High chair
Object NameHigh chair
MediumWood
Dimensions44 × 18 × 17 in. (111.8 × 45.7 × 43.2 cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Bernice Graves. In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Object number74.31.8
Status
On viewCollections
Label TextAlthough not as widespread as they are today, the Victorian era saw the gradual rise of the high chair as an essential piece of furniture for raising children following the adage “Children should be seen and not heard” especially at dinner. Originating in the 17th century, high chairs became increasingly accessible during the Victorian period thanks to advances in mass production, though manufacturing remained on a limited scale. This trend continued until the post World War II baby boom, when the high chair achieved widespread popularity and became a familiar fixture in households across America. Three different examples of the chairs are in the Farm House Museum collection.
Locations
- (not entered) Iowa State University, Farm House Museum
