THE MERIT CARDS 

for

Orlando Bruce Hanson

In the late 1800s, many products came packaged with small cardboard pictures.  Although I am sure these were used in many ways, there is one use that I am familiar with.  They were collected and passed out to elementary school students as merit rewards for exemplary behavior, homework or high marks on class work.   

Orlando Bruce Hanson, my great-grandfather, was born 9 Mar 1881.  He started school about 1886 or 1887.  The following cards were received by him in the second grade, circa 1887-1888.

These cards were obtained by redeeming family soap wrappers from the John Reardon & Sons soap makers company.  On the left is the front of the card, and on the right is the back of the card.  

Another card, nothing is written on this card.

Shreds of fringe are attached to the one on the left.  Note the words "Reward of Merit" on this one.  The one on the right is broken and in bad shape.