V. Envelope Problems. Part 2
Envelopes can be made interesting. From this section of a handbook for grade school teachers published in 1916 titled Paper and Cardboard Construction, by G. F. Buxton, F. L. Curran:
c. With compass set at 1 1/4” radius describe an arc as shown at A. The center for this arc will be outside the sheet of tag board and any piece of waste paper may be used on which to extend the center line. The location of this center may be determined by the pupil.
d. Cut, fold, and glue in same manner as in number 341.
I’ll let that whet your appetite. It may be prudent to take note of this valuable resource, just in case you want to make envelopes sometime. Also, please take notice of how much casual respect is shown to the students. For example, in the Introduction:
Unusual shapes, saw toothed edges, highly colored floral decorations, inappropriate types of construction, over-complex forms and other eccentricities should be avoided everywhere, but especially with young children. These have been carefully excluded from this outline.
A century later, such frivolous distractions, bread and circuses, are pushed by the state with total abandon lest students and workers come to terms with their alienation.
