Slate notebook used by Bishop Benjamin Tanner

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Bound writing slates that belonged to Bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The object is constructed of three (3 double-sided, framed slates joined together with gummed paper on the spine that allows it to open like a book. The front and back covers are covered in dark brown leather with maroon undertones. Gold embossed lettering centered on the front cover reads [Notes]. A swirling, leafy design surrounds the "N." The inside front cover is covered in peach, blue, and white marbled paper with a piece of discolored white paper adhered on top. Handwritten text in black ink on the paper reads [To Bishop B.T. Tanner D.D. / by his friend Abraham Grant / May 19th 1898]. Each slate is framed in brown wood. The edges of the slates appear to be covered in blue and white paper. There is black printed text on the frame of the first slate.

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