The Standing Desk: Not a New Concept

by Lauren Caris

If you ever find yourself in northern Ohio, it’s worth a trip to see the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont. The facility includes the museum, library, tomb, grounds, and home of the 19^th U.S. President.  On a recent tour of the Hayes Home, a 31-room mansion originally constructed around 1860 by Hayes’ uncle, I was impressed with the elegant furnishings and attention to detail. The home boasts nineteen fireplaces and a dining table that can seat 24 people thanks to 11 leaves. But the one item that stood out for me was a standing desk found in the library. President Hayes brought the desk back to his home from the White House.  Our tour guide explained how President Hayes preferred to work standing up. It reminded me that standing while working in the office is not a new concept at all. For more information on this topic, check out our previously-recorded sitting versus standing webinar.

Image courtesy of Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center