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His mother Anna, took a strong interest in a series of educational blocks created by Friedrich Wilhelm August Froebel. These blocks, known as Froebel Gifts were the foundation of his new kindergarten programme. Anna purchased these and as a child, Frank spent a lot of time playing with them. The various geometric shapes could be assembled in combinations to form three-dimensional designs. Many of Wright’s later works have distinct geometrical clarity, which he mentioned in his autobiography, as being influential of these blocks.
Due to his family’s poor financial situation, Frank never attended high school. He was granted admission to the University of Wisconsin as a special student in 1885, and took part time classes for two semesters in engineering, as the school had no architectural courses. He eventually left in 1887 without finishing his degree. While at university, he was apprenticed under a local builder and professor of civil engineering. This was valuable experience, as when he left Wisconsin and moved to Chicago, he was able to gain a job at an architectural firm.
He married his first wife, Catherine Lee "Kitty" Tobin in 1889. she was the daughter of a wealthy businessman, and his marriage to her raised his social status considerably.
Frank worked for architectural firm Adler & Sullivan, taking on all the residential design work for the firm, however, worked behind his employers back for commission to support his rapidly expanding family. Eventually, Wright left Sullivan and established his own company, from his home.
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