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- School Desk, Used at the Shrine of the Little Flower Grade School, 1940-1949 - This type of desk became the standard for both public and private elementary schools after World War II. Students were responsible for supplying and organizing their school supplies, which were stored under the hinged desk top. These desks continued to be used in classrooms even after dip pens and ink bottles were replaced by cartridge pens and, eventually, ballpoint pens.
- 1940-1949
- Collections - Artifact
School Desk, Used at the Shrine of the Little Flower Grade School, 1940-1949
This type of desk became the standard for both public and private elementary schools after World War II. Students were responsible for supplying and organizing their school supplies, which were stored under the hinged desk top. These desks continued to be used in classrooms even after dip pens and ink bottles were replaced by cartridge pens and, eventually, ballpoint pens.
- Thomas Edison with an "Ediphone" Dictation Machine at His Desk in the West Orange Laboratory, 1911 -
- November 20, 1911
- Collections - Artifact
Thomas Edison with an "Ediphone" Dictation Machine at His Desk in the West Orange Laboratory, 1911
- Desk Lamp -
- 1905-1930
- Collections - Artifact
Desk Lamp
- Secretary Desk, circa 1870 - Secretary desks are offices and work spaces. They provide a writing surface, storage space and book shelves. But some are much more -- they are symbols of the owner's education, wealth and social status. James Latta -- a Harvard graduate, successful businessman and special commissioner to the 1873 Vienna Exposition -- had this imposing piece of furniture made for his home in Washington, D.C.
- circa 1870
- Collections - Artifact
Secretary Desk, circa 1870
Secretary desks are offices and work spaces. They provide a writing surface, storage space and book shelves. But some are much more -- they are symbols of the owner's education, wealth and social status. James Latta -- a Harvard graduate, successful businessman and special commissioner to the 1873 Vienna Exposition -- had this imposing piece of furniture made for his home in Washington, D.C.
- Wright Family Writing Desk, 1890-1900 - This ladies' writing desk is the starting point for a transportation revolution. On May 30, 1899, a Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop owner named Wilbur Wright sat down at his sister's desk and wrote a letter to the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Wilbur's letter sparked a series of events that led to the world's first powered airplane flight in 1903.
- 1890-1900
- Collections - Artifact
Wright Family Writing Desk, 1890-1900
This ladies' writing desk is the starting point for a transportation revolution. On May 30, 1899, a Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop owner named Wilbur Wright sat down at his sister's desk and wrote a letter to the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Wilbur's letter sparked a series of events that led to the world's first powered airplane flight in 1903.
- Miniature Desk, 1850-1920 -
- 1850-1920
- Collections - Artifact
Miniature Desk, 1850-1920
- Secretary Desk, 1760-1780 - American businessmen and merchants in the mid-18th century used secretary desks as home offices. These large desks provide a writing surface, shelves for books and a storage space for papers -- perhaps even a secret drawer for important documents. Placed in a parlor or other public room, this secretary projected the owner's wealth and social status to visitors.
- 1760-1780
- Collections - Artifact
Secretary Desk, 1760-1780
American businessmen and merchants in the mid-18th century used secretary desks as home offices. These large desks provide a writing surface, shelves for books and a storage space for papers -- perhaps even a secret drawer for important documents. Placed in a parlor or other public room, this secretary projected the owner's wealth and social status to visitors.
- Desk, 1840-1880 - This desk was typical of the kind used in American public buildings in the middle of the 19th century. It might have been used by ticket agents in a railroad station like the rural Smiths Creek, Michigan, depot now in Greenfield Village. The desk resides in the clerk's office where staff likely counted out cash and receipts and performed other important tasks.
- 1840-1880
- Collections - Artifact
Desk, 1840-1880
This desk was typical of the kind used in American public buildings in the middle of the 19th century. It might have been used by ticket agents in a railroad station like the rural Smiths Creek, Michigan, depot now in Greenfield Village. The desk resides in the clerk's office where staff likely counted out cash and receipts and performed other important tasks.
- Action Office Stand-up Desk, Used by D. J. DePree, 1964 - Action Office, conceptualized by Robert Propst with final design by George Nelson, was rooted in Propst's research into office function and worker behavior. The system was not a commercial success: manufacturing costs were high, and it was, in Propst's words, "too showy and bright for serious consideration as a middle management tool." Propst went on to design the hugely successful Action Office 2 cubicle-based system.
- 1964
- Collections - Artifact
Action Office Stand-up Desk, Used by D. J. DePree, 1964
Action Office, conceptualized by Robert Propst with final design by George Nelson, was rooted in Propst's research into office function and worker behavior. The system was not a commercial success: manufacturing costs were high, and it was, in Propst's words, "too showy and bright for serious consideration as a middle management tool." Propst went on to design the hugely successful Action Office 2 cubicle-based system.
- Doll Desk and Chair, 1915-1921 -
- 1915-1921
- Collections - Artifact
Doll Desk and Chair, 1915-1921