The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-12-16
A FACTORY RESTAURANT.
The Manner in Which One Firm Pro-
vides for Its Employees.

Social Service.
One of the many large companies turning
their attention to some provision for the
well-being of their employees is the Burn
ham & Munger Manufacturing Company,
of Kansas City, Mo-, manufacturer of
shirts, shirt waists, overalls, thick cloth
ing, ladies' wrappers, etc., and is another
illustration Of the wisdom of having men
of advanced ideas in charge of large num-
bers of employees. The members of this
firm are the possessors of liberal ideas, at
tracing a better class OF workmen and
women, who respond readily to syrnpa-
thetic treatment and are in perfect accord
with the officers in promoting the interests
of the company and conducting themselves
so well that the manager, Mr.. w. b.
Thomas, has not found it necessary to put
UP rules or give instructions in that regard
during the fifteen years he has been man.
ager of the factory. One of the greatest
forces In the world is the power of exam
pie, here shown with such happy results.
The latest and perhaps best known evil
dence of thoughtfuiness on the part of this
firm for the comfort of it's employees is the
lunchroom which was opened about six
months ago. The neighborhood near the
factory attracted undesirable people, in
consequence of which many of the girls
brought cold lunches from home. as they
objected TO going out for the poor rood
which was badly served at nearby reStau-
rants. Mr.. Burnham has long had in mind
the ESTABLISHMENTS OK al care III connection
with the factory, thinking a hot meal at
noon for the opertive would prove of mu-
tual benefit; so, after consulting with the
manager and members Of the social club, it
was decided to open the restaurant. Real
izing that clean, cheerful surroundings and
first-class table service would have a re-
fining influence upon the everyday life of
the employees. President Durham gave di-
rections that silver knives, forks and
spoons should be bought, and also the best
American china, instead OF the coarse
dishes usually to be seen in restaurants. to-
gether with twelve tables, each one seating
six persons. A lunch counter was equipped
for those who do not care for the regular
lunch. The following MENU, which is the
average bill of fare, shows the appetizing
lunches served for 10 and 10 cents:
No. Ito Cents.
Roast Beef. or Baked Meat Pie with
Baked Tomatoes. or Corn Beef and
Cabbage. or Kansas City Baked
Pork and Beans with
Brown Bread.
flashed Brown Potatoes. Corn Bread.
Picked Peaches with Cake.
Coffee. Suet Pudding. Homemade Pie.
No. 2-15 Cents.
Vegetable Soup.
Roast Beef, or Baked Meat. Pie with
Baked Tomatoes. or Corn Beef and
Cabbage, or Kansas City Baked
Pork and Beans with
Brown Bread.
Stewed Corn on the Cob. Corn Bread.
COffee and Dessert.
flashed Brown Potatoes.
Dessert.
Picked Peaches with Cake.
Suet Pudding. Homemade Pie.
Your Choice.
Coffee, Tea, Milk or Buttermilk,
Iced Tea or Coffee
Ten mattresses are required, the girls in
the factory taking turns in serving the
tables. receiving as compensation their
lunch, and as they are paid by the hour,
they lose no time from their work. Three
hundred lunches and hundreds Of sand
witches are disposed Of daily. Those who
wish may bring from home sandwiches.
and for 5 cents get a cup of coffee and
piece CT pie, or bring their own pie and
buy a cup Of coffee and sandwiches for a
nickel. The cafe is literally patronized
by President Burnham, the officers and
employees, and IS per cent. OF the orders are
for the 15-cent lunch.
Meals arc served from 1850 a. m. until
after 2 D. m. having different hours for
the several divisions. in this way avoiding
o~yercrowding and confusion.
IL Is the wish of the Burnham & Munger
Company TO make the restaurant self-sus-
tanning with the present prices; but il IL
should be proved that the meals can be
served cheaper, or that a more elaborate
meal can be served for the same price, IL
will be done.