School Reward of Merit Given to James Grattan by His Teacher, Miss Carman, circa 1840

Summary

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.

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

Reward of merit

Date Made

circa 1840

Creators

Unknown

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.1281.1.6

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Engraving (Printing process)

Color

Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 3.5 in

Width: 2.25 in

Inscriptions

FOR | CORRECT DEPORTMENT. To James Grattan | By Miss Carman | Teacher.

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More