This 1930s school desk was the heart and hearth of early American childhood education. The finished wooden chair is supported by a wrought cast iron base that doubles as support for the built-in posterior desk. The desktop was designed with a space for both a writing utensil and an inkwell, with a shelf underneath for additional materials. This style of desk worked in unison with others so that, when lined up, created rows of desk and chair pairings throughout a classroom. With a hinged seat the unit could be condensed and stored when not in use. This style was manufactured widespread in the early 20th century, one prominent producer being Sears, Roebuck and Company out of Chicago whose name is worked into the iron here.