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.

Date: 1870s

Milan C. Stebbin and Edwin J. Piper's 1873 School Desk Patent Model

Milan C. Stebbins and Edwin J. Piper from Springfield, Massachusetts, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 137732 was issued on April 8, 1873.This model features a wooden slatted seat that is secured onto a pedestal.
Description
Milan C. Stebbins and Edwin J. Piper from Springfield, Massachusetts, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 137732 was issued on April 8, 1873.
This model features a wooden slatted seat that is secured onto a pedestal. The combination of slats, hinges, flanges, and processions is new. The backrest is curved and connects to the seat, which gives lower back support. The ends of the slats are connected to a metal frame that outlines the entire seat. The stem is screwed into a wooden base. The seat is not adjustable and does not fold.
Milan Cyrus Stebbins was born in Granby, Massachusetts, in 1828. He was a teacher, school principal and pastor. He died in 1889 in Cornwall, Vermont.
Edwin J. Piper was born in 1849. In addition to being a co--inventor of this desk, Piper was an inventor and the manufacturer of the Springfield ruling machine. He died in 1933 at his home in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873
patent date
1873-04-08
patentee
Stebbins, Milan C.
Piper, Edwin J.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Stebbins, Milan C.
Piper, Edwin J.
ID Number
CL.249602.579
catalog number
249602.579
accession number
249602
patent number
137,732

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

Aaron W. Hempleman's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Aaron W. Hempleman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 177835 was issued on May 23, 1876.This model has metal legs and feet and a desk that consists of both light and dark wooden slats.
Description
Aaron W. Hempleman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 177835 was issued on May 23, 1876.
This model has metal legs and feet and a desk that consists of both light and dark wooden slats. The metal sides feature a tree like design, adding visual interest to the desk. The desk is attached to the backrest, and although the seat and backrest are curved, there is no lower back support. There is a storage shelf underneath the desktop that remains stationary. There is an extra bracket attached to the side of the desk.
Aaron W. Hempleman joined the firm originated by John P. Allen and George H. Grant. In 1876, he and Grant formed Grant & Hempleman to manufacture church and school furniture. It was not unusual during the 19th Century for school furniture companies to also produce pews and pulpits for churches, and fold up seating for theaters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-05-23
patentee
Hempleman, Aaron W.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Hempleman, Aaron W.
ID Number
CL.65.0399
catalog number
65.0399
accession number
249602
patent number
177,835

John Peard's 1877 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

John Peard from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 190896 was issued on May 15, 1877.This desk sits on a wooden platform with a bench seat that can fold up. The patent features holes punched into the wood to form a design.
Description
John Peard from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 190896 was issued on May 15, 1877.
This desk sits on a wooden platform with a bench seat that can fold up. The patent features holes punched into the wood to form a design. It has a slatted wooden platform with metal hinges. The desk is attached to the backrest. There is a shelf underneath the desk top for storage.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1877
patent date
1877-05-15
patentee
Peard, John
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Peard, John
ID Number
CL.65.0403
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0403
patent number
190,896

Wendell Hood's 1871 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Wendell Phillips Hood from Winona, Minnesota, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 121287 was issued on November 28, 1871.This school desk securely held writing slates in place, preventing breakage.
Description
Wendell Phillips Hood from Winona, Minnesota, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 121287 was issued on November 28, 1871.
This school desk securely held writing slates in place, preventing breakage. The desk and seat easily fold up to leave space for students and also leave room for cleaning purposes. A spring bolt allows the desk to lock when folded. The desk has close slats and a wooden backrest. The legs and feet are made out of metal and mounted to a wooden platform. There is an ink well secured to the desk. The desktop does not lift up or fold, and there is no storage. A silver plate on the desk reads: "Folding School Seat and Desk Wendell P. Hood, Winona Minn."
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-11-28
patentee
Hood, Wendell Phillips
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Hood, Wendell Phillips
ID Number
CL.65.0382
catalog number
65.0382
accession number
249602
patent number
121,287

Bruce Wolverton's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Bruce Wolverton from Rohnerville, California, received a U.S. patent for an improved iron and wood school desk. Patent no. 183877 was issued on October 31, 1876.This school desk was made of iron and a dark wood. The seat and top can be raised or lowered independently.
Description
Bruce Wolverton from Rohnerville, California, received a U.S. patent for an improved iron and wood school desk. Patent no. 183877 was issued on October 31, 1876.
This school desk was made of iron and a dark wood. The seat and top can be raised or lowered independently. The folding desk is attached to the backrest, and the backrest and folding seat have almost no curve. A metal pole runs horizontally across the bottom of the desk for support.
Bruce Wolverton was born in 1853 while his family was crossing the prairie. In 1875 he moved to California to teach. He left teaching to join the ministry. He then became the first Superintendent of City Schools for Spokane, Washington, where he served from June 1888 to February 1889.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-10-31
patentee
Wolverton, Bruce
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Wolverton, Bruce
ID Number
CL.65.0401
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0401
patent number
183,877

