rational objective, creating a particular sense of spaciousness with an expansive view to the south.

Among the twelve Wright- designed buildings in Ohio, the Dobkins residence (S.362 in my Catalog of Wright's built work) represents the full flowering of the all masonry Usonian structure and the achievement of Wright's lifelong goal, a truly democratic American architecture. There are 155 houses nominally designed within the Usonian era's schema. Only six use the equilateral triangle as their module. The Dobkins residence flows naturally within the constraints of its inline plan oriented on a 120° axis. The site slopes gently down the 210° view, creating a harmonious relationship to the site. 1 wholeheartedly endorse any effort to place this structure on the Historic Buildings listings.

William Allin Storrer, Ph.D., author The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion Addendum 3 December 2, 2007 The Weltzheimer-Johnson House and the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College enthusiastically support the application of the Dobkins House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1953, to the National Historic Places Register. The Dobkins House is the second in the cluster of three Usonian homes in Canton (Rubin House, 1951 and the Feiman House, 1954.) Ohio has twelve FLW buildings; two are open to the public on regular basis for interpretive tours and educational programs. The Prairie School period is represented by the Wescott Residence, 1904, in Springfield (southwest Ohio) and Weltzheimer-Johnson House, 1948, at Oberlin College in northeast Ohio represents Usonian Houses. The remaining buildings are in private ownership.

The House aesthetic and its interplay with the site have features that clearly and beautifully represent the ideas and ideals of the Taliesin Usonian concept. It is the only Ohio house that employs the four foot equilateral triangular grid unit, making it an intriguing study of geometric design. The view from the public roadway provides an informative vista on the upswept roof and the grand glass wall screen, signature of a FLW Usonian House open to the landscape. The 1953 construction was ably supervised with the considered problem-solving skill and hands-on craftsmanship of Allan Gelbin, the FLW apprentice assigned to the Canton projects. Gelbin studied and worked at Taliesin from 1949-1953 and continued in architectural private practice until his death in 1994.

Gelbin's archives at the Chicago Art Institute Ryerson and Burnham Archives include Gelbin's personal working drawings, letters, and notations from the Dobkins House, as well as, the other two Canton houses.) These papers significantly augment the FLW Taliesin Archives and provide an important historical record for the physical structure. There is a detailed record of various craftsmen on the job, materials procurement, and project schedules, as well as, the social interaction between apprentice/supervisor and clients as the Canton house constructions progressed. It is a valuable window of understanding into the Usonian experience. On-going scholarship into the influence of FLW and the tenets of Organic Architecture on thescope of American Modernism will certainly find the work of the later Taliesin apprentices, like Gelbin, essential.

The original FLW clients, John and Syd Dobkins, most fortunately, have been followed by the present owners, Diane and Dan Chrzanowski. Their responsible stewardship of the House reflects both knowledge and appreciation of Organic Architecture and, most importantly, the grace and spirit of an artful life. It will remain a community treasure, loved and lived in, as homes should be. Palli Davis Holubar, Volunteer Docent Coordinator, Weltzheimer-Johnson House Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College, 80 N. Main, Oberlin. Ohio 44074 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 8 Page 11 Addendum 4 OMB No. 1024-0018 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH January 25, 2008 The John J.

and Syd Dobkins residence is significant under criteria 'C' as a representative example of the work of master architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The estate is significant as one of eleven documented commissions by Wright executed in the State of Ohio. The house is a representative example of Wright's Usonian style, homes of more modest means than his earlier Prairie style. Within the Usonian category the building is more elaborate than most and has generally been well maintained. The house is spaciously sited among rolling hills in a middle class suburban environment. The house is an in-line plan with living spaces forming an enlarged terminus. The exterior walls are comprised of locally produced red modular brick with deeply raked uncolored mortar joints. The main roof of the home was originally constructed in Terne metal.

The main roof is a modified hip with a soaring shed section over the living space. This roof has been replaced with copper following the construction details of the original Bermuda roofing system. A flat carport roof is set adjacent to the narrow section of the in-line plan. The floor of the home is red tinted concrete with integral hot water heating pipes within the slab. Inscribed into the floor are triangular lines indicating the modular plan followed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The triangular module is rare in Wright's work accounting for less than 4% of his executed plans in the Usonian period (1936-1959). The result of the triangular module is that right angles are uncommon in the plan with the exception of purchased appliances and fixtures. Brick intersections are constructed with custom formed shapes utilizing the 60 and 120 degree geometry.

