Podcast Summary: Women Designers You Should Know

Episode: Extra Sketches: Design & Murder
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Host: Amber Asay
Title: Extra Sketches: Design & Murder

Introduction: A Dark Chapter in Architectural History

In this special bonus episode titled "Extra Sketches: Design & Murder," host Amber Asay ventures into a gripping true crime story intertwined with the life of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Set against the backdrop of spooky season, the episode delves into the tragic events that unfolded at Wright's iconic estate, Taliesin, revealing a side of history often overshadowed by his architectural brilliance.

Amber Asay (0:00):
“Today's episode covers some intense and graphic subject matter, including details of a violent crime. Listener discretion is advised.”

Setting the Scene: The Massacre at Taliesin

Amber begins by outlining the serene setting of Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin, abruptly shattered in August 1914 by a horrific massacre. The episode explores how Taliesin, envisioned as a sanctuary for creativity and unconventional living, became the site of violence that would forever mar Wright's legacy.

Key Events:

• Date & Location: August 15, 1914, Hills of Spring Green, Wisconsin.
• Victims: Martha Borthwick (Mamah), her children, and five workers.
• Perpetrator: Julian Carlton, the butler and handyman at Taliesin.

Amber Asay (0:03):
“Taliesin, the home he built as a refuge for love, creativity, and defiance of societal norms, became the scene of a massacre that would stain his life forever.”

Background: Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick

The episode provides a detailed backstory of Wright's personal life, focusing on his passionate and scandalous affair with Martha Borthwick, an educated feminist and librarian. Their relationship challenged societal norms and led to both personal and public turmoil.

Key Points:

• Initial Meeting: Martha Borthwick meets Wright in 1903 when her husband hires him to design their Oak Park home.
• Affair: Their relationship evolves into a passionate affair influenced by feminist ideas of free love.
• Scandal: In 1909, they abandon their families and flee to Europe, igniting widespread scandal and backlash upon their return.

Amber Asay (0:10):
“Wright's unconventional views on love shocked society. He famously declared that, 'Two women are necessary for a man of artistic mind. One to be the mother of his children and the other to be his mental companion, his inspiration and soulmate.'”

The Day of the Massacre: Unfolding Tragedy

Amber meticulously recounts the events of the afternoon of August 15, 1914. While Wright was in Chicago, Julian Carlton executed his deadly plan, resulting in the loss of seven lives and leaving Taliesin and its legacy in ruins.

Key Events:

• Calm Before the Storm: Workers and family members dine peacefully as Wright is away.
• Carlton's Plan: Requests gasoline under the guise of cleaning a rug, then locks doors and sets the fire.
• Attack: Carlton, armed with a hatchet, assaults the escaping workers, resulting in multiple fatalities.
• Aftermath: Carlton attempts suicide by ingesting hydrochloric acid and is found dead weeks later without revealing his motives.

Amber Asay (0:20):
“One survivor described the moment he jumped through a window, only to be met by Carlton swinging the hatchet at his co-workers.”

Exploring Motives: Racial Tensions and Paranoia

The podcast delves into potential motives behind Carlton's actions, highlighting the racial tensions and personal frustrations that may have fueled his violent outburst. Carlton, a black man from Barbados, faced hostility and possible threats of termination, contributing to his deteriorating mental state.

Key Insights:

• Racial Animus: Emile Braudel, one of the victims, had been particularly hostile and racist toward Carlton.
• Paranoia: Carlton exhibited signs of paranoia prior to the massacre, such as isolating himself and keeping a hatchet by his bed.
• Unanswered Questions: Carlton never explained his motives, leaving the tragedy shrouded in mystery.

Amber Asay (0:30):
“Was it paranoia, resentment, or something more sinister? This silence added to the enduring mystery around his true motive.”

Impact on Frank Lloyd Wright: Grief and Resilience

The massacre profoundly affected Wright, both personally and professionally. Despite the immense grief, Wright chose to rebuild Taliesin, symbolizing his resilience and dedication to his architectural vision.