Scrimshaw Whale Bone Food Chopper

Simply carved and without any engraving, this food chopper, or mincer, was made in two pieces from a sperm whale’s jawbone. Its blunted, curved blade was used to chop soft foods such as bread dough, fruits, sausage, and animal fats.
Description
Simply carved and without any engraving, this food chopper, or mincer, was made in two pieces from a sperm whale’s jawbone. Its blunted, curved blade was used to chop soft foods such as bread dough, fruits, sausage, and animal fats. This example was donated by former Secretary of the Institution Spencer F. Baird (1823–1887) to the Smithsonian, where it became one of the earliest objects in the maritime collections.
date made
1800s
purchased
1876-11-30
ID Number
AG.024909
catalog number
24909
accession number
2009.0157

William Kline, John Upham, and S. D. Tuttle's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

John Upham, William Kline and S. D. Tuttle from Easton, Ohio, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk and seat. Patent no. 127940 was issued on June 11, 1872.This desk has a wooden seat and legs with a cast iron frame and a curved, slatted backrest and seat.
Description
John Upham, William Kline and S. D. Tuttle from Easton, Ohio, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk and seat. Patent no. 127940 was issued on June 11, 1872.
This desk has a wooden seat and legs with a cast iron frame and a curved, slatted backrest and seat. The seat folds up and the desk behind folds up. The desktop slides down behind the backrest. The desktop does not lift open, and it has no storage but folds compactly.
John Upham was born in Easton, Ohio, in 1834. He worked as a carpenter and filed numerous patents. He died in 1911.
William H. Kline was born in Easton, Ohio, in 1824. He worked as a wagon maker and filed numerous patents. He died in 1901.
Dr. Sterling Dayton Tuttle was born April 25, 1825 in Connecticut and died in 1899. He worked as a dentist.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-01-18
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Kline, William H.
Upham, John
Tuttle, Sterling D.
ID Number
CL.65.0395
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0395
patent number
172,451

Charles M. Hughes's 1881 Hinge Patent Model

Charles M. Hughes from Lima, Ohio, received a U.S. patent for an improved hinge. Patent no. 249627 was issued on November 15, 1881.This model is made of wood and comprises two pieces.
Description
Charles M. Hughes from Lima, Ohio, received a U.S. patent for an improved hinge. Patent no. 249627 was issued on November 15, 1881.
This model is made of wood and comprises two pieces. It has a hinge that goes up and down like a lever, making the seat and desk compactable for more space. The design includes a place to hold books.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881
patent date
1881-11-15
associated date
1873
patentee
Hughes, Charles M.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Hughes, Charles M.
ID Number
CL.249602.599
catalog number
249602.599
patent number
249,627
accession number
249602

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

William Erwin and Thomas Dugdale's first 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
patentee
Erwin, William P.
Dugdale, Thomas A.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Erwin, William P.
Dugdale, Thomas A.
ID Number
CL.65.0374
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0374
patent number
100275

Charles F. Hill's 1879 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Charles F. Hill from Hazelton, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 216676 was issued on June 17, 1879.This model featured the design for a desk that would be cheap, simple, and also durable. The desk is made out of wood and iron.
Description
Charles F. Hill from Hazelton, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 216676 was issued on June 17, 1879.
This model featured the design for a desk that would be cheap, simple, and also durable. The desk is made out of wood and iron. It has a slatted seat and back rest that join together. The desk folds down and has an angled decline towards the chair. The ironwork is painted green and gold. The seat is curved for back support, and there is also a footrest bar. There are two shelves under the desk top for storage.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
patent date
1879-06-17
patentee
Hill, Charles F.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Hill, Charles F.
ID Number
CL.65.0410
catalog number
65.0410
accession number
249602
patent number
216,676

