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PrintThe State of Wright: Martin House Carriage House
kc kratt
Status: Open for tours/Wisteria Gift Shop
Location: Martin complex
History: The carriage house originally consisted of a garage and stable with a paddock area on the first floor. The second floor included an apartment for the groomsman (later chauffeur) and his family, along with a hayloft. This destroyed element was rebuilt in phase III of the restoration.
Significance: There is a photograph in the Martin House collection of Darwin and Isabelle and their children, Dorothy and Darwin R., riding in in their brand new horse and buggy on unpaved Jewett Avenue. Shortly after, they became one of the first families in Buffalo to own an automobile.
What to look for: The utilitarian structure was built to house horse, carriage, automobile, and their operators. A discerning eye can find similarities to the Larkin Administration building. Don’t miss the two restored carriage house windows that have been installed on the second floor (courtesy of private donors). Their unique pattern, incorporating opalescent blue glass, may be one of the handsomest designs in the collection.
Over the next two weeks we will post a series that organizes each Wright gem by location, history, what should be seen, and additional information that may pique visitor interest. There are many more resources, including guided tours for most sites, excluding the private homes. It is hoped that this guide will inspire readers to see firsthand the reasons why visitors from all over the world make the trip to Buffalo to experience Frank Lloyd Wright.
