Secretary, or desk and bookcase, Federal style, with extensive inlay, including "1804", flanked by the initials "I M" (or J M) on fall board of desk. Initials likely represent one of John H. A. Bomberger's ancestors/relatives. Made in 3 parts: a cornice and frieze, a slant-front desk with cubby holes and extensive inlay inside and out, and a bookcase with glazed doors using diamond design tracery, centered oval fan inlay and 1/4 fans at all 8 corners of doors. Desk has half fan inlay on skirt, running diamond banding just above and bellflower inlay at face of desk corners.
Henry T. Spangler, a member of the first graduating class from Ursinus, married college president John H. A. Bomberger's daughter Marion. Spangler later became the president of Ursinus, himself. Bomberger was born in Lancaster, graduated from Marshall College in Lancaster (later Franklin & Marshall). The secretary was a Bomberger family piece inherited by daughter Marion who willed it to her daughter "Aunt Doll" who resided at Ursinus until her death. Her brother George (Joel Spangler's grandfather ) inherited the piece and later willed it to Joel.
Provenance
Believed to have descended through John H. A. Bomberger's family of Lancaster County, through his parents or their parents. Documented only from J. H. A Bomberger on. From Bombergers, it descended through the Spangler family.
Finish darkened overall. Large pieces of veneer missing and lifting on skirt. Large veneered oval on fall board has cracks throughout. Two vertical cracks extend up from each side of desk base. Thin molding splitting on bookcase base at back left side. Section of wood with inlay missing at top of bookcase at back of right side.
