JOHNSON WAX BUILDING (1936, 1944, 1951) S.237-238 AND

HERBERT JOHNSON RESIDENCE (WINGSPREAD) (1937) S.239

ARTIFACTS    BOOKS    BROCHURES    LIGHTER    PHOTOS    PRINTS    POSTCARDS    POSTERS

Designed in 1936, the building was completed on April 22, 1939. The Research Tower was designed in 1944, construction began in 1947 and the opening ceremony was held on November 17, 1950.

ARTIFACTS
	Date: 1936 Title: Original Bricks from the S.C. Johnson & Sons Administration Building (1936) (S.237).  Description: Five straight and two curved. More than 200 sizes and shapes of bricks were used to form the angles and curves designed by Wright. For the color he specified Cherokee Red.  The brick was trimmed with a lighter colored Kasota stone.  The mortar in the horizontal joints was raked.  The Great Workroom covers nearly one-half acre.  Johnson chose a friend Ben Wiltscheck to build the new building (Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building, Lipman 1986, p32.4).  After Johnson and Wiltscheck rejected the brick factory in Racine, Wright selected the Streator Brick Company in Streator, Illinois (p38.1).  In 1947 construction began on the 14-floor Research Tower.  In 1947 construction began on the 14-floor Research Tower. In 2007 restoration to the Administration Building was initiated and these were carefully salvaged and cleaned.  Size: 9 x 3 S#: 0404.13.0907, 0404.14.0907, 0404.15.0907, 0404.16.0907,  0404.17.0907, 0404.18.0907, 0404.19.0907
2007 Restoration to the Administration Building

BOOKS
	Date: 1961 Title: Wingspread: Dedication Ceremony.  June 24, 1961  (Published by The Johnson Foundation, Racine, Wisconsin) Author: The Johnson Foundation Description: A pamphlet for the dedication of Wingspread. The home was designed by Wright in 1938 for Mr. And Mrs. H. F. Johnson. In 1960, through a gift of the Johnson’s, it become the headquarters of The Johnson Foundation. (First Edition) Size: 7.3 x 9.75 Pages: Pp 8 S#: 1464.03.0307
	Date: 1961 Title: The Johnson Foundation: Wingspread, Racine, Wisconsin (Published by The Johnson Foundation, Racine, Wisconsin) Author: Peters, Gerald; O’Brien, James E.; Kincaid, Dorothy Description: A pamphlet that includes reprints of four articles about Wingspread.  Dates include: November 27, 1960;  March 12, 1961;  March 22, 1961;  April 24, 1961.  (First Edition) Size: 8.5 x 11 Pages: Pp 10 S#: 1464.04.0307
	Date: 1964 Title: The Johnson Foundation and its Wingspread (Published by The Johnson Foundation, Racine, Wisconsin) Author: Oliver, William Description: "In the village of Wind Point, which touches the northeast corner of Racine, there stands a lighthouse on the sore of Lake Michigan. A short distance away is a building called Wingspread - it too is a lighthouse of sorts, casting a beam of light which penetrates the darkness of ignorance shrouding a true understanding of man and the universe in which he lives." Reprinted from the Autumn 1964 Issue of Wisconsin Tales and Trails. Includes ten photographs and two illustrations. (First Edition) Size: 9 x 12 Pages: Pp 8 S#: 1596.15.1109
	Date: 1978 Title: This is Johnson Wax (Soft Cover) Author: S.C. Johnson & Son Description: Descriptive six page booklet describing the S.C. Johnson and Son facility.  (First Edition) Size: Pages: Pp 6 ST#: 1978.15.0604
	Date: 1981 Title: Wingspread - the Building  (Stiff Soft Cover)  (Publsihed by the Johnson Foundation) Author: Kinch, Richard; Johnson Foundation Description: Original SC List Price $5.00.  (First Edition) Size: Pages: Pp 32 ST#: 1981.06.0603
	Date: 1981 Title: Wingspread - the Setting  (Soft Cover) Author: Johnson Foundation Description: (First Edition) Size: Pages: Pp 12 ST#: 1983.08.0603
	Date: 1986 Title: Frank Lloyd Wright And The Johnson Wax Building (Soft Cover)  (Published by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., New York) Author: Lipman, Jonathan Description: Published on the occasion of an exhibition organized by the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, and exhibited at eleven locations from April 26, 1986 - December 31, 1988.  Original HC List Price $35.00, SC List Price $20.00.  (First Edition) Size: 8.25 x 10 Pages: Pp 192 ST#: 1986.02.1299
	Date: 2003 Title: Frank Lloyd Wright and The Johnson Wax Building  (Soft Cover)  (Published by Dover Publications, Inc., Mineola, New York) Author: Lipman, Jonathan Description: First published in 1986 by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc. Published on the occasion of an exhibition organized by the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, and exhibited at eleven locations from April 26, 1986 - December 31, 1988. Original list price 19.95. Two copies. (First Dover Edition) Size: 8.25 x 10.9 Pages: Pp 197 ST#: 2003.32.0907, 2003.33.0907
	Date: 1986 Title: Johnson Wax Magazine  (Hard Cover - DJ) Author: Lindner, Joe W., Editor Description: 1886 - S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc - 1986, One hundred years of Leadership. Published on the 100th Anniversary. (First Edition) Size: 9 x 12 Pages: Pp 64 ST#: 1986.05.0800
	Date: 1988 Title: Tour of Historic Places: Frank Lloyd Wright & Associates  (Published by Preservation-Racine, Inc., Racine, Wisconsin) Author: Kalec, Don Description: Includes information on S. C. Johnson and Son Administration Building and Research Tower, Wingspread, The Golden Rondelle, and the Wright Apprentices.  Includes 16 photographs and illustrations. Included when tickets were purchased for the tour. (First Edition) Size: 5.5 x 8.5 Pages: Pp 64 ST#: 1988.36.0507
	Date: 1988 Title: Administration Center, The World’s Most Modern Office Building.  Johnson Wax, Racine Wisconsin.  (Published by Johnson Wax) Author: Johnson Wax Description: Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  Includes details about Wright and S. C. Johnson and Son Administration Building. Included when tickets were purchased for the tour. (First Edition) Size: 8.5 x 11 Pages: Pp 5 ST#: 1988.37.0507
	Date: 2000 Title: Frank Lloyd Wright, SC Johnson and A New Architecture. The 2001 Brick In Architecture Awards Call For Entry. (Published by the Brick Industry Association in conjunction with Architecture magazine.) Author: Brick Industry Association Description: "The Progressive Industrialist and the Radical Architect. ...The heart of the administrative building is the ’Great Workroom’ - a two story, single hall where executives and clerical staff all work together." Wright is quoted "This is not only a thoroughly modern piece of work, but more nearly exemplifies the ideal of an organic architecture than any other I have built." Gift from Randolph C. Henning. (First Edition) Size: 8 x 8 Pages: Pp 12 ST#: 2000.60.0510

