NELLE’S BEDROOM AND BATHROOM
When walking into Nelle’s bedroom from the narrow hallway, you will notice the multitude of windows providing lots of light and beautiful views of the southern half of the estate. This is another example of Wright’s “compression into release” architectural feature. Notice that the ribbon of windows with the diamond-shaped glazing that is repeated from the den.
The furniture is all original to the Fabyans and was made in the Arts and Crafts style (1880-1910). While Wright’s studio in Oak Park did make furniture for clients, no evidence has been found that this furniture was his design.
Observe the mantel above the fireplace. If you stand next to the fireplace and furniture you might get a feel for the petite stature of Nelle Fabyan. She was less than 5 feet tall, so everything in her room was scaled to her height. The customization of the furniture can be seen in the notches cut into the back legs of the bureau and long desk. This was done so the items would fit snugly against the wall, flush with the baseboard trim.
Nelle was very interested in health and hygiene as is evident in her bedroom and bathroom features. Nelle slept in a hanging bed that hung from the ceiling—the hooks still remain! A hanging bed would allow for air from open windows and doors to circulate around her while she slept. It also allowed for ease of cleaning. Air circulation was thought to be helpful in preventing illnesses such as tuberculosis, which was very prevalent in the early 1900s. In the summer, Nelle was known to sleep in a hammock on the south veranda.
Nelle’s private bathroom also reflects her modern tastes as evidenced by the Roman style shower and sink with foot pedals. The shower was designed for three types of bathing: spray from the showerhead, spray from the circular pipes, or a combination of both simultaneously. The cement floor and shower walls are original. Wright added mica chips, a natural mineral that sparkled, to the wall cement for decorative interest on the east wall within the shower.
The sink is also unusual, as the faucet handles have been replaced by foot pedals. The foot pedals prevented the spread of germs from faucet handles, much like automatic faucets do today. The footbath, next to the sink, was used to not only clean the feet, but also to cool down your brain when you felt overheated. No, you did not stick your head in there—a person’s feet and head were considered to be connected. If you had a problem with one, the solution was to work on the other. The toilet is not original to the era, but the wooden chair and wooden toilet tank are.
Please return to the den to access the stairs to the second floor.