Key Points:

• Wright's Response: He wrote a poignant letter defending his character and condemning the press for their portrayal of his affair.
• Rebuilding Taliesin: Wright rebuilt Taliesin twice, first after the 1914 massacre and again after a fire in 1925, demonstrating his determination to persevere.
• Evolution of Design: Post-Taliesin, Wright's work reflected a deeper introspection and a focus on organic architecture, aiming to create harmonious and serene spaces.

Amber Asay (0:45):
“After the massacre, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural approach evolved, reflecting both his grief and resilience. He chose to rebuild Taliesin despite his immense grief, and he built it within the same year.”

Legacy and Reflection: A Complex Legacy

The episode concludes by reflecting on Wright's complex legacy, acknowledging how personal tragedies intertwined with his creative genius. Taliesin stands today as both an architectural masterpiece and a memorial to a love that defied societal norms.

Key Takeaways:

• Complex Legacy: Wright's legacy encompasses both his groundbreaking designs and the personal scandals that shaped his life.
• Enduring Impact: Taliesin remains a symbol of resilience and innovation, influencing generations of architects.
• Historical Narrative: Amber emphasizes the importance of uncovering and acknowledging all facets of historical figures to fully understand their contributions and human experiences.

Amber Asay (0:55):
“It’s hard to imagine how such a horrific chapter could be part of the life of someone so celebrated for his creative brilliance, but I think that’s what makes Frank Lloyd Wright’s story so fascinating.”

Conclusion: Redesigning History with Untold Stories

Amber closes the episode by reiterating the podcast's mission to highlight untold stories and provide a more comprehensive understanding of historical figures, particularly emphasizing the narratives often overshadowed by their public personas.

Amber Asay (1:00):
“This was a tale of love, ambition, and unimaginable loss, but also one of resilience as Wright continued to create some of the world's most iconic architectural works after this event.”

Call to Action: Amber encourages listeners to review the episode, share it with others interested in the darker aspects of design history, and stay tuned for future episodes that balance intense narratives with lighter stories.

Amber Asay (1:05):
“If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone you think would be intrigued by the darker side of design history.”

Notable Quotes

• Amber Asay (0:00):
  “Today's episode covers some intense and graphic subject matter, including details of a violent crime. Listener discretion is advised.”

• Amber Asay (0:10):
  “Wright's unconventional views on love shocked society. He famously declared that, 'Two women are necessary for a man of artistic mind. One to be the mother of his children and the other to be his mental companion, his inspiration and soulmate.'”

• Amber Asay (0:20):
  “One survivor described the moment he jumped through a window, only to be met by Carlton swinging the hatchet at his co-workers.”

• Amber Asay (0:30):
  “Was it paranoia, resentment, or something more sinister? This silence added to the enduring mystery around his true motive.”

• Amber Asay (0:45):
  “After the massacre, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural approach evolved, reflecting both his grief and resilience. He chose to rebuild Taliesin despite his immense grief, and he built it within the same year.”

• Amber Asay (0:55):
  “It’s hard to imagine how such a horrific chapter could be part of the life of someone so celebrated for his creative brilliance, but I think that’s what makes Frank Lloyd Wright’s story so fascinating.”

• Amber Asay (1:00):
  “This was a tale of love, ambition, and unimaginable loss, but also one of resilience as Wright continued to create some of the world's most iconic architectural works after this event.”

• Amber Asay (1:05):
  “If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone you think would be intrigued by the darker side of design history.”

Sources Mentioned

• History.com: Article titled "Massacre at Frank Lloyd Wright's Love Cottage."
• All That's Interesting: Additional perspectives on the event.
• PBS: Article about Frank Lloyd Wright and his letter to his neighbors.
• Solved Mysteries Podcast (2021): Detailed recount of the massacre.

Conclusion

Amber Asay's "Extra Sketches: Design & Murder" offers a compelling exploration of a dark and often overlooked chapter in Frank Lloyd Wright's life, blending true crime with architectural history. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the episode underscores the complexity of historical legacies and the importance of uncovering all facets of a person's life to gain a fuller understanding of their impact on the world.