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Slate notebook used by Bishop Benjamin Tanner

Object Details

Description
Bound writing slates that belonged to Bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The object is constructed of three (3 double-sided, framed slates joined together with gummed paper on the spine that allows it to open like a book. The front and back covers are covered in dark brown leather with maroon undertones. Gold embossed lettering centered on the front cover reads [Notes]. A swirling, leafy design surrounds the "N." The inside front cover is covered in peach, blue, and white marbled paper with a piece of discolored white paper adhered on top. Handwritten text in black ink on the paper reads [To Bishop B.T. Tanner D.D. / by his friend Abraham Grant / May 19th 1898]. Each slate is framed in brown wood. The edges of the slates appear to be covered in blue and white paper. There is black printed text on the frame of the first slate. The top is marked [A.W. FABER No. 2], and the bottom is marked [MADE IN GERMANY.] The inside of the back cover is covered in red, blue and white marbled paper. There is a fabric tube attached to the inside back cover, possibly for holding chalk. The back cover is blank.
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Created by
Unidentified
Owned by
Benjamin Tucker Tanner, American, 1835 - 1923
Subject of
African Methodist Episcopal Church, American, founded 1816
Date
1898
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture; Gift of the Bishop Frederick and Mrs. Artishia Jordan Scholarship Fund
Medium
wood, slate, and paper (fiber product)
Dimensions
H x W (Closed): 6 9/16 x 4 3/8 x 7/8 in. (16.7 x 11.1 x 2.2 cm)
H x W (Open): 6 9/16 x 8 5/8 x 3/4 in. (16.7 x 21.9 x 1.9 cm)
Type
notebooks
This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Open Access page.
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