A Short History Of School Desks
Throughout my schooling, desks types progressed from wood and metal antique types in a one room rural schoolhouse where I started in Grade One to those constructed of modern steel tubing and plastic in my high school years.
I recall early school desks made of ornate iron frames that supported roomy wooden tops. These desktops bore the carvings and graffiti of the schoolchildren who had sat in them. The writing surface had a convenient groove for pencils and to the right, a hole for an inkwell.
Under the desktop, a roomy storage shelf held books, notebooks and various other school necessities. Each desk unit was built with a table section. Attached in front of it was a wooden seat and back rest. These units, when ordered in rows, allowed a student to sit in the bench part of one unit and work at the table of the one in front of it.
This elaborately designed desk type was made in the US around 1880. Designed by Anna Breadin, it was for its time, a new and exciting concept for school furniture. Previously, most schools used very rustic wood desks or even tables with either chairs or attached benches that several students would sit at. There was no place to hold pencils, slates or books.
Newer designs started to incorporate metal tubing for legs and supports, and often sported a slanted top that could be raised to access the storage space beneath it. Many of these were individual units, so were much more versatile in how they could be arranged within the classroom. Some even had a swivel seat so it was easier to sit in or arise from the desk.
In the newer desks, storage shelves for student possessions varied from beneath the seat to beneath the desk top. Earlier under seat storage was a wooden drawer that was heavy to pull out and awkward to use. Later these drawers were replaced with more convenient open wire shelves or baskets.
The style of the writing surfaces also varied. The early spacious wooden surfaces gave way to less roomy ones. Some were designed with side mounting and a small writing area. Others had just enough room for a notebook and perhaps a textbook.
Today, school desks can be found in a great many styles and sizes. From ones designed for small children to those that fit a tall adult, almost size or style can be purchased. Online specialty stores carry a huge selection at reasonable prices.
Much of today's classroom furniture integrates modern materials such as high tech laminates. Open front storage is popular, and many are self contained lightweight units. Comfortable molded plastic seats have replaced wooden bench seats, and wire book racks beneath the seats are usually part of the unit. The table tops range in size from full sized to tablet sized.
For those with an urge for nostalgia, antique school desks can often be found in museums or antique shops. Most of these antique classroom pieces can be bought for under $100, and highly sought after by collectors. Even online auction sites have a variety for sale. Old fashioned school furniture can be an interesting display piece in your home.
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