Cultures & Communities

Cleveland Many Peoples One Language Poster

Furniture, cooking wares, clothing, works of art, and many other kinds of artifacts are part of what knit people into communities and cultures. The Museum’s collections feature artifacts from European Americans, Latinos, Arab Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, African Americans, Gypsies, Jews, and Christians, both Catholics and Protestants. The objects range from ceramic face jugs made by enslaved African Americans in South Carolina to graduation robes and wedding gowns. The holdings also include artifacts associated with education, such as teaching equipment, textbooks, and two complete schoolrooms. Uniforms, insignia, and other objects represent a wide variety of civic and voluntary organizations, including youth and fraternal groups, scouting, police forces, and firefighters.

Place: Indiana

Jazz Clarinet

Few aspects of the harm done to New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 are more poignant than the losses suffered by the musical community. The New Orleans jazz scene was especially vulnerable, since many jazz performers lived in areas inundated by the flood waters.
Description
Few aspects of the harm done to New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 are more poignant than the losses suffered by the musical community. The New Orleans jazz scene was especially vulnerable, since many jazz performers lived in areas inundated by the flood waters. One such performer was Dr. Michael White.
White's house on Pratt Drive filled with eight feet of water when the London Avenue Canal levee failed behind his neighborhood. That water sat for several weeks before pumps could drain the area, destroying White's furniture, his rooms, his priceless collection of jazz sheet music, his recordings, and a lifetime's collection of jazz clarinets. Over sixty rare wood and metal clarinets, some from the 19th century, were lost. One of them, this 1930s marching band clarinet from Elkhart, Indiana, found its way from White's devastated house to the Smithsonian to acknowledge the hit taken by the New Orleans musical community but also the resilience of this community in the face of setbacks and hardship. Katrina has given new meaning to the blues. The struggle to overcome this loss adds a powerful chapter to this city's storied record of musical achievement.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1930s
Associated Date
August - September 2005
referenced
White, Michael
ID Number
2006.0062.01
catalog number
2006.0062.01
accession number
2006.0062

James Russell's 1871 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

James Russell from Plymouth, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117467 was issued on July 25, 1871.This model has two separate seats that fold up, with a backrest connected like a bench.
Description
James Russell from Plymouth, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117467 was issued on July 25, 1871.
This model has two separate seats that fold up, with a backrest connected like a bench. There are two attached desks behind the back rest that both have lids that can lift up. The wooden bench seat and desk are made of a dark wood with metal hinges. The desktop is divided to make a pair. The bench on the desk front is split in the same manner as the desktop. There is storage underneath both desks for books. The seats fold up individually, though the back rest is connected like a bench. The model includes original patent tags.
James Russell was born in 1821 and became a carpenter in Plymouth, Indiana.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-07-25
bequest
Hoffman, John
patentee
Russell, James
inventor
Russell, James
ID Number
1983.0508.07
accession number
1983.0508
catalog number
1983.0508.07
patent number
117,467

Josiah Delph and William A. Bradford's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Josiah Delph and William A. Bradford from Goshen, Indiana received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 179472 was issued on July 4, 1876.This model consists of a chair in front and the attached desk behind it.
Description
Josiah Delph and William A. Bradford from Goshen, Indiana received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 179472 was issued on July 4, 1876.
This model consists of a chair in front and the attached desk behind it. The desk folds up and down with metal hinges, and it can be locked and unlocked. The compressed slats are maple-colored wood and create horizontal grooves in the seat. The iron legs have feet with small holes for attaching to a base. The desk top, the supports and legs are of decoratively cut metal. The original patent tags are attached to the desk. One tag is pasted to a newspaper clipping illustrating the machinery of the desk top.
Josiah Delph and William A. Bradford worked for L.H. Nobel & Sons, a leading manufacturer of school furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-07-04
bequest
Hoffman, John
patentee
Delph, Josiah
Bradford, William A.
inventor
Delph, Josiah
Bradford, William A.
ID Number
1983.0508.02
accession number
1983.0508
catalog number
1983.0508.02
patent number
179,472

