Wingspread

Wingspread was built for Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr. (H.F. Johnson Jr.), who was the president of S.C. Johnson & Son (Johnson Wax). Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built the house between 1938 and 1939 on Lake Michigan in Wind Point, Wisconsin, near Racine. Wright named it “Wingspread” because of its four wings radiating outward from a central octagonal living space like a pinwheel.

Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr. and his family lived at Wingspread from 1939 until the property was donated in 1960. This included:

His third wife:

  • Irene Purcell Johnson (married 1941, died 1972) – She lived there from 1941 until the property was donated

His children (with Gertrude Brauner):

  • Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr. (b. 1928) – later succeeded his father as president of S.C. Johnson
  • Karen Johnson Boyd (b. 1924)
  • Henrietta (b. 1927, d. 1931)

After Irene Purcell married Hib in 1941, it became clear that the home did not fit her personal aesthetic or functional preferences. Wright famously resisted any rearrangement of furniture or modifications to his layout, leading the couple to plan a separate home on the property that better reflected Irene’s tastes.

The family donated Wingspread to the Johnson Foundation in 1960, and it became an educational conference center in 1961.

Plans for Wingspread by Frank Lloyd Wright
Model of Wingspread with architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Herbert F. Johnson Jr. and his son Sam Johnson at the Wingspread (image credit: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.)
1940 Census showing servants at Wingspread: Kenford Nelson (lodger), Roland Herbert (houseman), Martha Jacobson (housekeeper), Myrtle Larson (maid). Kenford Nelson went on to be head of the law department and a secretary of S. C. Johnson & Son.
Racine Journal Times, December 29, 1939. Housewarming Dance Party Fetes Miss Karen Johnson At Her Home, WingspreadBeautiful Wingspread, the country estate of Herbert F. Johnson Jr., provided a thoroughly lovely setting for joyous youth last evening when Mr. Johnson's daughter, Karen, was honored with a housewarming party by her father. The occasion was a dancing party for 200 young guests.There are few times in the lives of parents when they are actually envious of their children's activities, for it is the lot of parents to be happy in the happiness and pleasures of their young people. It is safe to say, however, that many a parent last night wished that he or she might be in their children's shoes, for they knew the pleasures awaiting the young people at the party and the thrill which would be theirs through a visit to Wingspread, the creation of the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, said by many to be unsurpassed in beauty and originality.Dudley Crafts Watson, on a recent visit to Racine and the Johnson home, said “there is nothing like it in the world,” and the party guests last evening echoed his appreciation as they gathered in the all-in-one salon, dining room library and music room which surround an enormous chimney with four huge fireplaces.Aunt Is HostessMrs. John Louis of Evanston, aunt of Miss Karen, was hostess, and with Miss Karen, who was frocked in black velvet, welcomed the guests—the girls in their delicate pink, blue and soft shaded gowns of tulle which seemingly floated to the floor, and their proud young escorts.Music was by Tony Cabot of Chicago. Lester Mayhew of Milwaukee, dancing professor, directed the dance program which followed the idea of a ski hop, and after each dance, favors were given the young dancers. The latest jitterbug dance, the Ballinger Break, which follows the Lambeth Walk, was taught the guests by Mr. Mayhew.Additional entertainment features had been arranged for the party. A Milwaukee artist, clever at silhouette work, spent a busy evening as she drew the silhouettes of the young guests and presented them to the individual models for their very own.Punch Is ServedIn the recreation room, guests were served at two punch bowls, one of raspberry and one of lemon to follow the red and white holiday colors. Between the bowls was a huge red candle in a bed of greens on which were arranged four white reindeer. Mr. Whitman of the Racine Country club catered for the supper which took place at midnight.At one fireplace was stationed a huge kettle from which an attendant served chicken a la king in patty shells. Cranberry jelly in the shape of large stars, surrounded by green olives and celery, was another feature and holiday note in the buffet supper. Angel's cake with ice cream and chocolate sauce was served as a dessert.Laurel in DecorationsRopes of laurel decorated the mezzanine and in three places were hung bunches of mistletoe. In one corner was a beautifully decorated, lighted Christmas tree, and large Christmas wreaths hung over three fireplaces. Over the fireplace in the mezzanine was hung a huge crystal star lighted by electricity, and on the balcony were placed huge baskets filled with pines, holly, grapevine and red Christmas berries. Large poinsettia plants were placed here and there, and over the fireplace at which stood the kettle, six large red cellophane bells were hung.Racine guests were joined by several from out-of-town, including Ann Frothingham, Kay Frothingham, Edward Wyman, Donald Kennedy, Thomas Louis, John Louis of Evanston; Catherine Barnett, Glencoe; Nancy Armstrong Highland Park; Elizabeth Spencer, Lake Geneva.
