School Reward of Merit Given to Effie Shaw, 1850-1900

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

1850-1900

Creators

Unknown

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2014.0.19.6

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Sepia (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 3 in

Width: 4.5 in

Inscriptions

On front: REWARD OF MERIT | AGAINST SELFISHNESS. | LOVE and kindess we may measure | By this simple rule alone-- | Do we mind our neighbor's pleasure | Just as if it were our own? On back: Effie Shaw | from her Teacher | S.[?] Louise Fram[?]

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