Last week the Sierra Club, now in the 7100 block of Manchester Road, signed a lease to move to 2810 Sutton Boulevard, where the the former Harper’s Pharmacy did business for more than 50 years.
A Sierra Club staffer mentioned they wouldn’t be needing the cabinets installed in the shop, which started a conversation with the article about where they might end up. Some commenters said the cabinets should stay in the old pharmacy. Building owner David Schlafly commented that they would be removed and reused elsewhere in the process of thoroughly cleaning the space.
One asked the question where were the cabinets made. 40 South News contributor Doug Houser said he thought possibly Grand Rapids, MI, which appears to be right.
40 South News was given a tour of the entire building by a future tenant on Saturday during the Coffee Crawl. A few of the cabinets had been shifted, Wilmarth, Grand Rapids, Mich. could be seen on the edges.
Welch-Wilmarth Company merged with Grand Rapids Showcase in 1926. Grand Rapids Showcase, in 1913, claimed to manufacture more retail furnishings by volume than the combined total of tis three leading competitors, according to the Grand Rapids Historical Commission website.
In 1921, Welch Manufacturing and Wilmarth Showcase ran a joint design service. The name was changed to Grand Rapids Store Equipment Co. in 1927.
From the Wilmarth catalog, this 8-foot high section, which looks similar to what’s in Harper’s, went for $107. Others sold for more than $200. The wood is described as “Plain Oak.” Birch, mahogany, circassian (walnut) and gum were also offered.
Hi. I have 6 showcases made by Grand Rapids Show Case Co.- dated Aug. 16, 1920. Outside size is 30″ tall x 25″ deep x 49″ wide. Double horizonal glass doors. Can you help identify the use? They are stackable. Thanks.
Hi from Grand Rapids! I am currently working on historic certification for an 1844 Greek Revival home situated in a large historic district here in town. As coincidence would have it, in 1907, the owners were Mr. & Mrs. Lewis T. Wilmarth. In searching out information on the family, I found this online-readable Wilmarth catalog, Might be of some tangential interest … https://archive.org/details/ShowCasesAndStoreFixtures
Sue, thanks so much for this post. The catalog is very interesting. I hope if you get a chance you’ll post a photo of the Wilmarth home and of Mr. Wilmarth if available. If you’ve read our posts and articles you’re aware that some of the finest cabinets Mr. Wilmarth ever produced are located here in Maplewood and until just recently were in their original location. We’re committed to seeing them returned. Thanks again. Good luck with your effort.
I found that the Welch-Wilmarth Co. merged with the Grand Rapids Showcase Co. in 1926. The name then changed to the Grand Rapids Store Equipment Co. Therefore the cabinets are 1926 or earlier. The Cape/Harper building was built between 1924 and 1927 (Rosemary Davidson’s 1982 Maplewood Survey District). One can assume that the cabinets were installed before opening day of the second Harper’s Pharmacy. They have been there ever since. An even better reason for them to remain in their original positions.
Luke- something tells me those cabinets could stay local.
I, too, would love to see the cabinets remain in their original position. The “pharmacy” is a beautiful place. I can’t help but think the Sierra Club is not a good utilization of the spot. It saddens me.
Nice find Doug, Archive.org is an awesome site for referencing historic house plans and building materials etc. I sure hope David Schlafly finds a way to keep the cabinetry in Maplewood! But I cant say I am optimistic on that.