Racine Journal Times, December 29, 1939. House Warming Dance Party Fetes Miss Karen Johnson At Her Home, Wingspread.
**RACINE JOURNAL-TIMES, MONDAY AFTERNOON, DECEMBER 8, 1941.** **Herbert F. Johnson Jr.**  **Anna May Wong**  **Mrs. Herbert F. Johnson Jr.** **Stage and Screen Star Visits at Johnson Home, Wingspread** At Wingspread, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert F. Johnson, Jr., Anna May Wong, star of the stage and screen, was a guest over the weekend. Miss Wong came to Racine in the interests of the solicitation of funds for China Relief, Inc., and spoke on the Chinese situation Friday evening at a party at the Johnson office building which marked the opening of the local drive for funds. The drive will continue throughout the week, with movies shown each evening from 7:30 to 9:30 in the Johnson office building theater. Movies shown include “This Is China,” “Smile with the Children of China” and March of Time. Chinese merchandise is displayed for sale in connection with the shows, tickets for which may be obtained by calling S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. *(Journal-Times Photo)* --- **Transcription notes:** This is a complete, literal transcription of the visible newspaper clipping. The image is a historical black-and-white photo with accompanying caption and article text from December 8, 1941. No significant portions appear to be missing or illegible in the provided scan.
Racine Journal Times, December 8, 1941. Stage and Screen Star Visits at Johnson Home, Wingspread. At Wingspread, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert F. Johnson, Jr., Anna May Wong, star of the stage and screen, was a guest over the weekend.
Racine Journal Times, January 5, 1950. **Transcription of the Newspaper Article:** **H. F. Johnsons and Sam Give Large Supper Dance** WINGSPREAD, the H. F. Johnsons’ spacious Frank Lloyd Wright home at Wind Point, was particularly gay Saturday night, when Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and Sam, home from Cornell university for the holidays, gave a New Year’s Eve supper dance for 100 guests, including a number from out-of-town. The Davis orchestra, familiar to patrons of Chicago’s Chez Paree, offered a delightful program of favored dance music, and every one considered it a memorable party. Two of Sam’s Cornell friends were house guests of the Johnsons while he was home: James Luther of New York State and Jim Brandt of Detroit. All three are members of Chi Psi fraternity. Sam left yesterday afternoon for Ithaca, to resume his senior studies at Cornell.
Racine Journal Times, January 5, 1950. H. F. Johnsons and Sam Give Large Supper Dance.
**Transcription of the newspaper article:** **Panorama** *By Harriet Wratten* MR. and Mrs. H. F. Johnson, who recently returned to Wingspread from their Palm Springs home, will leave by train Wednesday for New York, where Mr. Johnson will board a plane for Santos, Brazil. There, as trustee of the United States council, he will attend a week’s conference of the Inter-American Council of Commerce and Production. Meanwhile, Mrs. Johnson will stay on in New York in the hope of securing passage for Europe, with Rome and Holy Year observance as her chief objectives. The Saturnia, on which she had long ago made reservation, has canceled its sailing schedules because of disabilities which have placed it indefinitely in dry dock in Italy. In event that she is able to secure other accommodations, Mrs. Johnson will go on ahead, to be joined aboard later by Mr. Johnson. In any event, they plan to be in the United States for Cornell University’s commencement program in June, when Mr. Johnson’s son, Sam, will be graduated. Sam had his Easter vacation with the Johnsons in Palm Springs, and has now returned to Ithaca. In the fall he will enter upon the two-year term of the Harvard Business school, where his application for admittance has just been accepted. --- This appears to be from *The Journal-Times* (Racine, Wisconsin), dated April 10, 1950, based on the filename. The article focuses on the travel plans of Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Johnson (likely Herbert F. Johnson of S.C. Johnson & Son / Johnson Wax, owners of Wingspread). The right-hand column continues with unrelated local news about other travelers.
Racine Journal Times, April 10, 1950. Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Johnson, who recently returned to Wingspread from their Palm Springs home, will leave by train Wednesday for New York, where Mr. Johnson will board a plane for Santos, Brazil.
Racine Journal Times, December 22, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert F. Johnson entertained at their home, Wingspread, Saturday at their annual party for children and their mothers. Approximately 60 guests heard a program by the Johnson carolers before dinner was served and gifts were distributed.
