Art Deco
American, Circa 1931
Pair of Skyscraper Bookcases
Black Walnut
H=66.25" W=15" D=8.5"
Accession # 11-2022-3585.00
These bookcases were commissioned as replicas of the Battle Creek Tower in Battle Creek, Michigan by Everett Carr Spelman, Sr. in the early 1930’s. Spelman worked for Holabird & Root, architects for the building. He was superintendent of construction and the building’s supervisor. We acquired these bookshelves via auction from the estate of Kirk Spelman of Duxbury, Massachusetts, the grandson of Everett Spelman, Sr.
The bookcases with their fun, stair stepped “skyscraper” design, are wonderful examples of the Art Deco style. They are finely made of solid walnut.
Above left: Matted and framed photograph of the Battle Creek Tower was also owned by Spelman, and acquired with the bookcases.
Above right: Vintage postcard showing the Battle Creek Tower, also called the Central National Bank Building.
Above: Interior views of the buildings main lobby.
Over the years this beautiful, Art Deco building had many names. 1st National Bank Building, Battle Creek Tower, Central National Bank Tower, Heritage Tower, Old Merchants Bank, and is now called “The Milton”.
The building is situated on Main Street in Battle Creek Michigan and originally opened, February 24, 1931. Newspapers said the 21 story tower was the first bank building in the US to have escalators. In later years the building fell into disuse and ruin. But the building was saved and restored, and in 2020 reopened as “The Milton” apartment building.
One interesting thing we discovered concerned an historic Black Walnut Tree. The large, 75 year old tree had been preserved by the local government since 1914, and there was interest in using it for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. However, the tree was procured by the bank which then used it to panel parts of the lobby and banking room. We can’t help but wonder if Everett Spelman, the buildings superintendent of construction and the buildings supervisor, had some of it used to create these shelves!
Above: Excerpt from the June 14, 1931 Battle Creek Michigan, Enquirer and Evening News, showcasing a large Art Deco mural which was painted onto the north wall of the banking room.