The Palmer House Gallery

1950
S.332

227 Orchard Hills Dr.
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104

I spent the nights of Sunday, September 1, 2024 and Monday, September 2, 2024, at the one and only Palmer House in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  As I sit here in my study searching for a way to describe the essence of this beautiful place, and to paint an accurate portrait of my two night stay there, I am almost without words, and that doesn’t happen to this old man very often.  I knew the experience was going to be special, but I had no idea of just how special it would turn out to be.  Let me just say that the Palmer Residence is much more than a house, it is a state of mind, infused with the wit and soul of Frank Lloyd Wright.  So, let me try to convey how the Palmer House affected me, and made me feel…

Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Palmer House for Billy and Mary Palmer of Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1950.  It was completed in 1952, the year I was born.  That’s right, the Palmer House and I are both 72 years of age.  But, trust me, that is about all we have in common.  While my body is in a state of rapid decline, this house is solid and strong, and almost seems unaffected by the passage of time.  The house is elegant, yet functional, while I  often feel obsolete, and lacking in meaningful purpose.  This house is peaceful — it soothes the soul, and calms the mind.  I, on the other hand, feel as if my spirit and my mind grow more turbulent and unmanageable by the day —  cancer seems to have that effect on me —  while nothing seems to bother the Palmer House.  So, for two perfect days and nights, the Palmer House was my refuge, and offered me a hopeful mind and a peaceful heart.  I will be forever grateful that I met you, and will have you with me until the end of my days, to encourage me, to comfort me, and to give me hope.  To learn about the nuts and bolts of my stay, take a look at my blog.  I have nothing more to say that isn’t better said by my photographs, so here they are…I hope you enjoy them, as I enjoyed, and came to know, the Palmer House.

Gallery One —  Me, With My Newfound Friend…

Gallery Two — Exterior Photos (Samsung S22)

Gallery Three —  Interior Photos (Samsung S22)

Gallery Four —  Night Time Exterior Photos (Samsung S22)

Gallery Five —  Night Time Interior Photos (Samsung S22)

Gallery Six —  Tea House and Gardens (Samsung S22)

Galleries Seven & Eight —  Photos With My Nikon D500