BROCHURES
	Date: 1977 Title: Announcement and Invitation Description: Johnson Wax Flyer announcing “Meeting & Tour of the Johnson Wax Corporate Headquarters: Frank Lloyd Wright, Architect.” Includes tour and dinner. Size: 8.5 x 11 Pages: Pp 2 S#: 2023.05.0406
	Date: 1986 Title: Frank Lloyd Wright: Johnson Wax Building (Published by the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University).  Author: Text by Thomas W. Leavitt Description: Exhibit Brochure: “Creating a Corporate Cathedral”. For the traveling exhibit (1986-1988).  Includes five photos and illustrations. Size: 5.25 x 11.5 Pages: Pp 8 ST#: 1986.19.0406

LIGHTER
	Date: 1947 Title: Johnson’s Wax Tower Lighter.  Description: In 1999 I contacted the SC Johnson Archive Department.  According to their records, these were produced in 1947,  and some were given away at that time as Christmas gifts.  One was sent to Frank Lloyd Wright which lead the archivist to believe that he had nothing to do with the lighter project or he would probably have gotten an advanced copy (that was the practice).  In 1948, more were given out as Christmas gifts.  When the Tower was dedicated on 11/17/50, Mr. Wright was in attendance.  250 were invited. 200 accepted, and each were given a lighter as a memento.  Size: S#: 1947.00.0499

