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DIPLOMA
DIPLOMA

DIPLOMA

CultureCanada
Date1938
Dimensions36 x 29 cm (14 3/16 x 11 7/16 in.)
Object numberXHF.2023.1.47
DescriptionA large rectangular diploma with black stylized and cursive font and a gold embossed stamp at the bottom center. A black boarder is present around the outer edge. The diploma is an advanced certificate and was given to Edith E. MacEwen for the MacLean Method of Writing, completed in Vancouver, British Columbia, on 15th of June, 1938.
Narrative
The MacLean Method of Writing was developed by Henry Bovyer MacLean (b. 1884, d. 1976), originally from Mount Herbert, PEI. MacLean studied at Prince of Wales College. He became a teacher at age 17 before continuing his studies at the MacDonald Institute of Ontario. MacLean later began working in the British Columbia school district and in 1919, was appointed chairman to survey textbooks and make recommendations for writing manuals and improving handwriting. In 1921, The MacLean Method of Writing was published and built upon turn of the century methods of writing. MacLean’s method combined the three s’s: slant, size, and spacing, while also encouraging rhythm. The MacLean Method of Writing was officially adopted by the education departments of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, British Columbia, and English speaking schools in Quebec between 1921-1964.