George Grant's 1869 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

George Grant from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 88563 was issued on April 6, 1869.This desk features an innovation in folding.
Description
George Grant from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 88563 was issued on April 6, 1869.
This desk features an innovation in folding. The leaf of the school desk can be pulled out slightly raised and withdrawn from the desk and then brought down to fold. A place for the ink well, pens, pencils, and books is included in the design. It is made out of oak-colored wood. The wooden bench and legs flare out.
George H. Grant and John Allen formed a partnership to manufacture school desks. After Allen’s death, the firm became George H. Grant & Company. In 1876 Grant formed a partnership with A. W. Hempleman to manufacture school and church furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1869
associated date; patent date
1869-04-06
inventor
Grant, George H.
ID Number
CL.65.0423
catalog number
65.0423
accession number
249602
patent number
88,563

George H. Grant's 1874 School Seat Patent Model

George H. Grant from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved seat. Patent no. 151873 was issued on June 9, 1874.This model is a combination of iron and wood. The improved seat can be used in churches, parks, schools, halls, or lawns.
Description
George H. Grant from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved seat. Patent no. 151873 was issued on June 9, 1874.
This model is a combination of iron and wood. The improved seat can be used in churches, parks, schools, halls, or lawns. The intent was to make a stronger seat that was cheap, portable, and easily constructed without skilled labor. The backrest and seat are made of dark wooden slats that are pushed together and curved for support. The feet of the chair legs feature holes that can be for mounting to a base.
George H. Grant and John Allen formed a partnership to manufacture school desks. After Allen’s death, the firm became George H. Grant & Company. In 1876 Grant formed a partnership with A. W. Hempleman to manufacture school and church furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
patent date
1874-06-09
patentee
Grant, George H.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Grant, George H.
ID Number
CL.65.0415
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0415
patent number
151,873

William P. Erwin and Thomas A. Dugdale's Second 1870 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

William Erwin and Thomas Dugdale from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100275 was issued by Dugdale and Erwin on March 1, 1870.This desk is made of wood, with brass legs and metal hinges. It has a flat backrest and seat.
Description
William Erwin and Thomas Dugdale from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100275 was issued by Dugdale and Erwin on March 1, 1870.
This desk is made of wood, with brass legs and metal hinges. It has a flat backrest and seat. The seat and backrest do not join. The desktop lifts up and has storage underneath. The seat folds up as well. The specifications state the desk should be made out of ash or walnut lumber and should be put together with wooden screws. The metal parts should be made of cast iron, except for the screws, which they stated should be made of wrought iron. There is a plate on the backrest, but the writing is not legible. Erwin's name is on the backrest. There is a wooden foundation, and the entire base is made of either brass or metal.
We are not aware of any additional information about William Erwin.
Thomas Dugdale holds patents for numerous inventions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
patent date
1870-03-01
inventor
Erwin, William P.
Dugdale, Thomas A.
ID Number
CL.65.0372
catalog number
65.0372
accession number
249602
patent number
100,275

James Smith's 1867 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

James Smith from Richmond, Indiana received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 62375 was issued on February 26, 1867.This model features wooden benches with dividers that are used for storage and open from the top.
Description
James Smith from Richmond, Indiana received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 62375 was issued on February 26, 1867.
This model features wooden benches with dividers that are used for storage and open from the top. The desk compartment is located behind the bench and also has storage.
Ezra Smith, Asa Smith, and James Smith owned Ezra Smith & Co. where they manufactured various types of school furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1867
patent date
1867-02-26
patentee
Smith, James
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Smith, James
ID Number
CL.65.0360
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0360
patent number
62,375