James Smith's 1871 School Desks and Seats Patent Model

James Smith from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 118161 was issued on August 15, 1871.This wood and iron model is a double desk, with four individual seats.
Description
James Smith from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 118161 was issued on August 15, 1871.
This wood and iron model is a double desk, with four individual seats. The two desk tops and the seats, despite having a bench-like backrest, are individualized and divided so that each seat can fold up. The backrest is composed of ten slats. There are two springs on the back of each desk for extra back support. The desk is attached to the back of the backrest with storage. It has an iron frame and metal hinges. A brass plate on the patent model states: "School Desks, James Smith, Richmond, Ind." Another silver colored plate has "School Desk James Smith, Richmond, Ind." engraved on it.
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
1871
patent date
1871-08-15
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
patentee
Smith, James
inventor
Smith, James
ID Number
CL.65.0420
catalog number
65.0420
patent number
118,161
accession number
249602

Orlando D. Case's 1879 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Orlando D. Case from Hartford, Connecticut, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 216307 was issued on June 10, 1879.This model is made of medium-brown wood with ornate, bronze-colored metal supports.
Description
Orlando D. Case from Hartford, Connecticut, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 216307 was issued on June 10, 1879.
This model is made of medium-brown wood with ornate, bronze-colored metal supports. The seat and backrest are curved for back support, and the seat folds up for compatibility. A spring mechanism held the seats securely, preventing them from slamming. There is storage under the desk, and the model is screwed into a wooden base. This design hooked slats to the iron base and secured them with screws to compensate for shrinkage and expansion of the wood.
Case was born in 1826. For over 50 years he ran O.D.Case & Co., a publishing company that also manufactured school furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
associated date
1870
patent date
1879-06-10
patentee
Case, Orlando D.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Case, Orlando D.
ID Number
CL.65.0409
catalog number
65.409
accession number
249602
patent number
216,307

John L. Riter's 1873 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Herbert L. Andrews from Chicago, Illinois, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 82061 was issued on September 15, 1868.This desk has a square wooden top and three brass legs connected to the bottom of the desktop.
Description
Herbert L. Andrews from Chicago, Illinois, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 82061 was issued on September 15, 1868.
This desk has a square wooden top and three brass legs connected to the bottom of the desktop. The metal work is considered Gothic, with a diamond-shaped pattern. The monobloc and hinges are brass colored with two knobs so the height of the desk can be raised or lowered. The seat is adjustable in height, which allows the two parts to be held together more securely. This desk was produced by A.H. Andrews & Co. in 1870 in Chicago. It was made in six sizes and called the "Triumph School Desk." The desk got a good deal of acclaim and was exhibited at the International State Industrial Exposition in Chicago in 1873. It was displayed again at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, where it won an award for "strength, durability, and good form." According to Andrews he sold over 50,000 of these school desks yearly.
Herbert Lee Andrews was born in New Britain, Connecticut, on June 6, 1844. He was educated in public schools and taught for a short period in Meriden and Plantsville, Connecticut. In 1868 he moved to Chicago and entered into manufacturing with his brother Alfred H. Andrews. They were partners in the A. H. Andrews & Co. The National Cyclopedia of American Biography (1917) states that Herbert Lee Andrews was the inventor of the first folding seat school desk. He made other desks as well as opera chairs, a dustless blackboard eraser, and an ink well. He also created steel rod framed chairs, tables, and stools, which became a staple of school furniture. In 1895 he invented a steel woven fabric to be used in place of leather or plush for car seats or railroad cars.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873
patent date
1873-03-04
patentee
Riter, John L.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Riter, John L.
ID Number
CL.65.0388
catalog number
65.0388
accession number
249602
patent number
136,548

Henry Merz's 1878 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Henry Merz from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 204444 was issued on June 4, 1878.This model is a combination of wood and black metal.
Description
Henry Merz from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 204444 was issued on June 4, 1878.
This model is a combination of wood and black metal. The bench or chair is comprised of compressed slats that form horizontal grooves in the seat and backrest. The chair curves for comfort and body support and lifts up. The desk is attached to the back of the backrest. The desktop is made of wood and has storage underneath the desk for books. The desktop is supported by a metal frame that connects to the chair's support system.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
patent date
1878-06-04
patentee
Merz, Henry
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Merz, Henry
ID Number
CL.65.0407
catalog number
65.0407
patent number
204,444
accession number
249602

Wesley Chase's 1870 School Desk Patent Model

Wesley Chase from Buffalo, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100600 was issued on March 8, 1870.This desk is made of wood and has a compartment for schoolbooks and other materials.
Description
Wesley Chase from Buffalo, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100600 was issued on March 8, 1870.
This desk is made of wood and has a compartment for schoolbooks and other materials. The metal bolted legs are connected from the front and back left and the front and back right. The legs flare out. The second piece has a flat top that is curved and arched at one end, but flat on the other. There are two pieces of wood that connect and flare out like a stem for base support. It was meant to be durable, strong, and lightweight while costing less.
Wesley Chase was a partner in M.W. Chase, a manufacturer of church and school furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
patent date
1870-03-08
patentee
Chase, Wesley
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Chase, Wesley
ID Number
CL.65.0425
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0425
patent number
100,600

