12-04-2007, 09:10 PM
Dr. John Christian of West Lafayette, owner of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house called "Samara" in West Lafayette, yesterday received the annual Outstanding Hoosier Preservationist Award, presented by the Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA).
The presentation was made by DNR director Robert E. Carter Jr., Indiana State Historic Preservation Officer; and Dr. James A. Glass, director of the DHPA. The award was presented to Christian at Samara during a tour of the residence that was being conducted for Benton County High School interior design students.
The award, which has been presented since 1999, recognizes local Hoosier advocates of historic preservation and their work. It is the highest honor given by the Indiana State Historic Preservation Office.
Christian and his wife, Catherine, who died in 1986, met Wright in1950, and soon after received his consent to be their architect. In January 1955, Wright presented the Christians with his design for their home, which Wright named "Samara," meaning "winged seed."
The Christians cared for their home with the respect and honor due any great work of art. Repairs were made with strict adherence to Wright's design and when they could, the Christians added elements of the original design, including furnishings that they could not afford as a young married couple.
The owner has devoted his retirement years to ensuring that the home will be cared for well into the future. Recognizing that he is the steward of one of Indiana's greatest architectural landmarks, he has shared the story of Wright and Samara with any interested. He has generously given his time and knowledge to make the home available to preservationists, architects, students, and Wright enthusiasts from around the state and nation.
Past recipients include: J. Reid Williamson, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana president for more than 30 years, and Jon Smith, former director of the DHPA, both in 2006; former Indiana first lady Judy O'Bannon, for her national and state preservation leadership for over 30 years, 2005; Bill and Gayle Cook for their support and dedication to the preservation of the West Baden Springs Hotel, 2001; Ann Windle of Madison, who helped develop Historic Madison, Inc., into one of the premier local preservation groups in the country, 2000; and John Oxian, president of the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, 1999.
Photo available by e-mail upon request.
Media Contact:
Marty Benson, DNR public information officer, (317) 233-3853; cell (317) 696-9812, mbenson@dnr.IN.gov
The presentation was made by DNR director Robert E. Carter Jr., Indiana State Historic Preservation Officer; and Dr. James A. Glass, director of the DHPA. The award was presented to Christian at Samara during a tour of the residence that was being conducted for Benton County High School interior design students.
The award, which has been presented since 1999, recognizes local Hoosier advocates of historic preservation and their work. It is the highest honor given by the Indiana State Historic Preservation Office.
Christian and his wife, Catherine, who died in 1986, met Wright in1950, and soon after received his consent to be their architect. In January 1955, Wright presented the Christians with his design for their home, which Wright named "Samara," meaning "winged seed."
The Christians cared for their home with the respect and honor due any great work of art. Repairs were made with strict adherence to Wright's design and when they could, the Christians added elements of the original design, including furnishings that they could not afford as a young married couple.
The owner has devoted his retirement years to ensuring that the home will be cared for well into the future. Recognizing that he is the steward of one of Indiana's greatest architectural landmarks, he has shared the story of Wright and Samara with any interested. He has generously given his time and knowledge to make the home available to preservationists, architects, students, and Wright enthusiasts from around the state and nation.
Past recipients include: J. Reid Williamson, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana president for more than 30 years, and Jon Smith, former director of the DHPA, both in 2006; former Indiana first lady Judy O'Bannon, for her national and state preservation leadership for over 30 years, 2005; Bill and Gayle Cook for their support and dedication to the preservation of the West Baden Springs Hotel, 2001; Ann Windle of Madison, who helped develop Historic Madison, Inc., into one of the premier local preservation groups in the country, 2000; and John Oxian, president of the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, 1999.
Photo available by e-mail upon request.
Media Contact:
Marty Benson, DNR public information officer, (317) 233-3853; cell (317) 696-9812, mbenson@dnr.IN.gov