The permanent exhibit case measures 20 inches by 5 feet 6 inches by 12 feet. It has adjustable shelves, glass doors, and is provided with the same style of lock as are the general tool case, supply cases and demonstration bench.
The cabinets for pupils’ unfinished work have been planned to meet the problem of providing a satisfactory place in which a pupil can keep his work from lesson to lesson. The first requirement of the shop seemed a standard size locker; secondly, it must be adjustable to provide for various sizes of projects; and lastly, local conditions demanded a system which could be moved without difficulty. The idea has developed into what is the most satisfactory system with which the writer (Albert F. Siepert) has had experience, either as student or teacher. A sectional case was designed which meets equally the needs of all classes in the art and handwork department, whether they be bookbinding, woodwork or sewing. Each section measures 20 in. by 24 in. by 36 in. The open case in the [illustration] shows the maximum number of compartments, eight pupils to the section, each pupil having a space 81⁄4 in. by 105⁄8 in. by 181⁄2 in. for his work. By removing four or six of the upright partitions, the space may be given to four or even to two pupils. Thus any piece of work up to 11 in. by 181⁄2 in. by 34 in. can be kept out of the way and under lock and key. Alternate sections are assigned to a class to avoid congestion and confusion.
The cost of the building several years ago was $3,500. Local carpenters built the demonstration theater, lumber rack, cabinets, etc. The demonstration bench cost $27; the stain and glue tables approximately $4.50 per running foot; and the cabinets for unfinished work $12 per section.
16. Size of Classes.
It should be noted that the building was planned originally for twenty benches and that it now contains twenty-four. Twenty benches ought to be the maximum number so far as the giving of proper instruction is concerned. When more are given the instructor the conditions for the most efficient work are not good. This problem of accommodating twenty-four boys will have to be met, and may as well be planned for just so long as school directors insist upon crowding fifty pupils in the regular classroom when the teacher ought to have but thirty-five or forty to do her best work. Then, too, it frequently happens that a room contains more boys than girls. Some of these boys might be sent to another and adjoining center. It is best to plan to care for twenty-four boys, however, where the regular room enrolment runs above average. In this case the dimensions of the building as given in the preceding text should be changed. Enlarge the width of the building by six feet. This will permit the placing of the extra demonstration seats upon the platform and also allow sufficient floor space near the lumber rack for cutting out stock, and about the finishing table, etc.
In placing benches, plan to have the light enter over the back and the left end of the bench. That is, when standing at his bench, the light should strike the pupil in the front and left.
An amphitheater is very desirable both in the high school and the grade school shop. In large classes it is a necessity. With small classes it is possible to make use of desk stools arranged about a bench. Many manual training centers, in fact, most manual training centers, do not have the amphitheater. This is no argument against its desirability. It simply means that the boys get but an imperfect understanding of the demonstration and that their work must suffer accordingly.
17. Lockers.
The locker problem is one that has been a source of trouble. The [arrangement] described in connection with the description of the Montclair shop is by far the best solution of this problem that has come to the author’s attention. The extreme length of pieces that can be accommodated is 34″. A few pieces will be longer than this. These can be accommodated outside the locker or the locker sections may be planned large, say 40″ in the clear.
The grindstone is best suited for pupils’ use in sharpening edge tools. Where a small motor is used for power, it is very desirable to have a small dry emery grinder for the use of the instructor. Ten dollars will cover its cost and it will pay for itself quickly. It can be placed near the grindstone.