Scholar's Companion Patriotic Pencil Box

Public schools encouraged the Americanization of newcomers with programs and images intended to inspire patriotism. In most classrooms, American flags hung alongside images of the American eagle and George Washington. Even the smallest of school supplies inspired patriotic thoughts. The lid of this Scholar’s Companion wooden pencil box has a lithograph with colorful illustrations of a globe, shield, American flag, and a bald eagle surrounding a stylized “ABC” motif. Other small containers such as stationery boxes, tobacco containers, and liqueur novelty boxes were also used to hold writing implements.

Scholar’s Companions were made in Germany from 1895-1915 and were imported to New York City stationery stores and school suppliers. They often had locks on them, as this one does, as supplies were costly. The boxes cost 10 cents each unfilled and the price would increase as accessories were added. They were marketed to parents or grandparents as gifts for students, and were advertised as equipment to lead to a student’s success, which would have resonated with many parents but particularly immigrants sacrificing to provide a better life for their children.

This box has a lock but the student user is unknown.