PHOTOS
	Date: 1936 Title: S.C. Johnson Building Model. 1936. Description: Designed in 1936, the building was completed on April 22, 1939. The Research Tower was designed in 1944 and construction began in 1947. Caption on back: "Now in Wisconsin. For years Frank Lloyd Wright designed unique buildings in many parts of the world. He planned this factory of the Johnson & Co., Racine. It combines straight and curved lines, built without ornamentation, yet with a trim beauty of its own." Additional images of model in "Frank Lloyd Wright and The Johnson Wax Building" Lipman, page 36. "At the end of August Wright guided three of his apprentices Blaine and Hulda Drake, and Eugene Masselink, in the construction of a large, detailed model of the Administration Building that could be separated into two halves, allowing one to peer into a miniature Great Workroom." Construction of the model lead Wright to make changes to the design. Page 37. Paul’s Photos. 3702 N. Lakewood Avenue, Chicago 13, Illinois. "GF-901". Original silver gelatin photo. Size: 10 x 5.8 S#: 0404.22.0109
	Date: 1939 Title: S.C. Johnson Headquarters “Great Workroom”.  Description: Ken Burns considered the Johnson Wax Headquarters  “the greatest room in the United States today”.  Herbert Johnson addresses the employees in the Great Workroom during the 1939 profit-sharing meeting.  To his left is the company choir and to his right is the company band.  Original silver gelatin photo.  Published in “Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building”  Lipman 1986, page 118-119.  Photographer unknown.  Size: 14 x 11 S#: 0501.10.0107
	Date: 1939 Title: S.C. Johnson Headquarters “Private Penthouse Office”.  Description: The desk engages the built-in cabinet.  Photographer unknown. “Photographic Department Neg. #3871 S. C. Johnson & Son Inc. Racine, Wisconsin.”  Published in “Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building”  Lipman 1986, page 115. Size: Original 8 x 10 silver gelatin photo. S#: 0501.11.0107
	Date: 1939 Title: S.C. Johnson Headquarters.  Description: “Detail of The Great Workroom”. Note double-wing tub desks. Photographer unknown #90018-F. S. C. Johnson & Son Inc. Racine, Wisconsin. Similar image published in “Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building” Lipman, 1986 page 107. Size: Original silver gelatin photo. S#: 0501.14.0907
	Date: 1939 Title: S.C. Johnson Headquarters 1939. Description: Porte cochere, viewed from the east. The loading dock is visible at the lower left. The glazed bridge from the penthouse to the squash court is located top center. Stamped on verso: "From Photographic Department, S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc., Racine, Wis. Makers of Johnson’s Wax. Photograph by Roy E. Petersen." Clipping on verso: "June 8 - 1949. The Johnson Wax Co. building at Racine, Wis., designed by Wright. Architects have called it the greatest contribution to business housing since the advent of the skyscraper. It is built without windows and doors (other than the main opening) and is heated through the floor and supported by ‘golf-tee’ columns, modeled on the structure of a flower." Also published: "Oct 30, 1964. Another of Wright’s masterpieces, a business building in Racine, Wis. It has no windows and no doors except the entrance." Published in "Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building" Lipman, 1986 page 99. Acquired from the archives of the Chicago Sun-Times. Size: Original silver gelatin 10 x 8 photo. S#: 0798.10.0310
	Date: 1950 Title: S.C. Johnson Research Tower, 1950. Description: Round Mezzanines are visible through the glass tubing. The Research Tower was designed in 1944, construction began in 1947 and the opening ceremony was held on November 17, 1950. Published in "A Testament" Wright,1957, page 172-173. "Frank Lloyd Wright, His Life, His Work, His Words" Wright, 1966, page 133. “Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building” Lipman, 1986, page 158 (dates image at 1950). Size: Original silver gelatin photo. 8 x 10. S#: 0831.19.1109
	Date: 1953 Title: S.C. Johnson Headquarters "Great Workroom" 1953. Description: Caption on verso: "Pillars arranged in a unique pattern developed by Wright provide open areas in the Johnson Wax Co.’s administration offices at Racine, Wis. Wright cites this building as proof that an architect can obtain spaciousness in a building without making it appear awkward." Stamped on verso: "Dec 27, 1953. International Newsreel Photo, 235 East 65th Street, New York 17, N.Y." Size: Original silver gelatin 9 x 7 photo. S#: 0987.32.0510
	Date: 1956 (1939) Title: S.C. Johnson Headquarters "Great Workroom" 1956. Description: Stamped on verso: "From Photographic Department, S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc., Racine, Wis. Makers of Johnson’s Wax. Aug 8, 1956." Acquired from the archives of the Chicago Sun-Times. Size: Original silver gelatin 10 x 8 photo. S#: 1147.27.0310
	Date: 1960 Title: Herbert F. Johnson Wingspread (1937 - S.239) 1960. Description: Clipping pasted to verso: "Racine, Wis. - Aerial view shows advanced design of Wingspread, huge ‘prairie house’ designed by the late Frank Lloyd Wright and built near Racine in 1938. Its opening as a conference center was announced by the Johnson Foundation, with the first parley there to be a meeting of the Midwest Regional American assembly Nov. 17-20. Authorities on foreign relations will discuss who should be next secretary of state. Home formerly was residence of H. F. Johnson, board chairman of S. C. Johnson & Sons, Inc., wax manufacturers", stamped "Nov 12, 1960". Published in "The Johnson Foundation, Wingspread" 1961. Acquired from the archives of the Chicago Tribune. Size: Original 10 x 6.9 B&W photograph. S#: 1458.37.1211
	Date: 1998 Title: Fallingwater. "Frank Lloyd Wright. A film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick." Description: Photograph includes Fallingwater, Imperial Hotel, S.C. Johnson Wax Company Administration Building, Unity Temple. Label on verso: Frank Lloyd Wright. A film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings: (top left) Fallingwater in Bear Run, Pennsylvania; (top right) the Imperial Hotel in Japan which has since been demolished; (bottom left) the S.C. Johnson Wax Company Administration Building in Racine, Wisconsin; (bottom right) and the Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, are examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. The brilliant and controversial architect, who revolutionized American architect, is the subject of a new film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novack. ‘Frank Lloyd Wright’, which interweaves Wright’s extraordinary career with his equally tempestuous personal life, will be broadcast on PBS as a ‘General Motors Mark of Excellence Presentation, "Tuesday, Nov, 10 and Wednesday, Nov, 11, 1998. Photo credits: Fallingwater, Courtesy of James Reber and the Frank Lloyd Wright Archives. Imperial Hotel, S.C. Johnson and Unity Temple, Courtesy of the Frank Lloyd Wright Archives." Stamped on verso: "Nov 1998". Size: Original 10 x 8 B&W photograph. Individual images 4.75 x 3. ST#: 1998.67.1011

