Created by
Sears, Roebuck & Co., American, founded 1893
Owned by
Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church and School, American, 1925 - 1936
Date
1925-1963
Medium
wood and cast iron
Dimensions
H x W x D: 28 x 20 3/4 x 27 1/2 in. (71.1 x 52.7 x 69.9 cm)
Description
Wood and iron school desk with a foldable seat. The desk is attached at the back, behind the seat. The curved seat is made of five (5) close-fitting slats. Grooves cut into the sides of each slat allow them to link together like puzzle pieces. The seat back consists of a single board, at the very top. Other boards are possibly missing. The desk top contains a single wood board, though others are likely missing. The board has a round hole on the right for an inkwell and an oblong groove in the center for holding a writing implement. The desk top and seat components are attached to two (2) iron side supports with arms to support the desk top and an axle that rotates the seat. A support board connects the two (2) pieces at the back, below the level of the seat. The ironwork features a decorative vine motif and has four (4) feet. A curved bar between the feet on each side has raised lettering that reads [SEARS ROEBUCK & CO. CHICAGO]. Also on the exterior of the ironwork, just below center is [3 / L] on the PL side and [P / R] on the PR. Raised text under each seat on the exterior is raised lettering that reads [SIMPLEX AUTOMATIC]. Raised lettering is also found on the interior side of the ironwork. Just under the seat on the PR side is [3&4 R SR21] and [3&4L SR22]. Behind the seat on each side is [SR 16(?)]
Place collected
Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Type
desks
Topic
Christianity
Education
Religion
Segregation
The Black Church
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of M. Ann Phillippi and the Dr. George M. and Betty Phillippi Family
Object number
2013.74.7
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5dde446dc-4ddc-4a95-a809-a34834837cdd

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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