Bob Slate Stationers
A distinguished Cambridge establishment
Harvard Square's Beloved Stationery Institution
Who Runs It
Bob Slate Stationer has been a Harvard Square fixture since 1932, now run by the third generation of the founding family.
The Origin
When the original Bob Slate opened on Brattle Street, fountain pens were essential and handwritten correspondence was how serious people communicated. Nearly a century later, the shop endures because people still crave the tactile satisfaction of quality paper and writing instruments.
What Makes It Special
In an age of digital everything, Bob Slate defends the analog. They stock fountain pens that professors have used for forty years, notebooks favored by architects, and greeting cards actually worth sending. Staff know the difference between a Lamy and a Pilot, between bond and vellum.
Bob Slate connects generations—grandparents bring grandchildren to pick their first "real" pen, Harvard freshmen discover Moleskine alternatives, letter-writers find their paper.
What People Love
The expert staff who actually understand stationery, the curated selection, and the feeling of stepping into a slower, more thoughtful era.
What To Know
Small space, but don't mistake intimate for limited. They have drawers and catalogs with far more than visible.
Quality costs—a good pen is an investment. But they have gifts at all prices.
Rating Breakdown
What Customers Say
“The staff helped me pick a fountain pen that I'll use forever. They knew exactly what to recommend.”
“My favorite store in Harvard Square—always find the perfect card.”
Insider Tips
Weekday mornings for unhurried browsing. Avoid back-to-school weeks.
If you're new to fountain pens, say your budget and they'll guide you.
Harvard Red Line. Difficult street parking. Church Street garage nearby.
Known For
Transit Connections
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Reddit Mentions
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Contact & Visit
Every establishment has a story involving a Nobel laureate.
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