School Reward of Merit, 1780-1820

01

Artifact Overview

During the nineteenth-century, teachers recognized students with paper "rewards of merit." These small tokens commended a student's excellent work, perfect attendance, good behavior or other noteworthy accomplishment. Some contained simple handwritten sentiments from the teacher to the pupil. Many were printed and colorful, with space available to write in the student's name as well as their own.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Reward of merit

Date Made

1780-1820

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.1281.654.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Engraving (Printing process)
Hand coloring

Color

Pink (Color)
Green
Yellow (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 2.5 in
Width: 3.875 in

Inscriptions

REWARD OF MERIT Presented to Martha[?] E. [illegible] By H. F. Rice Text at left: Here you will find your teachers are kind. | And with their help succeeding. | The older you grow the more you will know. | And soon you'll love your reading Text at right: School is begun so come every one. | And come with smiling faces: | For happy are they who learn while they may. | So come and take your places.
School Reward of Merit, 1780-1820