Morris Lancaster's 1876 School Desk and Seat Hinge Improvement Patent Model

Morris Lancaster from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved hinge to work with the school desk lid. Patent no. 181689 was issued on August 29, 1876.This model features a combination of wood and metal.
Description
Morris Lancaster from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved hinge to work with the school desk lid. Patent no. 181689 was issued on August 29, 1876.
This model features a combination of wood and metal. The patent has a new mechanism called a “pawl” or “dog” that acted as a stop concerning the desk lid. This held the lid in position and operated automatically to hold or release it.
Morris Lancaster was born in 1842 and became a carpenter in Richmond, Indiana.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-08-29
associated date
1873
patentee
Lancaster, Morris
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Lancaster, Morris
ID Number
CL.249602.598
catalog number
249602.598
accession number
249602
patent number
181,689

George W. Puterbaugh and Alfred Teal's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

George W. Puterbaugh from Greenfield, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent model no. 173340 was issued on February 8, 1876 with Alfred E. Teal.This desk has storage and slants downward. It is made of oak and has metal screws.
Description
George W. Puterbaugh from Greenfield, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent model no. 173340 was issued on February 8, 1876 with Alfred E. Teal.
This desk has storage and slants downward. It is made of oak and has metal screws. The seat folds up, and bumpers are incorporated into the design to prevent the seat from slamming and creating noise. It has crossed member supports with a heavily reinforced folding seat and cloverleaf design. The seat curves and has a backrest for support.
George W. Puterbaugh was born in 1844. He served as a school principal and later as superintendent in Greenfield, Indiana. He went on to found the Straight Wood Co. (also called the Straight Wood School Desk Co.) to manufacture desks. He died in 1887.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
associated date
1875
patent date
1876-02-08
patentee
Puterbaugh, George W.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
patentee
Teal, Alfred E.
inventor
Puterbaugh, George W.
Teal, Alfred E.
Puterbaugh, George W.
ID Number
CL.65.0396
catalog number
65.0396
accession number
249602
patent number
173,340

Joseph Ingles's 1870 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Joseph Ingels from Milton, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent model 102941 was issued on May 10, 1870.This desk combines wood, iron, and brass. The bench has a sloped bottom for more support.
Description
Joseph Ingels from Milton, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent model 102941 was issued on May 10, 1870.
This desk combines wood, iron, and brass. The bench has a sloped bottom for more support. The desk is attached to the backrest and can be compacted for more space. The seat of the bench is made out of slatted wood. It also has iron armrests on each side of the bench. The desk can be raised and lowered as needed. Rubber cushions have been added to prevent the desk from making noise when closing. The seat also accommodated the movement of the students so that they could rock backward and forward as needed. There are two labels inside the desk that read "R. Carkhuff/North Front St., Lewisburg, PA./Models, cutouts, patterns./Model maker, engineer and brass and gear work.” There is a pierced pattern on the desk side support.
Joseph Ingels was best known for inventing seeding equipment. He founded the Hoosier Grain Drilling Company and began manufacturing in 1859. After a series of acquisitions, the company eventually became part of International Harvester.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
patent date
1870-05-10
patentee
Ingles, Joseph
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Ingles, Joseph
ID Number
CL.65.0375
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0375
patent number
102,941

Francis A Wilber's 1873 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Francis Wilbur from Wabash, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 140979 was issued on July 15, 1873.This model is simply crafted of wood and consists of a desktop featuring a sliding bench.
Description
Francis Wilbur from Wabash, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 140979 was issued on July 15, 1873.
This model is simply crafted of wood and consists of a desktop featuring a sliding bench. The sliding mechanism as well as the pivoted levers used to support the bench were innovations in this patent. The horizontal, sliding platform features a section that can fold up to provide a book rest. The desk’s support is not comprised of legs, but from entire boards of wood on all exterior sides. "F. A. Wilbur" is painted with stencil on the desktop. The patent tag is nailed on.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873
patent date
1873-07-15
patentee
Wilber, Francis A.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Wilber, Francis A.
ID Number
CL.65.0390
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0390
patent number
140,979