Racine Journal Times, December 22, 1952. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert F. Johnson entertained at their home, Wingspread, Saturday at their annual party for children and their mothers.
Racine Journal Times, February 12, 1954. **Transcription of the newspaper caption:** **ENTERTAIN AMBASSADOR** — James Kemper, standing, recently appointed as ambassador to Brazil by President Eisenhower, was the guest this week of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Johnson, Wingspread, Racine, at their hotel in Miami. The Johnsons will continue on to their home near Santiago, Chile, soon, where they will divide their time between fishing for rainbow trout in Lake Villarica and exploring the Inca ruins. Mrs. Johnson hopes to bring home some 2,000-year-old Inca textiles which she'll make into mementos for her friends.
Racine Journal Times, February 12, 1954. ENTERTAIN AMBASSADOR — James Kemper, standing, recently appointed as ambassador to Brazil by President Eisenhower, was the guest this week of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Johnson, Wingspread, Racine, at their hotel in Miami. The Johnsons will continue on to their home near Santiago, Chile, soon, where they will divide their time between fishing for rainbow trout in Lake Villarica and exploring the Inca ruins.
Racine Journal Times, January 26, 1959. **Incorporate New Johnson Foundation for Charity, Education and Religion** **Founding of a new philanthropic organization, The Johnson Foundation Inc., with headquarters in Racine, was announced today after the first meeting of the foundation’s board of trustees of which H. F. Johnson is chairman.** The newly-incorporated organization, The Johnson Foundation Inc., is expected to expand upon the activities of the Johnson Foundation, an existing 21-year-old philanthropic trust established in 1937. **State Three Purposes** The new organization’s charter asserts funds will be devoted generally to “charitable, educational or religious purposes.” In the announcement Chairman Johnson stated, “On this founding date it is early to define the specific pursuits of the foundation but we have confidence and reason to believe that its work will have a significant effect in pioneering certain areas of education and philanthropic need, both in the midwestern United States and nationally.” Future trustees will be selected on a two-fold basis: to provide geographical representation from the principal areas of the United States, and to give the foundation the counsel of men and women who are outstanding in those areas of education and philanthropy to which it will devote its funds. Original members of the board are H. F. Johnson, chairman; Dr. Conrad A. Elvehjem, president of the University of Wisconsin; Samuel C. Johnson, vice president of S. C. Johnson & Son Inc., and S. C. Johnson of New York. Plans call also for the appointment of an informal council of advisors to assist the trustees and the foundation’s president in its program. **Elect President** At today’s meeting the trustees elected Paffrath as the foundation’s first president. Since 1950 he has been secretary of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, located in New York City. He resigned that post recently to accept the presidency. The organization will occupy temporary quarters in Racine during the current year, and in 1960 will establish permanent headquarters in “Wingspread,” the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence of Herbert F. Johnson. The building will be presented to the foundation by Mr. and Mrs. Johnson for this purpose. According to long range plans being made by the trustees of the foundation, “Wingspread” will also be developed beyond 1960 as an educational conference center, primarily for the use of institutions of higher learning. **With Carnegie Endowment** Paffrath, 43, a native New Yorker, has been active in philanthropic foundations, organizations in the area of international relations, and in New York City community affairs. While with the Carnegie Endowment he acted as principal staff officer with a trustee building committee which planned and constructed in New York the Carnegie Endowment International Center, a $5 million structure devoted to the use of educational and non-profit organizations. At one time he was affiliated with the Institute of Public Administration, New York City, and the state government of New Hampshire, serving in the latter capacity in the controller’s office, as a member of the governor’s staff and as director of the state’s council of defense, an appointee of the governor. After World War II, in which he served as an officer in the Navy, he was appointed director of the New Hampshire State Planning Commission’s New York office, concerned with advancing industrial development of the New England state. He then joined the staff of the Carnegie Endowment. **LESLIE PAFFRATH** ... First President ...
Racine Journal Times, January 26, 1959. Founding of a new philanthropic organization, The Johnson Foundation Inc., with headquarters in Racine, was announced today after the first meeting of the foundation’s board of trustees of which H. F. Johnson is chairman.