Historical information

This slate comes from the Glasgow Estate (Ellen Isabel Glasgow died in Warrnambool in 1971). It is presumed it was used by members of the Glasgow family. Slates such as this were used by all school children in Victoria (and presumably elsewhere) in the infant and younger age classes from the early days of the State until the early 1940s. It had the advantage of the work being able to be easily erased so that other work could be written. A slate pencil was used to write on this board. A more recent blackboard or chalkboard was in common use until the 1970's in junior classes. the writing with these was done with chalk.

Significance

This is significant firstly as an example of past educational tools used by small children and so has important social significance as every school child of past generations would have used a slate. It is also important as it belonged to the Glasgow family. John Glasgow (c.1847-1925), at his property, Blackwood Hill, Wangoom, was a prominent cheese maker in the late 19th century and was one of the first shareholders and a member of the first Board of Directors of the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory at Allansford. The dairying industry is of key importance in Warrnambool economic history.

Physical description

This is a child's school writing slate made from quarry slate with permanent lines for handwriting with a wooden frame. The surface is much marked and scratched.

Inscriptions & markings

Scratch marks