School Reward of Merit Given to Maude Davenport by Her Teacher M. W. Leland, circa 1880

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 1880

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

31.1216.58

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Blue
Gold (Color)
Pink (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 4.938 in

Width: 3.688 in

Inscriptions

REWARD OF MERIT. | PRESENTED TO Maude Davenport | M. W. Leland Teacher.

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