Hello, Kankakee County and friends from afar! In this special episode of the Kankakee Podcast, we stepped inside one of our region’s greatest architectural treasures: the Frank Lloyd Wright Bradley House. As “Wright in Kankakee” celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, we took the opportunity to sit down with the passionate people behind the events, the preservation, and the storytelling that make this house come alive for visitors and locals alike.
Honoring History with Community Spirit
This year marks a milestone for the Frank Lloyd Wright Bradley House—125 years standing tall along the river in Kankakee. Katie Walker, who coordinates the slate of anniversary events, shared how thoughtful planning started months in advance. As Katie put it:
“We started planning this year’s events in October of last year so we could get the ball rolling… We wanted to incorporate events that we’ve also had before and just build off of what we had before and see how we could make this year phenomenal.”
From “Sip Shop and Stroll” evenings with wine and live music on the porch to cozy night tours that let guests experience the house aglow, the festivities reflect both tradition and new ideas. A collaborative brainstorming committee ensured events would appeal to all—from high teas and family-friendly gatherings to lively concert nights.
Event Highlights: Old Favorites and New Surprises
Long-time visitors will recognize returning favorites like the “Christmas Walk” and “Ride at Twilight.” But Katie says one standout this year was the immersive “Oscar Vanishes” mystery night:
“This was a mystery night where we had six actors come in and tell us this wonderful story… Everybody dressed phenomenally, and it was a gorgeous event.”
The house is alive with music too—intimate concerts, lectures, and special tea parties for all ages are on the calendar. In total, close to 15 events are keeping the centennial-and-quarter year busy.
Meet the People Behind the Scenes
The Kankakee Podcast episode also introduces us to a few of the dedicated individuals helping preserve and promote the Bradley House legacy:
- Taylor Leddin McMaster, a new board member and Director of Marketing and Communications, is focused on spreading the word online. “There’s so many little things worth peeking at… all the original woodworking is incredible… so getting people excited and involved is the goal for sure,” she shared. Look for new content on Instagram, too!
- Mary Lou Martin, a volunteer with a background in art history, helps maintain the house’s gardens in the spirit of Wright’s vision and the native landscape. “He liked the open field, the glens, the kind of the natural look… He was very much into using native plants, not going with all of these exotics,” Mary Lou said.
- Steve Case, a familiar face from Olivet Nazarene University, is thrilled for the chance to foster community connections to the house. As he put it, “There’s just something about the space. It’s incredibly unique… I wanted to be a part of preserving that, but also promoting that to the community.”
Architectural Leadership with Deep Roots
Executive Director Bob Bohlmann brings a lifetime of architectural experience to the role, having designed many of the area’s most prominent buildings—including Centennial Chapel at Olivet and work at the historic courthouse. He first dined in the Wright house in 1966 and now, after years as a board member and executive director, says:
“You have a love and a passion for what you do in life. You do it well and you get paid to do it. I always say, I never worked a day in my life. I got paid to do what I love.”
Bob’s knowledge and passion shine through as he guides the organization, always looking to invite more people into the story of the house.
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars!
As part of the 125th festivities, a special day of talks and workshops at Olivet’s Reed Hall of Science will explore Wright, prairie design, and the restoration journey. To celebrate Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday weekend, the house will host a free, public open house and birthday party—complete with cupcakes and punch for all.
As Mary Lou Martin summarized:
“If you haven’t been to the house, you’ll at least be able to come in and maybe have a punch and see the downstairs… On Sunday, June 8, we’re having an open house birthday party for Frank… Come celebrate his birthday!”
An Invitation to Discover Our Heritage
Whether you’re a long-time admirer or have never set foot inside, this is the year to experience the Frank Lloyd Wright Bradley House. As the podcast guests all agreed, there’s something here for everyone—the architecture, the stories, the celebrations, and the community.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through one of Kankakee’s most historic spaces. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Kankakee Podcast, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and consider supporting us on Patreon—supporters like Stephanie Vanderweid help make it all possible!
Until next time, stay curious and keep celebrating the heritage and vibrant people that make Kankakee County such an extraordinary place.
—Jake LaMore, signing off with gratitude for community, history, and the homegrown stories that connect us all.
