Wright Was a Car Guy
Wright enjoyed hobbies outside of his architectural career. He may not have been a ‘kid’ guy, but he was definitely a car guy. He drove a self-built Stoddard Dayton around Oak Park, a yellow 45-horsepower beast that topped out at 60 mph (97 km/h). The neighbors called Wright’s car the Yellow Devil, and knew to stay out of the way when it came barreling down the street. John Wright, his son, said later, “Dad was kept busy paying fines.” He loved his cars so much he had a private gas pump installed in his garage. His love of cars gave in insight into the car culture that would pervade American communities in the 20th century. He designed the Robie House in Chicago with an integrated three car garage in 1908, when most houses were still storing their cars in sheds far detached from their house.