Fort Wayne is full of historic architecture that will sweep you back in time. Let’s step into another era with a visit to the Lincoln Tower in downtown Fort Wayne—once the tallest building in Indiana. When you visit the Lincoln Tower, you can see how the preservation of the bank and lobby have been so meticulously maintained that it’s easy to picture a scene from yesteryear playing out before you.
Lincoln Tower—Downtown Fort Wayne 1932
You stand at 116 E Berry, across from the courthouse and look up. Look way up… 22 stories, 312 feet to view the tallest building in Indiana from 1930 until 1962. Now look directly in front of you, above the revolving door to the 7 brass panels depicting the life of Abraham Lincoln which lead up to that sleek, graceful assent and you get a preview as to the splendor inside. Let’s turn back to the street and it’s 1932. Murmurs of the city, clanging of streetcars and a little girl walking past you. She looks way up too, enjoying that dizzy feeling, then follows her father through the revolving door and the entryway. You pass through the open brass grates and into the lobby. The girl, and you, take in the vast beauty with awe. She never tires of looking around at the multicolored marble, brass inlaid designs and up two stories to the mural which covers everything like a mysterious sky. The entire building exudes the simplistic grace of 1930’s art deco design through its Milford granite, Italian Travertine marble, hand wrought brass, Vermont limestone and Indiana granite.
The bank as well as this building is a masterpiece and testimony to the resilient spirit of Fort Wayne. The German American bank opened in Fort Wayne in 1905. World events affected sentiments towards Germany and the name was changed to The Lincoln Bank, emphasizing American integrity and complementing names of other Fort Wayne establishments, the Lincoln Highway and Lincoln Life Insurance Company. The German heritage however was honored when moving to a new location by hiring a German contractor and architect. Construction began August 16, 1929 only months before the stock market crash.
Father and daughter join the queue. There are 34 teller spaces, windows signaling its occupation with opening of little brass doors. Twirling in her ruffled Shirley Temple dress the girl is proud that she is togged to the brinks (all dressed up). The father still has limited confidence in the financial market and skepticism of this paper “check” he now receives as wages instead of cash. His uncertainty is tempered though, with the fact that despite the depression, Lincoln Bank committed to its growth and the tower was completed in 1930 for a cost of $1,3000,000. They are courteous, professional, have a savings program, and it is said that the basement holds the heaviest vault in Indiana. While waiting in line there is much bumping gums (meaningless conversation), and jokes about sourdough (counterfeit money). They move to the front and the girl shyly fingers the smooth marble and brass designs, looking again at the mysterious scene above her.
Designed by Glenn M. Shaw and a year in planning, the epic painting depicts an allegory of the sun in the center of the ceiling, surrounded with the zodiac. Energy radiates through the sky with golden rays to two opposing murals containing sculptural figures which represent seasons and both the male and female principles of nature. The scene is lit with both natural and recessed lighting.
Business transacted, the girl grabs her father’s hand ready for a downtown afternoon but first she veers him to the left of the lobby to hop up on a counter stool at the Soda Fountain. This intimate, friendly sandwich shop opened along with the tower to serve both employees and customers. Offering news, conversation, and sandwiches, they are best known for hand mixed sodas which the father buys for 5 cents. The daughter thinks it is a perfect component for their downtown adventure.
Back to Present Day
You can also take a seat as The Soda Fountain still exists today much the same as in 1930 with the original soda dispenser, stained glass sign, and friendly service. The menu now includes a variety of breakfast and lunch choices, popcorn, milkshakes, and as always the original hand mixed sodas (think phosphates, flavored sodas and green rivers). Perfect for your own downtown adventure!…