Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1883-06-21
THE BON MARCHE
An Establishment that Feeds, shelters
and Edueates Its Employees.

and Educates Its Employees.
Almost every one knows this won
derful dry goods store Of Paris, but |
think not many know that IL Is be
| ncyolent work as well AS a successful
business undertaking. Mr. BOucicaut,
the founder, began life as poor
boy, and when able 20 have little
store Of his own, his attention was di-
rccted TO the welfare Of his clerks. and
he gave them as soon as he was able. a
home in his own house. From this
small beginning the work has grown
wonderfully. Mr.. BOucicaut died q
Few years ago worth millions Of dollars
and to-day the "Bon Marchc" carried
on by his widow, employs 5000 people.
Two thousand Of these people live
in the building, and the 1000 take
their meals there. The first thing to
be noticed by party making a tour Of
inspection of this great concern is
large hall filled with desks, where
great many boys and young men are
studying bookkeeping. They review
all the books Of the store, and are paid
"A small amount for every mistake they
find. In the evening lessons are given
gratuitously to the employees IN
English. German, instrumental and
vocal music. and fencing Concerts
are given by the store in summer, in
the square by the side Of the building;
in winter. on the ground floor, which
can be cleared by the portcrs in twenty
minutes Of counters and goods, when
!. IS needed for that purpose or for
balls. There are four dining rooms,
one for the men clerks, one for the
girls, one for the wOrkwomcn. and one
for the portcrs, messengers, and drivers.
The menu for dinner Of one day con
sisted OF soup, one kind Of meat, one
kind Of vegetable and dessert. and
for each person a half bottle Of wine.
Coffee is extra. il costs two cents for o
small cup and three cents for the large
ones Three hundred people are EN-.
ploycd in the kitchen and as waters In
the dining rooms. The kettles are
immense. three feet high, and no man
could meet his arms around one II
them. OF course, when fun and hot.
they are beyond the ability Of man to
move, SO pulIcys are arranged which
lift the kettles from the fire and place
them where they are wanted. For the
clerks there is a room for amuscments
where there are billiard tables, chess
checkers. dominocs. etc, but no caro-
playing.
The lady clerks have aplcasant little
parlor. where there is a piano, and
where they can spend their evenings
when they choose. Each girl has
room entirely to herself which is plain
ly but very comfortably furnished
There are rules TO hc observed 10y all
but they are not hurdcusomc or opr
prcs,iyc: the doors are not closed Oh
week days until II, and or Sundays
until 1890 At night. hut the occupa.
tions and entertainments make Il more
cniicing to remain at home than 10 20
out Every one in the service Of the
Bon Marchc' receives a certain com
mission on everything sold or delivered
and after certain number Of years
service each acquires an interest in the
store that increases yearly. II * one
~ the most complete works Of bcneyo-
lcnco known. II would be almost inn
possible othink Of any details that are
not attended ta. There is a barber
shop in the building for the use Of the
employees. a physician is employed by
the store. and his services are free to
all; moreover there is an inhrmary in
another part Of the city where those
who are sick are cared for; a pair of
boots Is hlacked for every member Of
the establishment every day. When
asked If any board wa paid the answer
was mo" but l suppose at least some
difference is made in the salary
Fashion Courier.
Father Of Waters.