Slate Pencils

Soapstone for Our Slatework
One of the best ideas for re-enactment supplies came to me back in 2006 from our friends in League City, Texas. CSAA Board members Catharin and Richard Lewis of the West Bay Common School Children's Museum suggested we use soapstone instead of chalk for our living history slate lessons. Soapstone "slate pencils" are dust-free and last a long time with regular classroom use. They are mainly sold by the gross  (144 pieces) and are not easy to find as they are primarily used by electricians, welders, and plumbers to mark pipes.

As word spread, more and more schoolhouses have switched to using soapstone for their schoolhouse lessons. Over the years suppliers have come and gone, but we recently located one on Amazon, of all places. My order was delivered in two days.

According to Richard Lewis, soapstone was authentic in the latter half of the 19th century adding,  "They sold them through mail order catalogs with fancy holders for the 1/4 inch round soapstone like mechanical graphite pencils did the same for draftsmen. The soapstone holders are not available any more though."

You'll find that soapstone sure is cleaner than chalk. Most of our living history classes are simple nostalgic recreations and we do the best we can to offer lessons characteristic of the times we represent. Try soapstone...you'll like it!

Note: CSAA is not promoting any particular business and does not receive commissions...we're just trying to help! You can also try plumbing /welding/electrical suppliers.

SOAPSTONE ROUND ON AMAZON