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.