BACKGROUND AND INSPIRATION:

This is one of the few indigenous American styles, developed by a creative group of Chicago architects known collectively as the Prairie School. Frank Lloyd Wright is essentially the "father" of Prairie style, and the acknowledged master of the prairie house. Considered one of America's most influential architects, Wright proclaimed that "Democracy needed something better than the box". Wright's prairie style focused specifically on midwestern regionalism, with its horizontal, open floor plans representing the expansive prairie region. Though avoiding historical stylistic trends of the competing period styles, the prairie style made subtle use of Japanese architecture, specifically that culture's use of horizontal space, flowing interior spaces, hipped roofs with broad eaves, and long bands of windows that apparently invoke the idea of Japanese screens (small, patterned pane glass). Though short-lived in the U.S., this is the first American style to be taken seriously in Europe (Source: Virginia and Lee McAlester).

A vernacular variant, and much more common, is the so-called American Foursquare, or "Prairie Box". These are simplified Prairie houses (though occasionally with elaborate facades and porches), named "Foursquare" due to its characteristic boxy shape and four rooms per floor. They are typically two-and-a-half stories with a large, central dormer. They often include a full-width front porch and four-room over four-room floor plan.

PHOTO LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS (based on info available)

1. Ashville, NC. This is the most common vernacular form of Prairie style, known as an American Foursquare.
2. Ashville, NC.
3. Stafford, CT.
4. Stafford, CT. Side angle of house in photo 3.
5. Madison, IN. Prairie-style home near downtown, c.1920. Prairie style originated from the work of Frank Lloyd Wright during the first decades of the 20th century, and some rare houses were patterned somewhat after his major works in Chicago, Los Angeles, and elsewhere. These were among the first "modern" houses, prior to post-war decades.
6. St. Louis, MO.
7. Savannah, GA.
8. Savannah, GA. American Foursquare, similar to photo 1.
9. Long Beach, CA. Basically an American Foursquare plan with good example of shed dormer at center.
10. Long Beach, CA. I had to call this one a Prairie-style house, given the low-pitched roof, modern ribbon windows and widely overhanging eaves. Despite the Mediterranean flare, the main craftsman-style doorway clenches this as Prairie style.
11. Durango, CO. Typical American Foursquare, with its cube shape and symmetry.
12. Kansas City, MO. American Foursquare with Colonial Revival facade and Federal entryway. Photo courtesy of Kelli Behr.
13-17. San Antonio, TX. Monte Vista Historic District. High-style Prairie house, c.1912. Architect worked directly with Frank Lloyd Wright, according to current owner.
18-19. San Antonio, TX. Two Foursquare homes with variations of Frank Lloyd Wright or Craftsman windows.