Physics Notebook of a Chicago High School Student in 1911
Boards. NICHOLS, Fred R. Notes in Physics; For the Use of the Pupils of the Richard T. Crane Technical High School. Chicago: Fred R. Nichols, 1910. 8vo. Quarter cloth boards tied with brown string. Pastedown on front cover. Mixed pagination.
Rubbing to boards. As this is a high school tablet, many of the pages consist of handwritten notes. Pen notations throughout. Signed by author and owner. Loose ephemera including notes and a photograph laid in.
This is a textbook and tablet for a high school physics class, used in the 1911-1912 school year. The class was taught by the author of this and several other physics textbooks, Professor Fred R. Nichols, alongside instructor F.C. Donecker. The tablet belonged to H.C. Johnsen who lived in what is now the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. The tablet was issued to students of the R.T. Crane Technical High School in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, which still exists as the Richard T. Crane Medical Prep High School.
This text is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a turn-of-the-century Chicago high school student. The first portion of the tablet is a printed textbook followed by several hundred pages of hand-written notes and exercises as well as hand-drawn diagrams. Mr. Johnsen seems to have been quite studious, as there are minimal deviations from physics assignments present, though there are a few marginal doodles and a family portrait photograph labelled "The Johnsens" laid in. There are several instances of corrections and notes from the instructor, as well as official stamps indicating that the student had permission to use black ink instead of violet. Mr. Johnsen attained the grade of "Good" for the year, so well done Mr. Johnsen. Very good. Item #1528
Price: $125.00