From the archives - September 9, 2021

Prior to 1863, John L. Hammett invented the chalkboard, by creating "slating paint." He opened the J.L. Hammett Company in Rhode Island.

The company began making slates in different sizes - wall mounts and smaller desktop sizes. The company also sold chalk for the slates. At the time, users were advised to "wipe the slates with rags" to remove the chalk markings.

During an 1863 presentation on his chalkboard, Hammett discovered that wool felt strips wiped off the chalk better than the rags. He gathered a team at his company to create a "chalkboard eraser" by attaching felt strips to a handle.

After small modifications, his rectangular eraser was ready for market. The chalkboard eraser was a success! He expanded the business by opening another store in Boston.

This chalkboard eraser, not from the J.L. Hammett Co., was made by the Rosebud Art Company. Rosebud Art Company was founded in 1923 by Isidor Rosen in Bronx, New York.

This eraser was used in one of the Boundary County schools. Museum records show no donor's name, nor the year it was donated to the museum. However, it is a "special" eraser, as it is the only chalkboard eraser in the museum's collection.

We hope all Boundary County School District 101 staff and students have a wonderful year!

Your Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho sponsors this column.

Visit the museum Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. We can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or telephone 208-267-7720.

Thank you for your continued support!