Charles J. Higgins's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Charles J. Higgins from Marion, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 180233 was issued on July 25, 1876.This model features an improved arrangement of the brackets and an improved method for securing the brackets to the desk.
Description
Charles J. Higgins from Marion, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 180233 was issued on July 25, 1876.
This model features an improved arrangement of the brackets and an improved method for securing the brackets to the desk. These brackets require fewer screws while using less desk space to attach the seats together. The desk has a shelf inside for storing materials. The oak seat is attached behind it, and both are curved. The backrest slats are compressed to create horizontal grooves in the chair, and each slat alternates between a light and dark wood. Its wooden legs are attached to a base.
Charles J. Higgins founded Higgins Bent Wood School Furniture Co.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-07-25
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
patentee
Higgins, Charles J.
inventor
Higgins, Charles J.
ID Number
CL.65.0400
catalog number
65.0400
accession number
249602
patent number
180,233

John P. Allen's 1865 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

John P. Allen from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for improvements in a school desk. Patent no. 46980 was issued on March 28, 1865.This desk is attached onto the back of the seat, and there are metal dividers between the seats to separate the desks.
Description
John P. Allen from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for improvements in a school desk. Patent no. 46980 was issued on March 28, 1865.
This desk is attached onto the back of the seat, and there are metal dividers between the seats to separate the desks. The design makes the desk sturdy so that it can stand without being fastened to the floor. The backrest and seat join for lower back support, but there are no curves in the design. Decorative ironwork assists in connecting multiple desks. "Allen inventor, Richmond, Indiana" is written on a silver plate that is mounted on the backrest. There is storage provided underneath the desktop, but the top does not lift up.
John P. Allen formed a partnership with George H. Grant to manufacture Allen’s self-supporting school desks. When Allen died in 1868, Joseph Marchant became a partner. Marchant was succeeded by Joshua Nickerson and William Wooten, and the firm became known as the George H. Grant & Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
patent date
1865-03-28
patentee
Allen, John P.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Allen, John P.
ID Number
CL.65.0358
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0358
patent number
46,980

Charles J. Higgins's 1873 School Desk Patent Model Leg Support

Charles J. Higgins from Marion, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 143760 was issued on October 21, 1873.This was designed as a partial model consisting of the side support or end of a desk. Painted onto the desk are the words "Charles J.
Description
Charles J. Higgins from Marion, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 143760 was issued on October 21, 1873.
This was designed as a partial model consisting of the side support or end of a desk. Painted onto the desk are the words "Charles J. Higgins. Improvement in Desk Ends.” There are two pieces of bent or curved wood, which flares out as two legs for one side of a desk.
Charles J. Higgins founded Higgins Bent Wood School Furniture Co. and produced crafted school desks with beautiful wood "ends" or supports as advertised in the Indiana School Journal and sold in 1874 and 1875. By September 12, 1876, The Indianapolis News was reporting that the company was in financial trouble and liquidating their stock.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873
patent date
1873-10-21
patentee
Higgins, Charles J.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Higgins, Charles J.
ID Number
CL.65.0416
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0416
patent number
143,760

William Wooten's 1869 School Desk and Seat Patent Model of School Desk and Seat

William Wooton from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 87386 was issued on March 2, 1869.This patent was an improvement on Patent No. 83896.
Description
William Wooton from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 87386 was issued on March 2, 1869.
This patent was an improvement on Patent No. 83896. By improving the brace and the mechanism for locking, Wooton designed a way to fold the seat and desk together noiselessly. The desktop folds up completely to form an additional backrest. The mechanism for locking the desk is claimed in the patent by Wooton as well. The model is made of polished dark wood and has metal hinges. There is an indent for placing pencils, and underneath the desk there is storage.
William Wooton was born in 1835. He joined George H. Grant & Company after John P. Allen died in 1868. In 1870, Wooton formed the Wooton Desk Company after he won a five-dollar prize for a school desk at the Indiana State Fair in 1868. His best known invention was patent 155604, the Wooton’s Patent Cabinet Office Secretary. In 1884, he retired and became a preacher. He was known for introducing a revolutionary type of furniture into the business world during the Industrial Revolution. Most museums have "The Desk of the Age” in their collection. A 94-page book, published in 1983, by the Indiana State and Oakland Museums, is devoted solely to the history of the Wooton Desk Company and the evolution of the 19th century office. William Wooton died in 1907 at the age of 72. His last name is often spelled Wooten however the patent specifications clearly spell his last name Wooton as does the advertising for the company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1869
associated date
1868
patent date
1869-03-02
patentee
Wooton, William S.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Wooton, William S.
ID Number
CL.249602.581
catalog number
249602.581
accession number
249602
patent number
87,386

