In 1931, to commemorate the opening of the National Newark and Essex Banking Company’s new Art Deco tower they published a booklet. Designed by the renowned architects, John H. and Wilson C. Ely, 744 Broad Street heralded the success of the bank, which had been founded in 1804. The main banking floor, which was located on the mezzanine level, was accessed by a grand marble staircase. The banking floor was adorned with 10 murals by J. Monroe Hewitt, assisted by Charles Gulbrandson, which told the story of bank’s historic past and Newark’s great industries. The building was a beacon of hope for a country slipping ever deeper into the Great Depression. I’ll let the booklet tell its own story.
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Newark's Attic 
The grandeur or the building and the bank has been lost to modern capitalism.
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So interesting how the paintings depict so much of the various industries of Newark, NJ which made it a powerhouse.
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My grandfather was James Monroe Hewlett. I have been researching his work but stopped a while ago. Just saw this folio by chance. So glad to see a recent interest in the bank murals. Maybe they won’t trash them after all.
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You would be very pleased to know that your grandfather’s murals have been beautifully restored and are well taken care of. The company that purchased 744 Broad Street, where the murals are located, spent 10’s of millions of dollars to restore the lobby and the banking floor to their Art Deco splendor. I would encourage you to see for yourself if you are ever in the vicinity. Thank you for your comment.
John Lipari
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My very first job in corporate America landed me in this very building. Very cool to learn it’s rich history.
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