The Blackboard

In the past, blackboards were commonly used in teaching. The chalk marks could be easily wiped off with a damp cloth or a special blackboard eraser consisting of a block of wood covered by a felt pad. However chalkmarks made on some types of wet blackboard could be difficult to remove.

Blackboard manufacturers often advised that a new or newly resurfaced chalkboard be completely covered using the side of a stick of chalk and then that chalk brushed off as normal to prepare it for use. Blackboards are also used in many establishments (typically public houses) as a form of advertising often for upcoming events and menus - as well as to keep the score in darts matches.