Reward of merit for good behavior, hand colored, depicting a patriotic theme with three illustrations. The first is Lady Liberty is depicted wearing a liberty cap on the left side of the certificate. She is wearing a white skirt and blouse and holding a flaming scepter. Her skirt has a flag motif with red stripes and white stars on a blue background. In the middle is the second patriotic image, an eagle with wings spread clutching a flag staff in its left talon. A tasseled flag hangs down from the eagle’s right wing. On the right side is an American flag set against a sunrise on a base of clouds, the third patriotic image on this award. Patriotic imagery in the classroom was particularly prominent from 1880 through 1920's when an Americanization movement was common in schools. This reward appears to be part of that period.
Along the top border of the reward are the words, “Union Reward, for Children, who must be good, or suffer loss of character.” The publishers name is printed along the bottom border: “J. Hains. Paper and Envelope Manufacturer, and Job Printer. Delaware, Ohio.” Along the left border of the reward the words “For Good Behavior” are printed vertically, and on the right border, also vertical, are the words “And diligent study.” This was typical fro rewards of this time period encouraged best behaviors over academic excellence. The inscription reads, “To Lizzie Knause From Geo. W. Fackler.” George W. Fackler was the teacher and Lizzie was his student.