James Smith's 1869 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

James Smith from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100334 was issued on March 1, 1869.This desk features a wooden bench with a flat backrest and seat. The seat folds up with the use of wooden hinges.
Description
James Smith from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100334 was issued on March 1, 1869.
This desk features a wooden bench with a flat backrest and seat. The seat folds up with the use of wooden hinges. The desk is attached to the back and does not lift up. There is a storage shelf underneath the desktop. There are no legs, but instead a pew-like support system. There is a silver plaque, tarnished, on the desktop that reads, "Improved School Desk, James Smith, Richmond Ind."
Ezra Smith, Asa Smith, and James Smith owned Ezra Smith & Co., where they manufactured various types of school furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1869
patent date
1870-03-01
associated date
1876
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
patentee
Smith, James
inventor
Smith, James
ID Number
CL.249602.586
catalog number
249602.586
accession number
249602
patent number
100,334

Henry R. Fry's 1875 School Seat Standard Support Patent Model

Henry R. Fry from Marion, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved standard support for the school seat and desk. Patent no. 164160 was issued on June 8, 1875.This model shows a side view of a seat only.
Description
Henry R. Fry from Marion, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved standard support for the school seat and desk. Patent no. 164160 was issued on June 8, 1875.
This model shows a side view of a seat only. The model has two wooden legs and a hinge bracket for the seat to rest on. Both are painted black. The patent features a way to simplify and improve the end pieces of the desk support. While it was intended for school desks, it also had applications for general business purposes such as folding seats in theaters.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
patent date
1875-06-08
associated date
1867
patentee
Fry, Henry R.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Fry, Henry R.
ID Number
CL.249602.592
catalog number
249602.592
accession number
249602
patent number
164,160

Henry H. Elberg's 1877 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Henry H. Elberg from Greenfield, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 191846 was issued on June 12, 1877.This model is made of wood and has metal hinges. The seat curves and can be folded up.
Description
Henry H. Elberg from Greenfield, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 191846 was issued on June 12, 1877.
This model is made of wood and has metal hinges. The seat curves and can be folded up. The desk's backrest is metal and has wooden hinges so that the desk folds down. A cushion of rubber or leather was to be inserted between the leg and the seat bracket to help prevent noise. The front legs flare out from the desk. There is no storage for books.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1877
patent date
1877-06-12
patentee
Elberg, Henry H.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Elberg, Henry H.
ID Number
CL.65.0404
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0404
patent number
191,846
199846

William N. Foster's 1872 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

William N. Foster from Indianapolis, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved bench. Patent no. 128871 was issued on July 9, 1872.This desk features a seat with five slats of alternating dark and light wood. The metal hinges allow the seat to fold up.
Description
William N. Foster from Indianapolis, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved bench. Patent no. 128871 was issued on July 9, 1872.
This desk features a seat with five slats of alternating dark and light wood. The metal hinges allow the seat to fold up. The backrest and seat are not joined. There is a storage shelf underneath, but the desktop does not lift up. "Fosters patent Applied for May 1st" is painted on the desk. Foster was concerned with all the practical elements of the desk, incorporating a groove for the holding of pens and pencils and providing an inkstand attached to the desk. He also considered the comfort of the students and added a place for them to rest their feet.
William N. Foster founded Foster’s Bent Wood School Furniture in Indianapolis.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1872
patent date
1872-07-09
patentee
Foster, William N.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Foster, William N.
ID Number
CL.65.0385
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0385
patent number
128,871

