1994.13.15

Eaton Ciphering Board

Eaton, George.

Wood ciphering board with solid wood hinged lid designed to fold under frame during use, brass swivel hooks on side of frame lock into eyehooks on lid to secure it in either open or closed position; 30 x 35 cell grid, each opening 3/16" square by 3/8" deep; frame has flat profile, mitered corners, grid recessed in dado in frame; collection of wooden type with tactile symbols similar to those seen in Taylor slates, apparently five different designs, each with four profiles depending on orientation in the grid.

1875

Perkins School for the Blind

Boston, MA

Eaton ciphering boards were made at Perkins between 1871-1882. George Eaton, the maker, was a blind graduate from Perkins. Samuel Gridley Howe, Superintendent at Perkins, mentioned the Eaton slates favorably in his 1875 report for the school, although he noted that Eaton's wood type were too light for regular use. This item was given to Perkins by S.J. Blaisdell, another Perkins graduate.

Loaned by the Perkins School for the Blind, 1994.13