[ Froebel ]. Sibley, Ruth.

Collection of ephemera relating to a beginning kindergarten teacher.]

[New York: Froebel League of New York City, 1912-1915]. The date on the employment contract indicates that Ruth Sibley was hired by the Froebel League of New York City as an assistant in the kindergarten in May 1912. The two letters (between Sibley and Isabella Goodrich Breckenridge, the secretary of the Froebel League) indicate that Sibley departed in May of 1914, seemingly for another teaching position. Breckenridge expresses her appreciation for Sibley’s work with the organization. It also seems that Sibley took the test for her teacher’s license in June of 1913, though it’s unclear whether she achieved her license at that time. With eleven pieces of ephemera: two ALS (in envelopes), three invitations to events held by the Froebel League of New York City, one typed and signed employment contract for the Froebel League, a brochure on the Department of Education of New York City kindergarten teacher’s license exam, and the sixteenth annual report of the Froebel League (April 1915). Some toning and creasing. Scrapbook glue remnants on versos of a few items. A very good set of ephemera documenting a kindergarten teacher’s employment by the Froebel League of New York City. White, tan, and buff paper leaves. Item #17318

The Froebel League of New York City was comprised of a kindergarten; training classes for teachers, mothers, and governesses; and lectures in literature, science, music, and more. The goal of the organization was both to teach children in a classroom environment and provide mothers and other caretakers with the tools to teach children at home. The organization taught courses in educational theory using Froebel’s Mother Play, Education of Man, and The Pedagogics of the Kindergarten as central texts, as well as courses in philosophy, psychology, childhood development, and health. The Froebel League employed many women educators, including Susan Blow, Vassar College professor and physician Dr. Elizabeth B. Thelberg, and University of Chicago professor Ella Flagg Young.

Kindergarten Review, vol. 14 (1903), pp. 52-56.

Price: $500.00