Interior and exterior eaves and ceilings are composed of light colored cement based stucco. Triangular recessed lights complement the geometry of the design. Adjacent to the main entrance to the home on the Northern exposure a small red ceramic tile inscribed with Frank Lloyd Wright's signature is affixed to the brick. This is known as a signature tile and was issued by Frank Lloyd Wright in conjunction with client V.C. Morris as a visible indication that the completed work met with his satisfaction. These tiles were installed on approximately forty structures beginning in the early 1950's. Southern exposures are formed by custom wood framed plate glass doors and windows. Northern exposures are less fenestrated, with brick filling the balance of the wall structure.

The house is oriented approximately 30 degrees off the North/ South axis due to Wright's preference to minimize spaces that only received Northern light. The home retains the built-in furniture designed by Wright. Several masonry walls extend from the house into the landscape. On the Southern exposure adjacent to the living spaces two low brick walls extend along triangular module lines and intersect to form a protected concrete terrace raised above the adjacent lawns. On the Northern exposure adjacent to the carport a high wall extends into the hillside as a French drained retaining wall. These extension elements indicate the complete nature of the implementation of the commission. Many Wright commissions were reduced in scope, particularly in these landscape elements due to cost constraints.

This home is particularly significant due to the large degree of original fabric present and due to the fact that it has not been defaced by additions. Additional structures on the property have been placed beyond the visual context of the house. Another significant factor is that the home is still in use for its intended purpose as a single-family residence. Patrick J. Mahoney, AIA Vice- President Graycliff Conservancy Inc. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 2 Page 12 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH Bibliography Aguar, Charles E. and Berdeana Wrightscapes, Frank Lloyd Wright's Landscape Designs. McGraw-Hill 2002 Heinz, Thomas A The Vision of Frank Lloyd Wrignt. Chartwell Books, Inc.

2000ww Hess, Alan Frank Lloyd Wright Mid-Century Modern, Rizzoli, 2007 Howard, Hugh Wright for Wright. Rizzoli, New York, 2001 Knight, Caroline Essential Frank Lloyd Wright. Parragon, 2001 Rubin,Jeanne Spielman Intimate Triangle:Architecture of Crystals, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Froebel kindergarten, Polycrystal Book Service, 2002 Sergeant,John Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Houses. Watson-Guptill Publications, New York, 1984 Storrer, William A. The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion. University of Chicago Press, 1993 Wright, Frank Lloyd An Autobiography, Horizon Press, New York, 1977 Collected Writings. Edited by Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer, Rizzoli, 1995 His Living Voice, The press at California State University, 1987 The Living City. Horizon, Press, 1958 The Natural House. Horizon Press, New York, 1954 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 9 Page 13 Glossary OMB No. 1024-0018 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH Bermuda style. Casement. Dining space. Floormat. Gallery. Hillside lamp. Miter window. Module. Origami chair. Piano hinge. Private side. Public side Usonia. Workspace. A style of roof where all the metal pans are installed in a horizontal orientation. In plan they follow the perimeter of the roof outline. Windows which open out. As opposed to double hung, awning or slider. An area within a larger living space designated for dining. Cement floor. Corridor or hallway. A geometrized tree form, first designed for Hillside school at Taliesin, Wisconsin. Where two pieces of glass meet, (forming a 120 degree angle) without a stile. A design and building unit.

Chair comprised of largeplanesInfluenced by the artofJapanese paper folding. A continuous brass hinge, that is surfaced mounted as opposed to being mortised. Generally the side of the house, which has access to the garden, terraces and sun light. Facade that is first seen and approached by the public. Generally includes the entry and carport Refers to the United States Of North America. Name for the reformed American Society. Kitchen Dobkins, John and Syd, House 10. Geographical Data Stark County, OH Acreage of Property 5 acres UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) Zone Easting Northing 117 470130 4522437 2 Zone Easting Northing 3 4 See continuation sheet. Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11.

Form Prepared By name/title organization Dan Chrzanowski (owner) street & number 5120 Plain Center N.E city or town Canton Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets Maps date1/16/2008 telephone 330-493-6206 state _Ohio zip code 44717 A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item atthe request of the SHPO or FPO.) name street & number _ telephone city or town state _zip code- Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.). Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form.

Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.0. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 10 Page 14 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION AND BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION The Parcel number 0304682 is approximately 266 feet by 818 feet. This nominated parcel reflects the land historically associated with the property. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Photo List Page 15 OMB No. 1024-0018 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH PHOTOGRAPHS Date of photography: January 2008. Digital jpegs and tiffs are in possession of the photographer. Photographer: Boultman, Scott 1426 Franklin Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506 Descriptions of views #1. #2 #3. #4 #5. #5.a. #6 #7 #8. #9. #11. #10 #12. #12.a. #12.b #13 #14. #15. #16. #17. #18. #19 #20. #21. #22 #23. #23.a. #24. #25 #26. #27. #28. #29 #30. #31. South elevation, (looking due north.) South east elevation, (looking north west.) South east elevation, (looking west.) East elevation, (looking due west.) Roof pattern (Bermuda roof.) Fore-court and entry Public façade, (South facing.) Carport.

