Wright in Alabama

This house was built for newlyweds Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum of Florence, Alabama in 1939, and survives as another great example of Wright's particular Usonian style.

The Rosenbaums were the sole owners and occupants of the house until 1999, when it was purchased by the city of Florence. At that point the house was in a sad state as years of prolonged maintenance had taken its toll on the structure and foundation. The City developed a plan to save the house and it is now preserved as a museum.

I visited the Rosenbaum house in 2002 while vacationing in Alabama. Volunteers at that time were frantically preparing for its donors reception and public grand opening. I was able to snap these quick photos of the exterior and grounds.

Thrift Store Finds

Today I took a trip out to the Unique Thrift Store in Falls Church, VA. While I'm no stranger to the local flea markets it had been awhile since I had been to this particular store.

I think it was a pretty successful voyage.

A collection of Roger Miller's greatest hits and Howard Jones' first studio album. Price: $4.00.

A wooden snack dish (walnut?). I believe it is from the 1980's - perhaps older. The country-of-origin and materials inscription on the bottom has, unfortunately, worn away. Price: $.99.

The score of the day was this amazing vintage COSCO step stool. It's missing one of the rubber chrome foot covers, but with a little Brasso, a new vinyl seat, and perhaps a paint job this chair may become the envy of every 1950s housewife. Price: $9.99.

With a Little Help From My Friends

Joe Cocker's stage mannerisms are legendary. This is one of his great performances, bar none.

Curb Hops and Soda Pops

The original Wright's exterior - 1952

I have been traveling quite a bit the past few weekends, which has allowed me the opportunity to visit some of my all-time favorite roadside food joints.

Wright's Dairy-Rite in Staunton, Virginia, is right up there on the list. My family originally discovered this drive-in 1995 and I have stopped in as often as possible ever since.

According to their website:

Wright's Dairy Rite has been serving visitors and residents of Staunton for over 50 years. Wright's is an original Drive-In restaurant, and continues to offer quality, homemade food and delicious ice cream treats in a 1950's atmosphere.

I usually order the Carolina Burger (standard chili-cheese burger) with a side of onion rings and a shake, but you really can't go wrong with any of their featured items.

They host two classic car cruise-in events each year.




Paul calls in our order.

Wright's exterior - 2009

Retro Dinner

My 1950's inspired meal. From the wok to the table.

Keep 'Em Flying

The amazing story of the Dottie Mae from recovery to restoration. Follow along and help contribute to this great cause: www.alliedfighters.com.

Wright in Your Own Backyard

I had been waiting for the weather to clear up so I could take the short drive over to Woodlawn Plantation to view Frank Lloyd Wright's, Pope-Leighey House. Commissioned in 1939 by journalist and author, Loren Pope, this former home survives as an example of Wright's more modestly-designed "Usonian" houses.

The price of admission is $8.50, but for $15 you can also gain entry to Woodlawn Plantation. Each tour lasts about thirty minutes. This is more than enough time considering the floorplan is only 1,200 square feet. Interior photographs are strictly prohibited as a good majority of the furniture is original to the house.

Visit the website for more information.