Object Details
- Description
- This double slate or book slate provides a student with double the amount of writing surface and is a larger size, about the size of an electronic tablet. Single slates have been used since ancient times, however double slates began to be patented in the 1870's and continued in use through the 1950's. Slates were primarily used in the classroom for spelling and math assignments, allowing paper to be saved for longer assignments and testing. This slate contains remnants of red fabric, probably felt, that is wrapped aroung the edges with cord. The wrapped edges was advertised as "noiseless" which made them more popular with teachers, as 19th and early 20th century classrooms were notoriously noisy. This slate also has a routed area for fitting in a slate pencil. The maker and student owner are unknown.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- date made
- 1870-1930
- Credit Line
- Gift of Dr. Richard Lodish American School Collection
- Physical Description
- wood (overall material)
- fabric (overall material)
- stone (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall, minimum (shipping, storage, or collapsed): 32.2 cm x 22 cm x 2 cm; 12 11/16 in x 8 21/32 in x 25/32 in
- overall, minimum (shipping, storage, or collapsed): 32.2 cm x 44.4 cm x 1 cm; 12 11/16 in x 17 15/32 in x 13/32 in
- Object Name
- slate
