The group Friends of the Rohlfs’ House (under the umbrella of the Allentown Association) is dedicated to purchasing and preserving the historic Rohlfs’ House, located in Allentown. The group says that this is the next logical architectural tourism project, that would appeal to those who associate Buffalo with the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, etc.
In his day, Charles Rohlfs was recognized as one the foremost furniture designers in America alongside Gustav Stickley, for example. He married Anna Katharine Green, who is considered “The Mother of American Mystery” novels. Together, the two lived in what is now known as “the Rohlfs’ House.”
Currently, an effort is underway to purchase the Rohlfs’ House – an architectural gem where the couple lived and created. The idea is to turn the house into “… a new model of house museum,” according to Frits Abell, who is advocating for the project.
“This is very much a living, breathing, multi-purpose model that will generate revenue through Airbnb rentals and events,” said Abell. “It taps into the historic and contemporary art and craft making.”
Currently, Friends of the Rohlfs’ House has expressed an interest in purchasing two significant bookcases (lead image), which came from the Rohlfs’ House and are coming up for auction by the Getty Foundation next week, noted Abell.
“She (Anna) was an important literary figure, and the bookcases were built by him (Charles),” Abell stated.
While the timeline of the purchase of the house is incertain, it is imminent. Therefore, it is imperative that these two bookcases are returned and restored to the property, where they belong.
From Friends of the Rohlfs’ House:
Please reach out to us via this Facebook page if you have an interest to support this endeavor (all donations will be made through the Allentown Association, and will be tax deductible).
While our group’s primary focus is to purchase and restore the Rohlfs’ House on Park Street, we feel that this is an important acquisition in that these two bookcase embody the spirit of both Anna Katherine Green and Charles Rohlfs.
To learn more about the house, visit www.preservationready.org/Buildings/156ParkStreet
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