Correspondence, 1912-1913: Design and construction

Letter from William Gray Purcell to George Grant Elmslie Minneapolis, Minnesota (April 23, 1913)

Dear George:-

The little joker went forward by express today and I hope it arrives promptly.

Do you think on more careful consideration that the pushing back of the house clear to the rear of the lot will be unfortunate with respect to the loss of green, grassy plateau which the house may need?

Do you think it would be wise to make the open terrace merely a nominal affair four or five feet wide so that one could more easily tend to see over it while sitting within the porch? You will remember we look down toward the lake. Then leave a space ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five feet possibly, between the open terrace and whatever happens at the rear. I was not forced to restrict myself about the distance back from the front line, although I propose to keep my substantial intent in mind as that was pretty definitely indicated to Mr. Weil, my neighbor, but we have quite a free latitude to do what you wish.

Yours, W.G.P.

Dear Mr. Elmslie:- Mr. Purcell is attending a matinee (Grand Opera) in the Auditorium and dictated this during an intermission. He probably had more to say, but at this juncture the musicians returned to the hall and he to do likewise. G.M.P. [1]

1. Gertrude M. Phillips, P&E office secretary.
 

research courtesy mark hammons