Writing Slate, 1880-1910

Summary

In the nineteenth century, schoolchildren's access to paper was limited. Slates were used to practice handwriting and arithmetic without wasting precious paper. After a teacher's approval, the students were allowed to copy their best slate work into a paper copybook, as a record of accomplishment. Students also memorized concepts, rules and even long literary passages, thus conserving paper.

In the nineteenth century, schoolchildren's access to paper was limited. Slates were used to practice handwriting and arithmetic without wasting precious paper. After a teacher's approval, the students were allowed to copy their best slate work into a paper copybook, as a record of accomplishment. Students also memorized concepts, rules and even long literary passages, thus conserving paper.

Artifact

Blackboard slate

Date Made

1880-1910

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

41.214.1701

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mrs. E. G. Douglas.

Material

Slate (Rock)
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 6.25 in

Width: 4 in

Inscriptions

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER, 125

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More