School Reward of Merit Given to Albert H. Wheeler, 1852-1865

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

1852-1865

Creator Notes

Possibly made in Massachusetts.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2014.0.19.30

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Orange (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 2.375 in
Width: 4.625 in

Inscriptions

REWARD OF MERIT Now is the time each | child should try, | In life's bright sunny morn, | To lay rich stores of | knowledge by, Ere wintry age comes | on. To Albert H Wheeler | From M A [?]eale [?]
School Reward of Merit Given to Albert H. Wheeler, 1852-1865