David I. Stagg's 1876 School Desk Patent Model

David I. Stagg from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 177583 was issued on May 16, 1876.This model is made completely of unpolished wood. Most of the wood is dark, but the wood that connects the chair to the hinges is lighter colored.
Description
David I. Stagg from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 177583 was issued on May 16, 1876.
This model is made completely of unpolished wood. Most of the wood is dark, but the wood that connects the chair to the hinges is lighter colored. The desk can fold in different ways, making it compact. The desk is set on a wooden foundation and can be pivoted vertically or folded at the front of the desk, leaving a chair or a bench with no backrest. The innovative arms, pins, and shoulders are used to pivot the desktop.
David I. Stagg was born September 6, 1816 in Patterson, New Jersey. For fifty years he served as an apprentice and journeyman in the New York school system. In his last post he served the New York City Board of Education as Superintendent of School Buildings, overseeing school construction from 1872-1886. The museum owns four of his school desk patent models. He died May 11, 1886.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-05-16
patentee
Stagg, David I.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Stagg, David I.
ID Number
CL.65.0398
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0398
patent number
177,583

William F. Spencer's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

William F. Spencer from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved combined school desk. Patent no. 176701 was issued on April 25, 1876.This model is made of wood with metal hinges and feet. The design featured a construction to make uniting the desks easier.
Description
William F. Spencer from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved combined school desk. Patent no. 176701 was issued on April 25, 1876.
This model is made of wood with metal hinges and feet. The design featured a construction to make uniting the desks easier. A pivotal bolt having wedge-shaped wings or ribs made this construction viable. There is a bench-like seat which folds up, but there is no lower back support. There is a desk behind the backrest that has a shelf for storage.
William Fouke Spencer (1833-1920) was the son of Quakers Mary Custard and Jesse Spencer. He became a lawyer and a merchant, marrying Christina Bradley of Philadelphia. He moved west to Ohio and eventually to Indiana and the family claims he assisted with the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. He and his wife had 6 children. As an entrepreneur, he developed an interest in the expanding school supply industry and developed improvements in desk design. In 1875 he filed the first of his patents on improvements on combination school seat and desks. His patents were: 176,701, issued April 25, 1876; 179,877, issued July 18, 1876; and 316,495 on June 23, 1884 for an opera chair By 1880, he was listing his profession as a manufacturer of school furniture, having joined the firm originated by John P. Allen and George H. Grant. It became Haynes, Spencer & Company. When it was destroyed in a fire in 1892, he founded the Richmond School Furniture Company. He also founded the American Lawnmower Company in 1895. Both companies moved to Muncie, Indiana in 1902.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-04-25
patentee
Spencer, William F.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Spencer, William F.
ID Number
CL.65.0397
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0397
patent number
176,701

Sylvanus Cox and William W. Fanning's 1873 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Sylvanus Cox and William Fanning from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk and chair. Patent no. 135089 was issued on January 21, 1873.This model consists of a wood and iron combination folding seat and desk.
Description
Sylvanus Cox and William Fanning from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk and chair. Patent no. 135089 was issued on January 21, 1873.
This model consists of a wood and iron combination folding seat and desk. The brass desk supports have Gothic arches. The seat has dark and light wood slats with a curved, smooth bench and back support. The desktop is made of wood and features a groove for writing utensils. The cutout for an ink well would have been an option. It is attached to the back of the bench and has a folding mechanism to reduce noise. The brass base supports and legs form two birds with beaks touching. There is a small brass label on the desktop. The Cox and Fanning design was become one of the most attractive desk designs of the nineteenth century.
There were a few men with the name Sylvanus Cox living in Indiana when this model was created so we do not have specific information about the inventor. William W. Fanning was a carpenter who lived in Richmond, Indiana. He was born in November 1843 and died February 20, 1909 at age 65 in Richmond, Indiana.
date made
1873
patent date
1873-01-21
patentee
Cox, Sylvanus
Fanning, William W.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Cox, Sylvanus
Fanning, William W.
ID Number
CL.65.0386
accession number
249602
patent number
135089
catalog number
65.0386
patent number
135,089

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