Blackboards in schools will soon be a thing of the past. Whiteboards and smart boards are gradually becoming the new standard in modern education. These innovative tools are revolutionizing the way students learn and interact in the classroom, paving the way for a more dynamic and engaging educational experience.

The iconic blackboards that have stood for years at the former Wells Street Public School will soon become a thing of the past, as the property is now owned by Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts Inc.

When the school permanently closed its doors in 2008, a piece of history was left behind in the form of blackboard graffiti. These notes and scribbles, likely left by teachers and students in previous school years, offer a glimpse into the past of this historic building, capturing a sense of time and the lives that once filled the classrooms.

While documenting the interior of the school, items that were permanently affixed to the walls, such as blackboards, cork boards, lockers, and shelving, were meticulously preserved in their original locations.

One particularly intriguing find was an antique five-finger chalk holder attached to a blackboard in the newer section of the school, which had been constructed in 1952. Despite its age and apparent lack of use, the chalk holder remained in place, gathering dust.

Curious about the rarity of such an item, I conducted a thorough search online to see if similar chalk holders could be found in other schools, but my efforts were in vain. It seemed as though this particular piece may have been unique to Wells Street School, a fascinating relic of a bygone era.

Scribbles, scribbles, and more scribbles.

I fondly recall my elementary school days when, on the last day of school, we would leave some scribbles on the classroom blackboard. Upon returning from summer vacation, our teacher would instruct us to erase them all. Occasionally, there were also notes left by the teacher on the blackboard. Some teachers had a designated blackboard that remained almost permanent, like the periodic table in my chemistry class.

In the case of Wells Street Public School, one of the blackboards featured Our Giving Tree—a simple, yet meaningful drawing that captured the spirit of the school community. It was these small, often unnoticed details that gave the school its character, and even after years, those scribbles, notes, and drawings tell stories of the time spent within those walls.

Over time, slate blackboards began to fall out of use, replaced by green boards in new classrooms. The transition was difficult for many, as the term ‘blackboard’ persisted despite the change in color. Eventually, the term was generalized to refer to all chalkboards, regardless of their hue.

Many believe that the shift in the chalkboard industry was driven by price, but in reality, it was research conducted in the early sixties that played a key role in the transition. Studies revealed that the green background board was more visually appealing and less straining on students’ eyes due to its lower contrast compared to the traditional blackboard.

In conclusion, the school year has come to an end once again. I hope that the sight of those blackboards will evoke fond memories for those who attended the former Wells Street Public School. Perhaps you will even remember the five-finger chalk holder that you never paid much attention to.

The school is now under the ownership of Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, and as it begins a new chapter, it will soon be adorned with beautiful artwork on the walls. While the building may no longer serve its original purpose, it will continue to be a part of our community’s story, preserving memories while embracing new life.

COMMENTS

Jules Besseling said: April 12, 2012 at 16:24

“Regarding the “Chalk holder” It appears to be at the top corner of a black board frame. As such, it is more likely a flag holder.”

Anna Lozyk Romeo said: April 16, 2012 at 19:34

“Jules thank you for commenting and the tip. I will check it out.”