Writing in the Late 19th to Early 20th Century: A Child's Diary and Its Insights
The art of writing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was markedly different from what we practice today. This period offers a fascinating glimpse into how children wrote and the context in which their diaries were kept. As you work on your story that draws from a child's diary, these insights will provide rich inspiration. This article explores the tools, process, and societal context of writing during this time.
Tools and Materials for Writing
Children in the late 19th and early 20th centuries used a variety of tools to write their thoughts and experiences. One of the most common was the slate. These little blackboards were made of slate and could be erased, making them ideal for learning and practicing writing without the costs associated with paper. However, by the end of the 19th century, paper began to become more affordable, and the practice of using diaries became more common.
Precious Possessions: Diaries for the Wealthy
For children from wealthier families, diaries were often expensive gifts, symbolizing a sense of permanency and significance different from slates. These diaries served as personal record-keeping tools that could be passed down through generations. Even in simpler times, these diaries were treasured keepsakes, capturing the thoughts and emotions of a child during a specific era.
Socioeconomic and Racial Context
The quality of education and access to writing materials varied widely across different socioeconomic statuses and racial divides. For instance, not all children were encouraged to attend school beyond a certain age, particularly those from working-class families where child labor was common. This was especially true before the introduction of child labor laws. For example, during the Great Depression, my father had to leave school in the 8th grade to help support his family. Similarly, many African American children in the southern United States were denied access to higher education, with some towns lacking high schools for Black students well into the 1930s and 1940s.
The Diary of a Black Child
Imagining a diary of a Black child from this era might inspire discussions of longing for education or dreams of a better life. The thoughts and aspirations of such a child could provide poignant insights into the historical context. If the setting of your story is in such a background, their expressions of hope or frustration in their writing could serve as powerful narrative elements.
Educational Standards and Curriculum
For middle and upper-class children in countries like the United States and Canada, the educational standards were more rigorous than they might appear today. They were expected to write in perfect grammatical English and demonstrate good penmanship. Vocabulary and spelling drills were frequent, reflecting the importance placed on literacy and language skills.
The Role of Children's Books
Books from the late 1800s and early 1900s can offer insights into the level of knowledge expected of children. These books often encouraged the use of the child's imagination and might contain tales of adventure, famous people, and magical places. For instance, a child might express a desire to meet influential figures, visit exotic locations, or express opinions about their teachers and friends. Through these writings, you can capture the dreams and aspirations of children from that era.
The Voice of the Child
Despite the constraints of the time, children found ways to express themselves. In my own experience during the 1950s, even in a rigid and conservative society, a diary was one of the few spaces where I could freely express my feelings. A child's diary can be a window into their thoughts, dreams, and emotions, providing a rich source of inspiration for your story.
By delving into the history of writing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, you can capture the essence of this pivotal period in a way that resonates with both the historical accuracy and the emotional authenticity of your narrative.