The Visual Instructor Creative Play Equipment [Chautauqua Industrial Art Desk]

The obscure mid-century evolution of the Chautauqua Industrial Art Desk, modernized and synthesized from the most salient material of its precursor, "Unfolds natural aptitudes, discovers talents, builds character, assists in life planning through constructive play in the home." Manufactured beginning in the 1940s, this 1955 example was likely among the last. Truancy laws and the expansion of public education had reduced the demand for such intensive home education aids.

Blueprint scroll set in wood case, 14.5 x 9.5 inches, with original fold-up chalkboard cover, 19 x 13.5 inches. A few edge tears and occasional marking on the panels, overall Very Good condition with smooth scrolling and sturdy mechanisms. One part of the wood hinge has cracked off, but it is still strong enough to hold the box in an upright position when set on a table top. It is also designed for the option of mounting to a wall with or without the chalkboard, which can be easily removed. The scroll is around 250 inches long, with roughly 8 inches visible at a time. Instructive texts for parents "condensed from the books" are interspersed between lessons, making the unit complete without requiring additional materials. The modern version also promotes various supplies and destinations like the Museum of Natural History in New York. Lessons alternate between full and half "page" charts that cultivate manual skills, beginning with basic line work, writing and drawing, progressing to weaving and constructive work. Early lessons on music, animals and nature are included for younger students; older students are introduced to topics in technology, modern transportation and communications. Industrial lettering, drafting and design are among the last topics covered, plus a crash course in geography and Gregg shorthand.

"The normal child is born with a healthy urge to construct, to make something, and to do things for himself. The most interesting thing about a child is his possibilities. Not what he is, but what he may become. And the most certain thing is that his possibility for success and happiness depends upon the right home training in early childhood. The Visual Instructor Creative Play Equipment adapts the most successful and up to date methods of constructive creative play activity to the modern home environment. The hundreds of unique projects with detailed pictured instruction are adapted for the home circle from the most modern methods now used in the progressive and the new experimental schools.

...The Visual Instructor, formerly called the Chautauqua Art Desk, was originated at Chautauqua in 1886. It was devised to arouse self expression and constructive play along educational lines among childred from 2 to 12 years old. Originally it was attached to the wall: later it was elaborated upon. An adjustable desk and bench were added. Then several scrolls were added with expensive books. In 1930 a survey was made of parents who had the expensive model. The present unique equipment now comprises all the materials which interviewed parents said that their children had actually used."

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