The Prairie School Traveler (original) (raw)

Fred Van Allen House844 Fifth Avenue South
Clinton, Iowa 52732-5577

John Morrell & Son, c. 1915

Fred Van Allen was one of the owners of the Van Allen Store. This house (now divided into apartments) is a curious mish-mash of styles, Prairie being only slightly represented. It’s interesting for the light it sheds on Van Allen’s taste, especially in connection with the commissioning of Sullivan by Van Allen’s business. It’s also interesting as a comparison of Morrell’s work; note the more orthodox Prairie School Hudson House across the street.

References • Gebhard, David, and Mansheim, Gerald: Buildings of Iowa. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993, p. 61.