Editorial

Broadcast will highlight local treasure

Thursday, January 20, 2005

When "Antiques Roadshow" airs on Nebraska Public Television Monday night, the focus of attention will be letters and blueprints which document the planning and building of the only home in Nebraska designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The letters and blueprints -- preserved in immaculate condition -- were appraised at between $75,000 and $125,000 during the filming of the Roadshow segment in Omaha.

The amount may seem staggering, but there is a reason that the blueprints and letters are so valuable. "It is said to be the best documented home construction project in Nebraska," said Mrs. Jan Korell, who with her husband, Van, is the current owner and occupant of the historic home at 602 Norris Ave.

Mrs. Korell gives credit to the descendants of Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Sutton for keeping the documentation in such good condition.

The original blueprints and the very detailed letters between Mrs. H.P. (Eliza) Sutton and Frank Lloyd Wright are now in the possession of the Sutton's great-great grandchildren in Gothenburg. The documents were taken to Omaha for appraisal by Patty Cordell, who now serves as a teacher in Brady.

Monday's showing on Nebraska Educational Television is scheduled at 8 p.m. (CST). The show will be repeated at 8 p.m. Jan. 27.

"It is not only the completeness of the documentation that makes it so valuable," Mrs. Korell said. "It is also the content."

When the Korells were restoring the home, devoted followers of Frank Lloyd Wright told them that the letters not only provide insights into Wright's views, but also the observations of those close to him, including associates and his secretary.

It is believed that the Suttons first learned of Wright when some of his designs were published in the Ladie's Home Journal. An exchange of letters followed, precisely documenting every step of the design and building process. The letter-writing began a century ago, in 1905, and continued through 1908, with the home's completion believed to be in 1907.

As shown by the appraisal, the original letters and blueprints have proven to be one of the most valuable collections of history in Nebraska. The Suttons and the Korells have made a significant contribution to the state's heritage by keeping the home and the original documentation intact.

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