Work

"A Gilt-Edged Class of Trained Men": Telegraph Schools in Canada and the United States, 1870s-1920s

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Throughout the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century hundreds of young men and women sought to learn telegraphy in schools and colleges. These schools aimed to uplift students into promising careers by equipping them with a rare skill set at an affordable price and a small time commitment. Telegraph schools aimed to provide students with a uniform set of skills, knowledge, and experiences to get right into the workforce as telegraphers. The development of telegraph schools is also tied to the history of technical schools more broadly. Ultimately, telegraph schools over promised what they could deliver to their students.

Source: Historical Studies in Education / Revue d histoire de l éducation

DOI: 10.32316/hse-rhe.2026.5497

Author: Michael Feagan

Institution: Western University

Language: English

Topic: Historical Education Studies Worldwide

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7165728228

FWCI:

Cites:

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Related to: 10