The Wright Kind of Cheer

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site in Springfield is decking the halls with new decorations and spreading holiday cheer with music and guided tours.

In keeping with architect Frank Lloyd Wright's artistic vision, the Dana-Thomas House is being decorated with floral designs featuring native plants and flowers in warm earth tones. Dozens of volunteers with the Springfield Civic Garden Club dedicated hundreds of hours during the month of November designing arrangements throughout the historic site.  The club also awarded the site a grant of $750 to help improve lighting of the holiday floral designs, while Springfield Electric Supply Company donated lights to highlight holiday displays.  In addition, greens for the outdoor planters were donated by Grady Tree Farm, the Illinois Christmas Tree Association, and Jim and Pat Dees.  The holiday season includes extra hours on Wednesday nights during the Springfield downtown holiday walks, when the site remains open until 8:00 p.m.

Upcoming events at the Dana-Thomas House:

Holiday Walk - Wed., Dec. 6, 3:00-8:00 p.m.
Dana Thomas House Open until 8:00 p.m.
Guided 30-minute tours of holiday decorations at the Dana House starting at 4:30 p.m.
Music at the Dana House provided the Eddy Flute Choir

Holiday Walk Wed., Dec. 13, 3:00-8:00 p.m.
Dana Thomas House Open until 8 p.m.
Guided 30-minute tours of holiday decorations at the Dana House starting at 4:30 p.m.
Music at the Dana House provided the Eddy Flute Choir

Saturday, December 16
Illinois Symphony Orchestra Concert, Dana House Gallery
The Innigkeit String Quartet was formed as a group of friends who were hungry for opportunities to enrich their lives as musicians through a direct connection with the communities they lived and worked in. As members of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, they have played together for the last three years.
2 p.m.

Saturday, December 16
Beth Anderson Flute Choir Concert, Dana House Gallery
10 a.m.

Luminaria Open House
Dana House
Sunday, December 17, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Pick up tickets and enter at the front door on Lawrence Avenue.
Music at the Dana House provided the Eddy Flute Choir

Holiday Walk Wed., Dec. 20, 3:00-8:00 p.m.
Dana Thomas House Open until 8 pm
Guided 30 minute tours of holiday decorations at the Dana House starting at 4:30 pm
Music at the Dana House provided the Eddy Flute Choir

Large groups and families that are interested in scheduling a tour are welcome to call the site at 217-782-6776.

The Dana-Thomas House will be closed on Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25, as well as on Sunday and Monday, December 31 and January 1.

The Dana-Thomas House was built between 1902 and 1904. It is perhaps the best-preserved of Wright's "Prairie Style" homes, with more than 400 pieces of specially made art glass and original furnishings.  The house, located at Fourth and Lawrence Streets in Springfield, is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  It is open Wednesdays through Sundays for public tours.