Did American schools really used to punish students for writing with their left hand?

by pooroldedgar

When I was in 2nd grade, we took a field trip to New England colonial schoolhouse. For the day we acted like students way back when. Anyone misbehaving had to run a lap around the school shaking milk into butter (or something). Also, a few us us were given pantomime slaps with the ruler for writing with our left hand. It's always stayed with me, but I have no idea how true it is.

Searocksandtrees

Hi everyone. Since this is the kind of question that can attract non-expert responses, just a friendly reminder that all responses must comply with sub rules, and that personal anecdotes are explicitly not permitted in /r/AskHistorians.