New in the collection: Paddle used by Hickory principal

Wood paddle shaped like a spoon with three holes in round part.

This oak paddle was used for corporal punishment by an unnamed principal at St. Stephens Elementary School (1933-2001) in Hickory, likely in the 1960s. Seventeen inches long with three drilled holes to reduce drag and thus increase sting. Shows use.

Previous owner believed it had been crafted from schoolroom furniture made by Southern Chair of Hickory, once billed as the world’s largest manufacturer of institutional furniture but later swallowed by Drexel Heritage and subsequent buyers.