Quasqueton, Iowa – Friends of Cedar Rock announced the publication of the first-ever book on the history of the Walter House at Cedar Rock, a Frank Lloyd Wight designed home located in Quasqueton, Iowa.

The Walter House, commissioned by Lowell and Agnes Walter, was the first Usonian house built in Iowa and is one of only twenty-five buildings worldwide that displays Wright’s signature red tile.

“This is a unique story and a truly unique home,” said Rodney Dieser, PhD, the book’s co-author, and Friends of Cedar Rock board member. “We wanted to tell the story about the Walters, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the beautiful home they created together on the banks of the Wapsipinicon River.”

After reading about Usonian homes in the Ladies Home Journal, the Walters reached out to famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and asked him to build a home on their property near the Wapsipinicon River. Construction began in 1948 and was completed in the summer of 1950. Wright visited the home on several occasions during construction and was a guest of the Walters shortly after they moved in.

“This is the first time we’ve had a book about Cedar Rock available in the gift shop,” said Kathryn Hund, manager of Cedar Rock State Park and the book’s co-author. “It has been the most popular selling item this year and it’s great that the proceeds go to support the Friends of Cedar Rock.”

Friends of Cedar Rock is a non-for-profit organization that strives to preserve the Walter House. The organization supports education, restoration, and preservation programs to help ensure that Lowell and Agnes Walter's home will continue to engage and inspire visitors for generations to come.

The book is available for purchase in the gift shop at the Cedar Rock Visitors’ Center or in the online store for $15.

Contact: Kathryn Hund, Kathryn.Hund@dnr.iowa.gov - 319.934.3572