Globite school cases 1950s and 60s

Four rectangular suitcases lined up along a wall. They range from largest to smallest, each with handle on the top and metal latches.

Three Globite school cases of different sizes. The largest one was used by a boy in secondary school. The smallest was used by a 3rd Grade boy in 1962.

Globite suitcase sizes – left to right – in inches

18 x 11 x 6 1/4
16 x 10 x 5 3/4
14 x 9 x 5 1/4
14 x 9 x 5 1/4

About the object

These Globite suitcases were popular as school cases through the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Students packed their books, lunch, handkerchief, ruler, pencil box and perhaps a bag of jacks or marbles.

The suitcases ranged in size with the smallest cases carried by infants students. To take a brand new Globite to school was a very proud moment!

These box-like cases were made of a sturdy compressed fibre, similar to really strong cardboard. Each corner was reinforced with a moulded cap. They were manufactured at the Globite factory in Sydney.

The school cases were designed to lay flat on a surface to access the contents. The top opened on hinges and clipped shut.

Inside the lid students often stuck in stickers and sometimes attached elastic to hold flat objects.

During school hours the Globites could be lined up side-by-side in the storeroom or on the veranda outside the classroom.

Globites were used until backpacks became common.

Significance

The object shows a manufacturing material and technology of the time.

It provides a physical example of an iconic object used by NSW school children in the past.

Object details

Date – 1960s to 70s

Creator – Globite

Place – Surry Hills, Sydney

Materials – compressed fibre, metal

Dimensions – largest – length 47.7cm x width 28cm x depth 15.8cm; middle – length 40.6cm x width 25.4cm x depth 13.3cm; smallest – length 35cm x width 22.8cm x depth 13.3cm

Look closer

Small suitcase laying flat with metal latches and handle

Well-used Globite school case used by Wayne Elley in class 3BH at North Ryde Public School in 1962.

Paper label inside a Globite suitcase with lines for name and address. It includes an illustration of a boy and girl in school uniform carrying them

Label inside a Globite school case. Note the compressed fibre from which the case was made.

Rusted metal latch on a Globite suitcase with key hole and round dial.

Close up of reinforced corner cap, latch and handle of a Globite school case. The round latch was slid out to unlatch the case. A twist of the round dial locked the latch.

Open Globite suitcase containing pencil box, books, cloth bag and elastic across the inside of the lid

Inside of a Globite school case with sample contents. The elastic across the lid was sometimes added by students. Large flat items such as manilla folders could be slipped in behind the elastic.

Think and wonder

See

What do you notice first?
What do you notice that you can’t explain?
How are the handle and corner caps attached?

Think

If somebody made this today, what would be different?
What can you learn from examining the Globite cases?
What might be some other handy uses of Globite suitcases – on the way to school and at home?
Why do you think Globite cases were eventually replaced with backpacks?

Wonder

What do you wonder about Globite suitcases?
What else would you like to know about them or their contents?

Do

Compare the Globite suitcase to your backpack.

How is it similar and different?
Use a Venn diagram to express the similarities and differences.

Compose an imaginary recount of taking to school a brand new Globite suitcase.

Explore and connect

Advertisement for Globite suitcases headed 'Globite Travel Goods' with a photograph of four Globite suitcases stacked flat form largest to smallest

Advertisement for Globite cases on inside cover of a cardboard cover for issues of The School Magazine, circa 1924Uncatalogued - Morrow collection

Globite advertisement, circa 1924

This advertisement was on the inside cover of a cardboard cover holding issues of 1924 The School Magazine.

Globite is an Australian brand. It was founded in 1911 by Ford Sherington in Surry Hills, Sydney – a luggage manufacturer.

Globite is still manufacturing travel goods today.

>Go to photos and oral histories of Globite cases

Rectangular leather satchel with straps, front flap and buckles

Leather satchel owned by Alex Thompson, circa 1940

School satchel, circa 1940

This leather satchel was used by a young student to carry books and other equipment to school. It is a small satchel measuring 25cm x 18cm and was probably used by an infants student.

The name 'Alex Thompson' is written inside the flap and 'May Thompson' is written above it, but crossed out.

The satchel has two leather straps at the back so it can be worn as a backpack. Some satchels had one long strap to wear over the shoulder or across the chest.

On the front are two metal buckles and two leather straps with buckle holes. The straps feed through the buckles to close the bag.

Why is May's name crossed out?
How is the satchel similar and different to your school backpack?

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