Chalk box
Photo courtesy of US National Museum of American History (1982.0718)
Before pencil and paper, children used a small slate and chalk. In 1801, the concept of a large slate on the front wall was devised and revolutionized classroom instruction.
Controlling chalk dust was a constant chore, the dust dried the hands and covered school surfaces. Nevertheless, the chalkboard was a valuable and important tool for teaching. It was part of the standardized requirements for a prairie school.