From the Archives

ARTIFACT Dipping Into Past Customs

Dip pens and inkwells like this one were used at Agnes Irwin for writing sums and penning letters from the founding of the school in 1869 into the mid-20th century. This inkwell belonged to Sophia Dallas Irwin, younger sister of Agnes Irwin and the second headmistress of The Agnes Irwin School. It was gifted to Bertha M. Laws, the fourth headmistress, who served from 1928 to 1944 and who later donated the inkstand to the school. This inkstand “belonged to Miss Sophy and always stood on her desk,” Laws said. “When she died, it was given to me and now I am passing it on to you for the Alumnae Room, where she, I know, would be happy to have it stay.”

— Amanda Mahnke, based on “From Miss Sophy’s Inkwell: A Collection of Agnes Irwin Memories,” by Elise Artelt ’60 and Martha Rowland Goppelt ’50 (May 2008)

Ithan Avenue & Conestoga Road Rosemont, PA 19010

agnesirwin.org

FSC Logo FPO

GOLDEN

Sunny skies and autumnal hues offer an idyllic backdrop for third graders practicing their field hockey skills during a Physical Education class on the Lower School green in October. Lower School students participate in PE classes four days a week and wellness activities one day a week. PE provides the physical activity and skillbased instruction that growing bodies need. Photo by Amanda Mahnke

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 1043 Conshohocken, PA