- 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.




