It's hard to believe it, I started school using the old fashioned straight pen and dipped it into an inkwell on the desk to write. Messy? Yes it was.
At least we didn't use chicken feathers!

I posted, with attribution, this image on a Fountain Pen page. David Issakson, who knows his stuff, pointed out the image is around 1930, not 1935. Paul A, those pens are easily fixed.

and future producers of period films: the man and woman in the foreground exemplify the perfect manner of holding a pen for comfortable handwriting. It also works great with pencils, roller-balls and any kind of stylus. Quills, as well. Try it -- you'll like it!

Appreciate modern inks.

These pens are indeed quite beautiful, and I've had several over the years. Still, I'm glad I learned to type (as are those who have to read my writing).

In the 50's 4th grade was the magical time when you were finally to use either a Sheaffer or Waterman fountain pen for your essays.

These circa 1935 pens are some of the more attractive ones made as advances in materials allowed for beautiful colors and patterns. There are any number of pen collectors/restorers who can bring your grandparents' pens to working order - ink is still available so you will be able to use them. Search on the web and you will find plenty of them to choose from.

I actually have all of these models from my grandparents. However, all of them have ink bladders of dust because of their age. Although the cases are quite beautiful.

ADD: Thanks everyone for the restoration input. I found a local restorer and I'm excited!

So once they get screens it will be OK to toss items out the windows??

"At present we haven't any screens so we are asking that you will please not throw anything out of the windows."