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.
A storage shelf for books, and possessions was located beneath the desktop. Each unit was comprised of the table part, with a wooden bench and seat back attached in the front. They were designed so that one student sat on the bench seat, and worked at the desktop of the unit in front of it. Rows of these filled the classroom.
Designed in the late 1800's by Anna Breadin, these elaborate looking desks were actually quite an innovation for their time. Before this invention, schools used rustic wood ones, or the students sat at long tables with either attached bench seating or chairs to sit on. No provision was made to store or hold student supplies
In the early 1900's, new designs that were more lightweight and convenient to use and move started appearing. Steel tubing was used for a framework, supporting the slanted wood tops with shelves beneath. Often seats were attached, so each student had their own desk. Some seats even swiveled, making seating easier. It was much easier to arrange these within the classroom.
In these newer models, storage space ranged from compartments under the desktop to others under the seat. Under seat storage first was comprised of a wooden drawer, rather cumbersome to open while seated. These were replaced with a wire shelf that was quite accessible.
The writing surfaces were made in different sizes. Breadin designs had hardwood tops of sufficient size to hold both notebooks and texts. As more modern ones came into use, desktop size often decreased. Some had side mounted tablet tops with considerably less space for the student to write.
Present day school desks are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Some are specifically made for kindergarten children with lots of table space and integrated benches, while others are for adults. Specialty school supply stores, both online and offline, carry a huge selection and variety for either individual or quantity purchase.
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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