The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-09-30
A MODEL FACTORY TOWN.
The Forum.

The Forum.
The pride of Pelzer, as of most other
worthy communities. is it's graded scbooIs
! maintained for ten months in the wear
ehlfely at the company's expense and
| Tree TO all residents. Two well eouinned
oIAulngs afford ample space for all the
youth OF the community. Every teacher Is
| CHOSEN with special reference to his or
ner capacity for this distinctive work.
Last year about 800 pupils were enrolled
| ana the examination papers showed an
| excellent average of scholarship, Night
classes are always open to such opera
| yves as must devote their DAYS to
earning livelihood, and yet are DESTROYS
OIL acquiring an education. Some children.
"hcse families need their help, work in
the mills at stated hours of the day, at
the expiration of which time certain por-
lions OF the machinery are shut down.
and the children having earned from rs
10 5o cents apiece for their half-day's
labor, HE away to the school, where spe-
cal provision is made for them, the
hours being short and the teaching large
~ lndividualized. Education may be said
10 be compulsory here, for the corpora
tlon demands of the heads of families
that their children shall be sent to school
at least up to certain point. Religious
privileges are also freely supplied to the
community, as there are five churches
and numerous religious organizations
Another gift of the corporation to its
employees is the "Lyceum, a really
handsome building, housing many bene-
factions. Here is a circulating library
comprising nearly 5000 volumes of ap-
proved standard literature, to which ad-
ditions are being made month by month
The books otoiT ~
dious compartment called "the ladies'
! reading room," but open to ALL It's tables
are literally supplied with newspapers
and other periodical literature. both pop
ular and scientific. The next apartment
is furnished with facilities for carrying
on social games, while still another is
set apart as the "gentlemens reading and
smoking ROOM All the privileges of
the lyceum are absolutely free to resi-
dents of the town, as the company as.
surnes every expense in connection with
1t. The building is open each evening
from $50 to 1880.
A regular course of free lectures on his
| tory, travel and popular science is also
| provided; there are occasional concerts,
and other entertainments of kindred ma
| ture are not uncommon. In all of these
| the citizens evince lively interest. ana
| N-AS NNAANiACo 1SSClNSO through SUCH cnan-
nels of teaching have been very marked
IN the last dozen years. Over all the
amusements of the people, indeed. the
| management exercises sympathetic su-
| perVlslon-neVer an irritating Interior
! ence, but a gentle leading toward that
which is elevating, to the exclusion Of
| low tastes. Special encoura cement is
| given to athletics and outdoor sports The
! company has uniformed several baseball
| teams, and continues to appropriate
| something each season toward their cur
| rent expenses. A fine bicycle race track
| is kept up. In short, the authorities are
constantly on the watch to make pro-
vision for the entertainment of the peo-
! pie, particularly on public holidays; and
outdoor festivals, including sports, are
| given the preference. The Smyth Wheel
! club, regular organized bicycle club of
the employees, gives frequent exhibitions
! OF rapid and fancy riding; contest for
| prizes offered by the mill company being
| an important feature of such occasions.
A military company, organized among the
! young men operatives, and known as the
| Smyth rifles, is a part of the state militia:
! While brass band numbering thirty-six
! members, equipped with fine instruments.
! ADDS greatly to the pleasure of this and
| nelghboring communities. Each of these
organizations has been fosterea and aid
| ed in all necessary ways by Mr.. Smyth
and his associates.