William A. Bradford's 1875 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

William A. Bradford from Goshen, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 170810 was issued on December 12, 1875.This model is a combination of thick cast iron and wood.
Description
William A. Bradford from Goshen, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 170810 was issued on December 12, 1875.
This model is a combination of thick cast iron and wood. The ironwork features a scrollwork design and Romanesque arches along the side of the desktop. The seat folds up, but the desk is attached to the back of the backrest and does not lift up. The seat and backrest are curved and joined for lower back support. There are metal hinges and the legs have feet with holes in them to allow the desk to be mounted to the platform. Stops were used below the seat hinges to allow greater control of movement. The stops were a part of another patent filed by Bradford.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
patent date
1875-12-07
patentee
Bradford, William A.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Bradford, William A.
ID Number
CL.65.0394
catalog number
65.0394
accession number
249602
patent number
170,810

John F. Piehl's 1870 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

John Piehl from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved combination desk and seat. Patent no. 106403 was issued on August 16,1870.This patent featured a school desk and seat that had a clam-hinge, holding the desk more firmly in place.
Description
John Piehl from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved combination desk and seat. Patent no. 106403 was issued on August 16,1870.
This patent featured a school desk and seat that had a clam-hinge, holding the desk more firmly in place. This design created a longer lasting hinge. There are four cross members that form the folding seat. It has a swiveling book compartment, decorative brass supports, and is mounted on a wooden platform. The plate on the backrest is ripped off. There is storage underneath the desk, but the top does not lift up.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
patent date
1870-08-16
patentee
Piehl, John F.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Piehl, John F.
ID Number
CL.65.0376
catalog number
65.0376
accession number
249602
patent number
106,403

Samuel Crumrine's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Samuel Crumrine from Indianapolis, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 173272 was issued on February 8, 1876.This model is wooden with alternating dark and light slats for the bench.
Description
Samuel Crumrine from Indianapolis, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 173272 was issued on February 8, 1876.
This model is wooden with alternating dark and light slats for the bench. The desk does not use any screws or nails in its construction, nor does it have any metal parts. This makes the desk cheap, strong, and durable. However, the desk is meant to be fastened to the floor with the use of L-shaped pieces of iron. The desk is attached to the backrest and has wooden stilts underneath the desktop to prop it up or fold down.
Samuel Crumrine was registered as a carpenter in 1880.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-02-08
associated date
1880
patentee
Crumrine, Samuel
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Crumrine, Samuel
ID Number
CL.249602.580
catalog number
249602.580
accession number
249602
patent number
173,272

Eldridge Haynes's 1877 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Eldridge Clark Haynes from Kirk's Cross Roads, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 186729 was issued on January 30, 1877.This model is made of wood and has metal hinges. It has alternating light and dark slats of wood and the seat folds up.
Description
Eldridge Clark Haynes from Kirk's Cross Roads, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 186729 was issued on January 30, 1877.
This model is made of wood and has metal hinges. It has alternating light and dark slats of wood and the seat folds up. It does not have legs, but rather has two boards for base support. There is a shelf underneath the desk top for storage and a routed crevice for holding pencils.
Eldridge Haynes was born on July 10, 1816 in New York. He died on August 25, 1882 in Kirklin, Indiana.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1877
patent date
1877-01-30
patentee
Haynes, Eldridge
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Haynes, Eldridge
ID Number
CL.65.0402
catalog number
65.0402
accession number
249602
patent number
186,729

Charles J. Higgins's 1871 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Charles J. Higgins from Indianapolis, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 112038 was issued on February 21, 1871."Charles J. Higgins, Indianapolis, Indiana" is painted on the backrest.
Description
Charles J. Higgins from Indianapolis, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 112038 was issued on February 21, 1871.
"Charles J. Higgins, Indianapolis, Indiana" is painted on the backrest. The seat folds up and the desktop is stationary with storage underneath. There is a wooden base with metal hinges.
Charles J. Higgins founded Higgins Bent Wood School Furniture Co.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-02-21
higgins, charles j.
Higgins, Charles J.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Higgins, Charles J.
ID Number
CL.65.0380
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0380
patent number
117058

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