LITHOGRAPH PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTS
S.C. Johnson & Son Administration Building.  Set of prints. Tours where available at the S.C. Johnson & Son in 1988 at cost $8.00 per person. S.C. Johnson & Son handed out a tour booklet and these prints during the tour. Tour booklet included five sites: Wingspread, the Golden Rondelle, the Johnson Wax building, the Prairie School, and St. Patrick's Church.
	Date: Circa 1988 Title: Frank Lloyd Wright in the Administration Building, 1950.  Description: Print 1) Published in “Frank Lloyd Wright and the Johnson Wax Building” Lipman 1986, Page Frontpiece. Size: 8 x 10 lithograph print.  ST#: 1988.32.0307
	Date: 1988 Title: Lobby of the S.C. Johnson & Son. Description: Print 2) Lobby of the S.C. Johnson & Son. Administration Building. Size: 8 x 10 lithograph print. ST#: 1988.56.0911
	Date: Circa 1988 Title: The Great Workroom Description: Print 3) The Great Workroom, Circa 1950.  Size: 8 x 10 lithograph print. ST#: 1988.33.0307
	Date: Circa 1988 Title: The Research Tower. Description: Print 4) The Research Tower, Circa 1960.  Size: 8 x 10 lithograph print. ST#: 1988.34.0307
	Date: 1988 Title: Walkway of the S.C. Johnson & Son. Description: Print 5) Walkway of the S.C. Johnson & Son. Administration Building. Two copies. Size: 8 x 10 lithograph print. ST#: 1988.57.0911, 1988.58.0911
	Date: Circa 1988 Title: Aerial view of the Johnson Company Description: Print 6) Aerial view of the Johnson Company, Circa 1980.  Size: 8 x 10 lithograph print. ST#: 1988.35.0307, 1988.55.0911

