Do You Remember the Palmer Method?

Before the advent of the typewriter, a person’s handwriting proficiency was of paramount importance. Companies prided themselves on the appearance of their hand-written communications. Clerks, accountants, and other business-related professionals were expected to excel in this area.

While various methods had been used to teach cursive handwriting, Austin Palmer noticed that the best handwriting seemed to occur when one kept their arm on the desk at all times and formed the letters with little or no finger motion. This was in contrast to other methods which focused on whole-arm movement. Soon, he published his findings and the “Palmer Method” was born.

Repetition was a key element in forming each letter. In addition, each letter had to be formed within the three lines allocated so that it would appear identical to the previous one. Second photo. And, to reinforce the importance of proper penmanship, virtually every classroom displayed the properly-formed letters of the alphabet directly above the chalk board

By the time of Palmer’s death in 1927, more than 25 million Americans had learned to write using his method. Even after his death, the concept continued well into the 1950’s. In fact, students at Western Springs’ Grand Avenue School routinely submitted samples of their handwriting directly to the Palmer Company. Successful applicants would receive an impressive “Penmanship Certificate”, complete with a gold seal. The certificate of long-time Western Springs resident Jerome Lonnes is shown in the third photo.

The Palmer Method was eventually supplanted by the Zaner-Blosner method, which taught children manuscript before teaching them cursive. This was intended to give them a means of written expression as early as possible. And, in the late 1970’s, the D’Nealian method became popular, returning to a more cursive style. The Palmer Company stopped publishing its school materials in the 1980’s.

Ironically, the advent of the computer and iPad produced a new generation of students who took notes and wrote letters using keyboards and keypads. As a result, many have no cursive writing skills. But, based on studies that suggest students retain more when notes are handwritten, many schools and teachers are re-introducing cursive writing. Austin Palmer would be proud.

Photo Captions:
Austin Palmer … 1860-1927
Author’s 2nd Grade penmanship - 1952
Jerome Lonnes’ Palmer Method Certificate - 1952

Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org or just click on the author’s name shown above.