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.