North fenestration at night,(looking south.) North west elevation. ( looking south east.) Looking south east West elevation, ( looking east.) West elevation. (looking north east.) Address pier. Terrace parapet wall. View of living space, (west facing.) View of dining space, (north facing.) View of workspace, (north facing.) View of living space from entry, (south facing.) View of gallery, (east facing.) View of study, (east facing.) View of guest bedroom, (south facing.) View of master bathroom, (south facing.) View of master bedroom, (southeast facing.) Side tables. Desk chair. Desk chair. Origami chair. Desk lamp Hillside lamp. Hassock. A-Frame garden shed. (looking south.) Painting/Printmaking Studio (looking east.) Wood working shop. (looking east.) View of Studio and Wood working shop. (looking north.) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Additional Documentation Page 16 OMB No. 1024-0018 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH EXTERIOR PHOTOS and PLAN VIEW Dobkins, John & Syd, House, Stark County, OH 5.A. 5. GRAVEL ENTRANCE COURT CARPORT 12.b. 10. 3. 12 12.a. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Additional Documentation Page 17 OMB No. 1024-0018 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH INTERIOR PHOTOS and PLAN VIEW Dobkins, John & Syd, House, Stark County, OH GRAVEL ENTRANCE COURT CARPORT NPS Form 10-900 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Additional Documentation Page 18 OMB No. 1024-0018 Dobkins, John and Syd, House, Stark County, OH Exterior Picture Plan of Studio, Woodworking Shop & A-Frame garden shed Dobkins, John & Syd, House, Stark County, OH woodshop 431. studio 30.

N 29 28 A-Frame studio/woodshop & garden A-frame UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Dobkins, John and Syd, House NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: OHIO, Stark DATE RECEIVED: 11/25/08 DATE OF 16TH DAY: 12/31/08 DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: DATE OF PENDING LIST: 12/16/08 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 1/08/09 REFERENCE NUMBER: 08001298 REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: N OTHER : N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: N REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: N COMMENT WAIVER: N ACCEPT RETURN ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: REJECT 18-09 DATE Entered in The National Register of Historic Places RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER DISCIPLINE TELEPHONE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPS.

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Dobkins rtouse VOHN DOBKINS, STARK COUNTY, Dobkeins touse JOHN DOBKINS, STARK COUNTY "OH_ STARK COUNTY_ DOBKINSH Doskin Dobkins, House, Stavk la, oH "OH_STARK COUNTT_DOBKINSHC Dobkins House, Starkla, OH #2 "OH_STARKCOUNTY_ DOBKINSHO Dobkins ttse, StukCo., oH#30 "CH_STARK COUNTY- DOBKINSH Dobkins Housc, Stark lo., OH *31 Missing Core Documentation Property Name Dobkins, John and Syd, House County, State Reference Number Stark County, Ohio 08001298 The following Core Documentation is missing from this entry: Nomination Form _Photographs (missing #23a) USGS Map OHIO HISTORY RECEIVED 2280 NOV 25 2008 NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE November 20, 2008 Ms. Jan Matthews, Associate Director and Keeper of the National Register National Park Service 2280 National Register of Historic Places 1201 "T" (Eye) Street, NW Washington DC 20005 Dear Ms.

Matthews: Enclosed please find five (5) new National Register nominations. All appropriate notification procedures have been followed for these new submissions. NEW NOMINATION Hyde Park Methodist Episcopal Church Nurre-Royston House Downtown Ironton Historic District Julienne Girls Catholic High School Dobkins, John and Syd, House COUNTY Hamilton Hamilton Lawrence Montgomery Stark Please note that the photographs for the Julienne Girls Catholic High School were created to National Register standards, they are resin coated silver prints made from Black and White negatives. The photo process for these prints has been reviewed and approved by Alexis Abernathy. If you have questions or comments about these documents, please contact the National Register staff in the Ohio Historic Preservation Office at (614) 298-2000. Sincerely, Bartara a weu Dr. William K. Laidlaw, Jr.

State Historic Preservation Officer Enclosures OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Ohio Historic Preservation Office 567 East Hudson Street, Columbus, Ohio 43211-1030 ph: 614.298.2000 fx: 614.298.2037 www.ohiohistory.org