POSTCARDS
	Date: 1938 Title: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (Published by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.).  Description: "An authentic original in the world’s modern architecture. The new headquarters office of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Makers of Johnson’s Wax, Racine, Wis. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright."  Size: 5.5 x 3.25 S#: 0460.02.0305
	Date: 1939 Title: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.  Description: “1975 - The Offices of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Racine Wisconsin.”  #9A-H1645. Back: “C.T. Art-Colortone”.  PM 11/30/40. Size: 5.5 x 3.5 S#: 0501.12.0207
	Date: 1950 Title: “The Offices of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Racine Wisconsin.”  Description: #OC-H2098.  Back: “The unique 15 story Research and Development Tower, with adjoining buildings, completes the group of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for S.C. Johnson & Son.”  Service Paper Co.,  Racine, Wis.  Genuine Curteich-Chicago “C.T. Art-Colortone”  Size: 5.5 x 3.5 S#: 0831.15.0407
	Date: 1952 Title: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.  (2C-H1403)  (Published in 1952 by Curt Teich, Chicago)  Description: “The Administration and Research Center of S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. in Racine, Wisconsin - designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.”  Genuine Curteich-Chicago “C.T.  Art-Colortone”  In 1931 a new printing process was developed, and this style added another letter after the decade letter.  An ‘H’ was added if the card was printed using the ‘Art Colortone Method’ also called linen cards. Size: 5.5 x 3.5 S#: 0910.07.1106
	Date: 1958 Title: "Johnson’s Wax Administration & Research Center, Racine, Wisconsin. Description: Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright."  (Published in 1954 by Curt Teich.  Curteichcolor #D-12119. Size: 8.5 x 5.5 S#: 1259.10.0506
	Date: Circa 2000 Title: Wingspread Circa 2000. Description: "Aerial view of Wingspread. Wingspread, completed in 1939, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built as a residence for H.F. Johnson, Wingspread is now an international educational conference center maintained by The Johnson Foundation in Racine, Wisconsin. Thomas A. Heinz photograph." Size: 5.9 x 4.1 ST#: 2000.55.1209
	Date: Circa 2000 Title: Wingspread Circa 2000. Description: "The central chimney features five fireplaces. Wingspread, completed in 1939, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built as a residence for H.F. Johnson, Wingspread is now an international educational conference center maintained by The Johnson Foundation in Racine, Wisconsin. Thomas A. Heinz photograph." Size: 5.9 x 4.1 ST#: 2000.56.1209
	Date: Circa 2000 Title: Wingspread Circa 2000. Description: "The east and south wings of Wingspread. Wingspread, completed in 1939, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built as a residence for H.F. Johnson, Wingspread is now an international educational conference center maintained by The Johnson Foundation in Racine, Wisconsin. Thomas A. Heinz photograph." Size: 5.9 x 4.1 ST#: 2000.57.1209

POSTERS
	Date: 1981 Title: Innovative Furniture in America (Published by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, Washington D.C.) Author: Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service Description: Exhibition Poster: Organized and Circulated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, March 1981 - April 1983.  David A. Hanks, Exhibition Curator.  Secretary’s armchair for the S.C. Johnson Administration Building.  Painted steel, walnut arms, upholstered seat and back.  Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, 1936.  Manufactured by Steelcase, Inc.  (First Edition) Size: 23 x 33 ST#: 1981.17.0907
	Date: 1986 Title: Frank Lloyd Wright: “The Great Workroom”  1886 - S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Administration Building, Racine, Wisconsin - 1986  (Produced by S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.) Author: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Description: Created for the Centennial/ Preservation-Racine Tour Committee 1986. Published in "Johnson Wax Magazine"  (First Edition) Size: 31 x 21 ST#: 1986.21.0307
	Date: 1986 (Pamphlet) Title: Frank Lloyd Wright: “The Great Workroom”  S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., - Administration Building - Racine, Wisconsin  (Produced by S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.) Author: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Description: Descriptive pamphlet accompanying poster.  “To celebrate its 100th Anniversary...  Created a limited edition lithographic print.  Created especially for the Preservation Racine Tours of Homes.” (First Edition) Size: 6.25 x 4.6 Pages: Pp 4 ST#: 1986.22.0307

 

HOME    ARTIFACTS    AUDIO    BOOKS    PERIODICALS    PHOTOS   POSTCARDS   POSTERS     STAMPS    STUDIES   ASSISTING   COLLECTING

SEARCH WEB SITE

To donate or pass on information, comments or questions:

info@wrightlibrary.com

©Copyright 2001, 2012